Villanova University
Assistant Director for Liturgical Music
Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States
Assistant Director for Liturgical Music
To view the position details and/or apply to a position, click on the
View Details
link below the Job Title. If you have questions about the application process, please refer to the
Applicant FAQ's .
Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job Please see Special Instructions for more details. In addition to your resume and cover letter, please submit a written Statement of Contribution to Mission. You may find more information on our website about the University’s Mission and Enduring Commitments.
Posting Details Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ’s.
Posting Number: 20254526S
Position Title: Assistant Director for Liturgical Music
Position Type: Staff
Location: Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule: full-time/12-months
Avg Hours Week: NA
Department: 005-Office of Mission and Ministry
Position Summary As a member of the Center for Liturgy and Sacred Music in the Office for Mission & Ministry, the Assistant Director for Liturgical Music cultivates high-quality sacred music experiences for students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the wider community of Villanova families and supporters. This is achieved primarily through the ongoing formation of student musicians and by providing key administrative support for offerings of sacred music at Villanova University events.
By utilizing skills as an accompanist, conductor and teacher, the Assistant Director provides comprehensive formation and excellent musical preparation for the Villanova Pastoral Musicians, the University’s liturgical music ensemble of about 60 undergraduate and graduate (non-music major) vocalists and instrumentalists. In this capacity, the Assistant Director will serve as the primary director of the instrumentalists, and work toward the ensemble’s flourishing as a distinct entity within the wider Pastoral Music program.
The Assistant Director is responsible for supporting the musical experience at all University liturgies (including Sundays and Holy Days, university-wide and special liturgies, etc.) and contributes musically—as a singer, instrumentalist, conductor or accompanist—as needed, and may assist with various non-Eucharistic liturgies and prayer services held throughout the year. As Villanova’s physical footprint expands to include the former Cabrini University and Rosemont College’s grounds, additional needs for service playing and further program development will be discerned.
The Assistant Director actively promotes the Augustinian Catholic mission of the University by fostering an inclusive and welcoming community, advancing diversity of experience and embodying care for our common home in daily practices and in programming. The ideal candidate will utilize their unique skills to provide transformational experiences that nurture the personal, spiritual and musical growth development of each student.
The position requires a flexible work schedule which includes working frequent evenings and weekends.
Ignite Your Career at Villanova University!
Whether undergraduate or graduate, faculty or staff, each community member brings with them a wealth of experiences that enrich our university and shift our perspectives. As a part of this community, your work will improve lives and ignite change!
Why work at Villanova?
Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities 45% of Time: Musical Performance and Formation
Serve as Assistant Director of the Pastoral Musicians
As a conductor and accompanist:
Provide liturgical music for Sundays, holy days, special or University-wide liturgies and services, as assigned by Associate Director.
Serve an assisting role in leading choral and instrumental rehearsals, with duties assigned by Associate director.
As a teacher of music:
Utilize repertoire to identify and strengthen basic musical competencies (rhythm, pitch, tone, timbre, interpretation), helping students approach independent musicianship.
Provide training and formation for student instrumentalists in skills related to their individual instruments and skills associate with liturgical music, such as improvising and accompanying varied groups (soloists, congregations, etc.).
Source and create musical and coaching resources to increase the quality of experience for student instrumentalists.
Create the necessary conditions for student participation in a mixed vocal and instrumental ensemble, (i.e. create a trombone part where one does not exist; provide for additional cantor rehearsals, etc.).
As a member of the Liturgy and Sacred Music Team:
Share in the work of recruiting student musicians.
Assist in choosing appropriate repertoire for concerts or special performances, including those requested by the Office for Mission and Ministry or as part of University conferences/events, with particular attention to instrumental ensemble engagement and success.
Provide support for guest (paid) professional musicians by providing sheet music and appropriate direction. Provide for emergency substitutions, as necessary.
Serve as a resource to the Spanish Mass and Peer Ministry communities by assisting musical leadership at Spanish Mass and Praise and Worship, including the formation/training of student musicians in these areas.
35% of Time: Administration
Provide for organization and administrative needs for the Pastoral Musicians
Organize and maintain choral and instrumental music library.
Manage the organization of physical and electronic music resources, ensuring compliance with copyright law by ethical practices and holding responsibility for copyright agreements with non-University entities, such as One License.
