Director of Music

Position: Director of Music 

Date Revised: June 30, 2026

Reports to: Pastor

Location: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

2016 Willis Lane

Keller, TX 76248

www.fwdioc.org

The principal duty of all employees is to assist in the mission of the Church in the Diocese of Fort Worth. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

General Position Summary:

Responsible for the planning, training, scheduling, management, development, supervision, and overall effectiveness of the musical elements of the parish. Directs, coordinates, and/or performs music, which is liturgically appropriate for parish liturgies and other designated celebrations. Coordinates with clergy, staff, contract employees, ministries, and volunteers to ensure music is planned and performed in accordance with the Pastor’s vision and the liturgical requirements of the Catholic Church.

Principal Accountabilities:

General Administration

• Manages the proper storage and disposal of confidential information and personally identifiable information (PII) in accordance with policy and law.
• Prepares and administers the operating budget of the Music Department according to parish and diocesan policy.
  • Monitors all department expenditures and payroll timesheets.
  • Maintains and oversees the expenditures for materials and supplies.

• Coordinates with the Business Manager for next year budget submissions in accordance with promulgated deadlines.
• Coordinates with the Finance Manager for the submission of monthly budget reports.

• Demonstrates dynamic problem-solving skills through adaptable and flexible leadership. Clarifies the needs and directives of supervisors, supervises and manages logistics, and clearly communicates resulting needs and barriers to success in a timely, professional manner.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for all music ministries and parish musicians.
• Communicates and cooperates with other parish and diocesan organizations.
• Foster mutually responsive relationships with parish staff and the parish community at large.

• Works independently and within teams on special nonrecurring and ongoing projects as assigned.
• Learns from mistakes, demonstrates good judgement, and chooses effective leadership styles which foster comradery, respect, accountability, discipline, discipleship, healthy conflict management, and a can-do spirit in accordance with the Catholic faith. 
• Other duties as assigned.

General Management

• Responsible determining, communicating, and executing the needs and priorities of the Music Department – in coordination with the Pastor, Chief of Staff, and Director of Liturgy to all clergy, staff, contract employees, ministries, and volunteers.
• Monitors, coordinates, and maintains the proper tuning and care of all instruments and musical equipment; includes preventative, on-going, and emergency maintenance in accordance with budget guidelines.
• Manages and organizes volunteers in accordance with the Pastor’s vision, the serviceable needs of the parish, and budget guidelines.
• Serves as the primary liaison to the clergy and staff for music ministries. 
• Maintains professional and charitable relationships with vendors, visiting musicians, and the musical departments of other parishes and diocese.
• Maintains a professional relationship and ongoing communications with the Diocesan Department of Liturgy; participates in Diocesan liturgy meeting when invited, facilitates and supports Diocesan programs and activities in the parish as appropriate.
• Manages the proper and relevant flow of communication, regarding the Music Department, to the parish; coordinates with the clergy and staff for pulpit announcements, speakers, bulletin postings, social media postings, display tables, other forms of electronic communication, etc.
• Continues personal growth in faith and professional ability through meeting attendance, conventions, workshops, and the reading of current material concerning liturgy and music.
• Participates in staff meetings and other parish meetings, as necessary.

Musical Coordination

• Responsible for coordinating, planning, and implementing music for English Masses.
• Assists with the development of worship aids.
• Recruits and trains liturgical ministers as accompanists and choir participants.
• Participates in scheduled meetings with presiders to ensure effective communication and musical worship.
• Supervises, schedules, and guides all parish musicians.
• Schedules musicians and provides music for all English weekend Masses, major celebrations, and events directed by the Pastor; may include regular Masses, weddings, funerals, penance services, adoration services, etc.
• Directs choir, assembly, and musicians at liturgies.
• Oversees and coordinates the organization of the Choral library.
• Selects and maintains musical instruments.
• Works to foster a proper sense of praise, worship, and harmony among parishioners, musicians, liturgical ministers, and presiders. 
• Regularly coordinates with the Safe Environment Coordinator to ensure all Safe Environment requirements are current and satisfied.
• Weddings: 
  • Provides musical directives appropriate for Catholic weddings.
  • May, in some cases, help arrange for cantors and other musicians.
  • May, in some cases, assist couples with liturgy appropriate materials.
• Funerals:
  • Provides cantor and instrumental music (in English) in coordination with the Director of Liturgy.

Ministerial Leadership

• Facilitates an environment within the Music Department and its associated ministries where participants can properly encounter God’s grace and mercy.
• Fosters a sense of sacred ritual though music in worship and is a positive personal presence in the community.
• Articulates and guides others to properly articulate parish spirituality with appropriate expressions of Roman Catholic worship.
• Coordinates with clergy, staff, and external organizations to promote spiritual growth and awareness within the community.
• Plans and develops programs to build the spiritual and musical development of the ministers and assembly at large. 
• Adheres to parish and Diocesan guidelines.
• Seeks and facilitates retreats and other types of activities for staff and ministers aimed at spiritual growth and nourishment, in accordance with the Pastor’s vision and budget guidelines. 

RECORD RETENTION RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Manages the proper storage and disposal of confidential information and personally identifiable information (PII) in accordance with policy and law.
• Securely maintains a current work process binder for each major area of responsibility.

• Secure and orderly storage of vendor, contractor, and contract records.

Internal Contacts:

• Diocese Pastors, Priests, School Presidents, Principals, Business Managers, and employees.

External Contacts:

• Diocese vendors, local, state, and federal agency representatives, and auditors.

Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:

This position works in a typical office environment but is subject to stress due to the evolving and quickly expanding needs of the Diocese, tight deadlines and moderate workloads.

• Ability to sit and perform computer work for lengthy periods of time.
• Able to access and maintain centralized departmental files. Involves extending arms and reaching files stored in multiple levels on shelves, climbing up a stepladder to access files.
• Ability to accept work interruptions while still remaining focused on duties.
• Data entry via computer keyboard that requires repetitive and frequent hand and wrist movements.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance and up to 60 pounds with assistance.
• Nights, weekends, and holiday hours are required.

Travel Requirements:

• Infrequent travel, by car, may be required to Diocese, Parishes, and/or schools.
• Semi-frequent travel may be required to local destinations for music-related activities.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church.

• Master’s degree in music required
• Bachelor’s degree in theology or liturgy or equivalent in time and experience required.
• 5 years of personnel, volunteer, and music management experience required.

Knowledge and Skills Preferred:

• Excellent knowledge of Roman Catholic liturgy.
• Vocal/choral skills required.

• Ability to conduct standard choral music and knowledge of rehearsal techniques.
• Ability to use various computer and parish software programs; strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite, especially in Word and Excel.
• Ability to use various office machines (copier, fax, phones, calculator, scanner, etc.) or ability to learn.
• Ability to meet deadlines and follow directives from Pastor or Chief of Staff in a timely manner.
• Ability to receive, understand, retain, and complete verbal and written tasks.
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and work efficiently with staff, clergy, religious, and laity.
• Ability to honor and maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to work well with people from a diverse variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to listen empathetically, make peace, and de-escalate.
• Demonstrated history of good judgement.
• Demonstrated aptitude for adaptability and flexibility.

• Excellent organization, prioritization, and communication skills.

• Bilingual (Spanish/ English) is highly desirable but not required.

FLSA Designation: Exempt, Full Time 40 hours/week. On-Site.