Director of Sacred Music

Job Description

Job Description

Description :

The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, Colorado is seeking a Director of Sacred Music and Organist to contribute to our legacy of bringing Christ to the heart of Denver. The Cathedral Basilica’s magnificent organ is a 3 manual 48 rank Morel and Associates instrument designed in a French Classic style. With its large-scale flues and fiery reeds placed in a large and acoustically favorable space, it fills the sanctuary with both thrilling and subtle sounds. Additionally, the Cathedral Basilica has a second, portatif pipe organ of 4 ranks by the German organ builder, Schuke and Sons, located in the side altar.

The Director of Sacred Music will lead and oversee all liturgical musical aspects of worship at the Cathedral Basilica, fostering a vibrant and engaging liturgical experience, with reverence and fidelity to the sacred music traditions of the Catholic Church. He / she will lead the Cathedral Choir, a well-balanced, performance-practiced, and informed group of paid choral scholars that sings weekly for Sunday liturgies. This position requires a deep understanding of Catholic worship, exceptional musical talent, and strong leadership skills. The Director of Sacred Music will also be responsible for playing organ accompaniment at Masses and events as needed.

Set in the heart of downtown Denver, the Cathedral Basilica is a spiritual and architectural gem, renowned for its breathtaking French Gothic design, 75 luminous stained-glass windows by F.X. Zetter’s Royal Bavarian Institute of Munich, and soaring vaults. The acoustics of the Cathedral complement its visual beauty, making it an inspiring place for sacred music and worship. For more information about the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, as well as the esteemed music program, visit www.denvercathedral.org.

Responsibilities of the Director of Sacred Music include :

• Recruit and train volunteer singers for the Cathedral Choirs.
• Hire qualified professional staff singers for the Cathedral Choirs.
• Work in conjunction with the Director of Liturgy and Rector on seasonal planning of music for the liturgies.
• Prepare and organize the Cathedral Staff singers who also cantor Masses.
• Coordinate the music for liturgies such as weddings and funerals, and other parish celebrations.
• Produce publications as needed
• Oversee the payroll of all staff musicians, (I.e. organists and singers)
• Interface with third party vendors for special requests / events
• Oversee the library of music in the Cathedral's possession and continue to enlarge and purchase legally purchased music for the ministry.
• Produce the "Concerts in the Cathedral Basilica" series, including engaging musicians and ensembles and overseeing day of logistics
• Oversee the maintenance of the Cathedral's Pipe organs and choir room piano.
• Maintain a prominent role as Director of Sacred Music and organist, in church related professional organizations (such as Rocky Mountain Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and Conference of Roman Catholic Cathedral Musicians)
• As Cathedral musician, serve as an available resource for parish churches to access high standard mentorship.
• Work with visiting schools and choirs wishing to sing at weekday masses when appropriate.
• Prepare organ music through sufficient practice for the liturgies.
• Be available to the Archdiocese when requested and when possible, to provide music for Archdiocese of Denver liturgies.
• Ensure that the quality of the music presented in the Cathedral is done to the highest standards.

Requirements :

Physical Requirements

Salary and Application Information

The base salary range for this position is $90,000-$95,000. This range is estimated for this role. Actual pay may be different. This role will remain open through September 1, 2025, with a January 2026 anticipated start date.

Benefits