Job Openings

Director of Music

About St. Thomas More Newman Center Parish: The St. Thomas More Newman Center was founded in December 1963. We are a university parish of more than 650 families and over 1,000 students. We serve the Columbia community as well as the collegiate campuses of the University of Missouri-Columbia, Stephen’s College, and Columbia College. The Newman Center is a campus ministry parish comprised of those affiliated with the academic community and Columbia area residents. We challenge and console each other within a welcoming environment of dynamic worship, fellowship, hospitality and witnessing to Gospel values. We seek to know God’s will through Eucharist, prayer, scripture and teaching. Through the Holy Spirit, we are refreshed and become empowered to minister and serve.

Employment Classification: Full time, exempt. Evening, weekend, and holiday hours required.
Accountable to:  Pastor
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Start Date: Open until filled

Essential Functions:

  • Music direction and recruitment at 11:00 AM Sunday Mass (Parish Choir), 5pm Sunday, and 8:00 PM Sunday Mass (Student Mass with University Schola) - leadership of other Masses may be required.
  • Substitute direct/play (piano)/cantor as needed at other weekend Mass times (Saturday 5pm, Sunday 830am)
  • Vacation coverage in office as needed
  • Lead weekly worship meetings with clergy and interns (Wednesday morning)
  • Attend director meetings (Wednesday morning)
  • Special liturgies (Confirmation, penance services, RCIA rites, Mass on the Quad, Baccalaureate Mass, Triduum, Holy Days, Alumni Choir)
    • Assist with weddings and funerals as needed
  • Planning and implementation of a Liturgical Ministers Retreat
  • Coordinate children's choir for Christmas
  • Oversight/coordination of Mass binders (Priest and Ambo)
  • Upkeep of music library
  • Maintain the annual budget for Worship
  • Retreat music support for Campus Ministry retreats
  • Seasonal planning and direction
    • Coordination of seasonal planning 
  • Supervision of college music intern and liturgy intern
  • Scheduling of paid accompanists, volunteer cantors, choir
  • Use of Ministry Scheduler Pro to schedule and communicate with all liturgical ministers
  • Keeping up on ordering liturgical and musical supplies/tidying the sacristy
  • Training of all liturgical ministries
  • Soundboard training/oversight
  • Working with Pastor regarding parish mission
  • Planning and execution of music and liturgy for feast days and solemnities that may happen during the week

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to develop and execute short-term and long-term plans, direct and inspire others, and deal with change
  • A knowledge of liturgical practices, especially of the Catholic Church, and an understanding of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, and other relevant documents and sacramental rites
  • Experience in choral conducting
  • Knowledge of and experience in performing a broad and diverse range of sacred music choral repertoire including chant, hymnody, and contemporary/praise and worship pieces. Appreciation of the breadth of repertoire and various styles that can be used in sacred worship. 
  • The ability to collaborate and work well with others, prioritize tasks, and manage time efficiently 
  • Strong interpersonal communications skills with the ability to observe, question, listen, give and accept feedback
  • Functional keyboard skills, appropriate for a choral conductor. Ability to accompany an ensemble on piano and organ preferred.
  • Functional understanding of and ability to direct ensembles with varying instrumentation (guitar, strings, wind, brass, percussion, organ, etc)
  • Strong vocal ability in choral and solo singing as well as strong part singing skills.
  • Excellent written/oral communication skills
  • Ability to work in a multigenerational setting
  • Experience with various music technology or the ability to quickly learn: Sibelius, soundboard technology

Qualifications:

  • Active Catholic
  • Bachelor’s degree (in music preferred) or equivalent relevant education and experience 
  • Experience working in a church and/or directing a choir 

Application:

Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume with three references and video recording of music leadership (during liturgy preferred but home recording is acceptable) to Fr. Dan Merz at [email protected]