Music Director

Set as a beacon on a hill overlooking Maplewood and the east side of St. Paul, the Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been a vibrant center of Catholic faith and worship since 1946. Our parish is a welcoming, prayerful community deeply committed to beautiful, reverent liturgy as the heart of parish life. In 2024, Presentation was enriched by becoming home to the Archdiocese’s Hmong Catholic community, bringing new cultural and musical expressions that add depth and vitality to our worship. We joyfully celebrate God’s many gifts and seek a Music Director who feels called to help proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through sacred music that inspires, unites, and lifts the hearts of God’s people.

This is a part‑time exempt position of up to 24 hours per week. Salary range is $38,000 to $44,000 depending on experience.

Job Purpose

The Music Director prayerfully plans, prepares, and leads sacred music for parish liturgies in accordance with Roman Catholic norms, fostering the full, conscious, and active participation of the congregation. This role involves rehearsing and scheduling music for Masses and special liturgies, as well as forming and inspiring music ministers through musical excellence, liturgical understanding, and a shared spirit of prayer and service.

Key Responsibilities

Music and Liturgy Planning

• Serve as the primary accompanist and director for all weekend Masses (Sat 5:00 pm (English), Sun 9:00 am (English), Sun 11:45 am (bi-lingual English and Hmong), Holy Days, and major liturgical celebrations.
• Prayerfully select music that reflects the liturgical season, Scriptures, and theme of each celebration, creating a cohesive spiritual flow across the liturgy.
• Collaborate with the Pastor and Liturgy Committee to plan and implement liturgies.
• Prepare worship aids and seasonal or special‑liturgical music booklets as needed.

Choir and Musician Formation

• Direct and develop choirs: English, Hmong (Hmong language experience not needed), and handbell.
• Recruit, schedule, train, and provide ongoing musical and liturgical formation for cantors, substitute accompanists, and instrumentalists.
• Conduct weekly rehearsals for choirs to improve musical ability and active engagement in the liturgy.

Administration and Stewardship

• Maintain the parish music library, ensuring copyright compliance, and ordering supplies as needed.
• Oversee the maintenance of all parish instruments and music equipment.
• Collaborate fully with parish staff by participating in bi-weekly meetings and supporting parish goals.
• Remain actively engaged with the diocesan church music community through professional organizations, networking, and continuing education.
• Maintain musical and professional competence through regular practice and ongoing formation in church music.
• Uphold Roman Catholic doctrine and liturgical norms in all aspects of music ministry.

General Responsibilities

• Employment in and by the Church is substantially different from secular employment. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner which 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 Archdiocese, such that it can embarrass the Church or give rise to scandal.  It is required that this employee be an active, participating Roman Catholic.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Music, Sacred Music, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience as a church music director or accompanist, preferably in a Catholic parish setting.
• Strong knowledge of Catholic liturgy and liturgical music practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, staff, and volunteers.
• Successful completion of required background check and Archdiocesan safe‑environment training.

Skill Sets

• Proficiency in organ and piano accompaniment.
• Choral conducting and rehearsal leadership skills.
• Ability to recruit, train, and motivate volunteer musicians.
• Strong organizational, communication, and planning skills.
• Basic computer skills, including music notation and document preparation.
• Maintain confidentiality and a professional, courteous manner in all interactions and communications.
• Communicate effectively and work collaboratively and respectfully with staff and others.
• Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines efficiently.
• Follow directions, take initiative, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Apply strong interpersonal skills and seek opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout the church and rehearsal spaces.
• Ability to lift and move music materials and small equipment as necessary.
• Ability to use hands for keyboard performance and conducting.
• Ability to hear, assess, and adjust musical balance and sound quality.

Please send cover letter and resume to Ginger Graham at ba@presentationofmary.org. For questions about the position, please call 651-842-6017.