Associate University Minister, Liturgical Music

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Apply now Posting #: 4910
Position Status: Full-time regular
Location: San Diego
Position Type: Administrator, Mission and Ministry

Position Title & Department:

Position Title & Department:

Posting #

4910

Department Description:

University Ministry is committed to promoting the integration of personal and informed faith, the principles and practice of Catholic Social Thought, and the knowledge and experience of Christian living for the entire USD community. UM is dedicated to embodying the rich tradition of Catholic higher education by forming the USD community to be a response to God's Spirit; cultivating an inclusive campus community where all are encouraged to integrate faith and reason; accompanying students as they discern their vocation and are inspired to seek the fullest human potential for themselves and others in our globalized society.

University Description:

The University of San Diego, a contemporary and engaged Contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity's urgent challenges .

Detailed Description:

In collaboration with the University Ministry Team, the Associate University Minister is responsible for coordinating all aspects of liturgical music and directing the Founders Chapel Choir. Grounded in the practice of pastoral care, faith formation, music ministry formation and community building, the position plays a key role in promoting a sense of liturgy as the work of the people who seek to live the Gospel. The Associate University Minister is responsible for maintaining strong student involvement in Founders Chapel Choir. In addition, the incumbent is responsible for arranging culturally contextualized music for all Masses and, in collaboration with colleagues across campus, other experiences of prayer for significant university celebrations. The minister in the role must have a passion to form young-adults to be leaders in the church. The incumbent is responsible for collaborating with colleagues across campus to implement culturally contextualized faith formation programs, foster the spiritual enrichment of university community members, and provide pastoral care to specific student cohorts, including Hispanic, Black, Indigenous and other students of color and/or others who hold marinized identities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Oversee all liturgical musical needs for University Ministry liturgies and events:

• Direct the Founder's Chapel Choir.
• Select and arrange appropriate music for liturgical celebrations, including hymns, psalms, chants, and other musical elements, for the 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm Founders Chapel Masses and UM sponsored paraliturgies.
• Ensure appropriate, high quality, culturally contextualized music is available in Founders Chapel for Masses on feast days, special events and on other significant occasions.
• Rehearse and direct the choir to achieve a high standard of musical performance.
• Recruit, train and nurture choir members, providing guidance and support to help them grow as musicians and as members of the faith community.
• Lead and coordinate instrumentalists, cantors, and other musicians to create a cohesive and dynamic worship experience.
• Collaborate with the Associate Minister for Liturgy and other stakeholders to ensure that the music enhances and supports the theme and message of each liturgical season and celebration.
• Maintain a liturgical music library, including purchasing new music and resources as needed, and ensuring proper licensing and permissions for copyrighted material.
• Serve as a liaison between the music ministry and the UM Staff and community, fostering communication and collaboration.
• Provide music and guidance for paraliurgical events in University Ministry.
• Develop student music groups to assist with Mass for Peace and other student-led liturgical services.

Oversee musical direction for University-wide liturgies, including planning, recruitment and day-of execution:

• Participate in liturgy meetings that incorporate the needs of liturgical music in planning of university-wide liturgies aimed at the creation of spaces for intentional prayer for the university community.
• Organize detailed planning and day-of oversight of choir for rehearsals and university-wide liturgy events such as the Mass of Welcome, Mass of the Holy Spirit, the All Faith Service and the Baccalaureate Mass.
• Hire and arrange professional musicians as needed.
• Work with community partners for special Masses that gather alumni, parents, and families to be part of the Choir for for special Masses in Founders Chapel.
• Serve on committees and planning groups for University Ministry events such as Coffee House and prayer services for Advent and Lent.
• Provide liturgical music for feast days, Board of Trustees Mass, and other liturgies within Founders Chapel.
• Serve on committees and planning groups for university wide liturgies and other events.

Serve on University Ministry committees and task forces; collaborate with UM staff on other programs; serve on university committees and other duties as assigned:

• Attend weekly University Ministry team meetings.
• Be available to assist and provide consultation to University Ministry colleagues.
• As possible and appropriate, provide support to colleagues throughout the division of Mission Integration.
• Offer pastoral counseling and spiritual companionship to students.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• This is an 11-month position.
• Availability to work Sunday through Thursday, including nights and weekends.

Effective June 1, 2023, based on CDC guidance, the University strongly encourages all campus members to stay up to date with Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination recommendations. For more regarding information USD's COVID-19 protocols, please visit

Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in music, music education, liturgical music, theology, or other related field.
• Three (3) years of Campus Ministry experience at a Catholic college or university, Newman Center or related setting, or five (5) years of ministry experience in a high school, diocese, or other related areas. A Master's degree may substitute for one year of required work experience, at the rate of two years of education is equivalent one year of work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MA in Pastoral Music, Sacred Music, Choir Conducting, or related degree and/or experience.
• At least two (2) years of professional experience as a liturgical musician within a University or Parish setting.
• Demonstrate proficiency in piano playing, including sight-reading, technique, and interpretative skills.
• Proficiency in speaking Spanish.
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive University vehicles.

Performance Expectations - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Practicing Catholic demonstrated familiarity with ministry in a university, ecumenical and interfaith context.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with clergy, staff members, and student volunteers.
• Has a commitment to the spiritual and pastoral aspects of music ministry, with a desire to create meaningful worship experiences that engage and inspire.
• Rigorous theological education and ability to communicate theological, catechetical, and spiritual concepts to undergraduate and graduate students.
• A robust understanding of the Catholic Liturgy and its implication in the spiritual and social lives of young adults.
• Contributes creative and grounded approaches to liturgy and other forms of prayers.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and creatively as a member of a team
• Sufficient initiative and confidence to work individually.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, coordinate, mentor, and support teams of student leaders.
• Extensive knowledge of Catholic faith and practice.
• Thorough knowledge of student development issues.
• Ability to support and guide students in issues related to the integration of their faith.

Tools and Equipment Used:

• Personal Computer, Fax machine, Telephone, Copier, Printer.
• University-owned vehicles.

$5, $7,083.33 per month; Excellent Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer. USD: Human Resources: Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Special Application Instructions:

Resume and Cover Letter Required

Click the 'Apply Now' button to complete our online application. In addition, please upload a cover letterand resume to your application profile for the hiring managers' review. If you have any questions or difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at

Note: External job postings will be up for at least five days. After that time, applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager/committee throughout the posting period. A candidate may be selected at any time which could then close this posting on a date earlier than listed.

The University of San Diego is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the campus community.

The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit

Advertised: April 16, 2024 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled

Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at . This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response stands and protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. To request a paper copy, please contact the Clery Act Compliance Manager via email at , by calling , or in-person in the Hughes Administration Center, room 150.