Associate Music Director for St. James Cathedral

Description

Celebrating the liturgy involves the whole person: intellect and will, emotions and senses, imagination, aesthetic sensibilities, memory, physical gestures, and powers of expression. The Church’s insistence on music of a unique sort is intended not merely to stimulate feelings in a general way, but to exemplify Christian truth and convey transcendent mysteries using an appropriate form of expression. As Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has written, sacred music “elevates the spirit precisely by wedding it to the senses, and it elevates the senses by uniting them with the spirit” (Cardinal Ratzinger, The Spirit of the Liturgy, 150). 

The Associate Music Director for St. James Cathedral is called to assist leaders of ministry to bring forth the sacred in liturgy by encouraging active participation of the people through its music. 

The Diocese of Orlando four core values lay the foundation for the work performed by employees.

1. Authenticity: Conviction that God has called us to reflect exteriorly our inner life of faith in our daily living.

2. Respect: Affirming each person’s God-given dignity and uniqueness.

3. Courage: Inspired by this gift of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim and live the Word of God fearlessly and devotedly.

4. Commitment: Individually and collectively, we are steadfast to the team and its purpose.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

The following duties and functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this classification. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific statements of the duties or functions does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Acts as an Assistant Director of the Cathedral Choir: Assists the Music Director in maintaining the regular pattern of rehearsals of the Cathedral Choir and cantors, to ensure high standards of musical performance.
• Oversees the Youth and Children’s Choirs. Recruits students from the Cathedral School and Faith Formation Classes. Directs rehearsals and selects music in consultation with Music Director. Coordinates scheduling choir for Sunday Masses in consultation with Music Director. Works with Music Director to combine choirs (student, adult, and coro hispano) when appropriate.

Organ 

• Acts as Principal Organist playing for parish and diocesan events celebrated at the Cathedral as required.

Administrative 

• Manages volunteers with a focus on Christ, bringing forth the Cathedral and Diocesan core values to encourage individual and team growth.
• Works cooperatively with various personalities within the Catholic Church, facilitates good communication and is responsive to requests of others within a large, complex and diverse working environment.
• Directs and oversees all projects to ensure that activities meet standards and goals within approved budgets. 
• Works well within a multi-cultural environment, celebrating diversity while honoring the beauty of liturgical music. 
• Attends and participates in regularly scheduled staff meetings for the Cathedral.
• Assists the Music Director in the running of the music office of the Cathedral. 
• Assists and prepares the weekly choir booklet from September -June, as well as the Children’s choir booklets too. Assists the Director of Music with preparing and distributing the Cathedral Worship Booklets. 

      -Prepares monthly schedule for cantors and section leaders.       

      -Assists in the selection of music for cathedral liturgies and in programming music for concert series

       as requested.       

      -Maintains streamlined filing system and reduce carbon footprint of paper whenever possible. 

• Provides assistance in planning formation opportunities for various parish musicians, eg. choirs, cantors, etc. 

General 

• Makes an active contribution to ensure the music office operates in an efficient and professional manner at all times.
• Supports the Music Director in all music office related tasks at the Cathedral.

Communication 

• Provides updates for website as appropriate regarding music for liturgies, seasons of the year, policies. 

Parish Sacramental Needs 

• Shares responsibilities for music and Cathedral weddings and funerals with Music Director. 
• Oversees and provides musical leadership for parish sacramental preparation prayer services. 

Self-Development 

• Practices to improve or maintain skills in voice, conducting, and the instruments upon which performance is expected (organ).
• Keeps current with official statements and documents on music, liturgy and developments in the pastoral field.  

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CATHOLIC FAITH

Practice of the Catholic faith is required. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the policies of the diocese. They are to be well formed for pastoral ministry in the Roman Catholic Church and they should be willing to work with a ministerial team. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Master’s Degree in Music or its equivalent. Musical leadership requires skills in the following areas: keyboard, voice and conducting, music notation software. Skills and experience may be required in other areas such as instrumental ensembles, composition, orchestration, handbells, children’s choirs, and familiarity with musical styles of various cultures within the community. A thorough understanding of Roman Catholic liturgical theology and praxis. A knowledge of the history and repertoire of sacred music. 

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES

• A high level of organizational and interpersonal skill is required. Attention to detail and working well with others is also required. 
• Ability to read and analyze routine correspondence and compose appropriate responses. Ability to respond effectively to common inquiries from internal and external sources. Ability to effectively present reports and information to constituents. 
• Ability to apply appropriate mathematical concepts and operations in establishing and maintaining budgets.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

The working hours of this position are not limited to an 8-hour day. This person will need to be available in the evening and weekends, as needed. Performs extensive computer work. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The ability to sit and stand for long periods of time. Must be able to reach, grasp, feel, and see up close and from afar. Must be able to use basic office computer hardware and peripherals, with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be able to communicate verbally and in written form. Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (15 pounds). 

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and ability.