Maintain proper storage and care for student instruments. Serve as a resource for instrument repair.
Hold responsibility for planning on/off-campus programming logistics, including Caritas (pre-Orientation week) and Commencement Week activities, social gatherings and performance pilgrimages. Collect and submit materials such as waivers, student payments, contracts, etc.
Supervise student workers. Mentor and supervise members of the Pastoral Musicians student leadership board, fostering professional and pastoral skills and promoting their understanding of the program’s mission.
As a member of the Center for Liturgy and Sacred Music
Identify and invite visiting professional musicians and coaches. Collect and submit invoices for payment for outside/assisting professionals as necessary.
Maintain responsibility for printed worship aids/programs for large and special liturgies, concerts, etc., as an act of hospitality for our community and guests.
Ensure maintenance of Pastoral Music website.
10% of Time: Ongoing Formation and Program Development
Through regular collaboration with the Associate Director
Assist in developing a liturgical music curriculum worthy of an intellectually engaged and diverse community of student musicians with a particular attention to the Augustinian charism.
Seek opportunities to collaborate with off-campus partners at the local, archdiocesan, national and international levels.
Support the planning, organization and execution of off-campus performance opportunities and pilgrimages, broadening the reach of student ministry and community with Augustinian and other communities, domestic and abroad.
Work to provide necessary accommodations to ensure student success and compliance with norms and best practices for persons with disabilities or unique strengths.
10% of Time: Participation in the work of Mission & Ministry
Participate in relevant trainings offered by the University.
Meet requests to advance the work of the Office on campus.
Participate in Liturgy and Sacred Music Meetings, Mission & Ministry Staff Meetings, standing committees and ad hoc committees, and support communications efforts as applies to liturgical music.
Perform other duties and assist with projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Formal Education
Bachelor’s Degree
Work Experience
N/A
Work Skills
Excellent communication and skills and ability to provide pastoral care.
Specific Job Knowledge
Pianist
Conductor, able to work with vocalists and instrumentalists
Teacher of musical competencies
Equipment Knowledge
Proficiency in music notation software.
Preferred Qualifications Formal Education
Bachelor’s degree in Music, Education, Theology or related field.
Work Experience
2-3 years professional experience in music, education or liturgy preferred.
Experience working with young adults in a formation or mentorship setting.
Work Skills
Strong conducting skills, experience directing choir, instrumentalists or mixed ensembles.
Proficiency as an organist.
Strong time and project management skills.
Personal commitment to inclusion within student groups and ministerial opportunities.
Specific Job Knowledge
Ability to coach a variety of instrumentalists in rehearsal.
Proficiency in sight reading, especially of choral and instrumental scores.
Strong knowledge of Catholic liturgical music in a variety of styles.
Familiarity with Catholic liturgical documents principles as pertains to musical offerings.
Equipment Knowledge
Experience using OneLicense.
Using professional sound systems.
Other
Experience with retreats or group trips involving performance and formation.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours Tools, machinery and equipment used
Musical instruments including organ, piano and electronic piano keyboard.
Environmental conditions
Occasional performance in hot and humid outdoor conditions, i.e. at Orientation and Baccalaureate masses.
The position requires a flexible work schedule which includes working frequent evenings and weekends.
Special Message to Applicants: In addition to your resume and cover letter, please submit a written Statement of Contribution to Mission. You may find more information on our website about the University’s Mission and Enduring Commitments.
Posting Date: 11/03/2025 Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information: This position falls within salaried grade 13 and the range for this position is $51,000-63,800. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate’s qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity. Salary Band: 13 Job Classification: exempt
References Needed Minimum Number of References Needed: 2 Maximum Number of References Needed: 3
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
How did you first hear of this employment opportunity?
Indeed.com
Higheredjobs.com
LinkedIn
Glassdoor
Chronicle Vitae
Academic Keys
PA CareerLink/JobGateway
Professional Affiliation/Trade Website
Diversity Association/Publication Website
Advertisement in Academic or Professional Publication
Referred by a current employee
Referred by a friend, family member, or former employee
Heard about it at a conference or career fair
Browsing the Villanova website
Cabrini University employee
Other
If your answer to the above question is "Other", please specify the source below. If this question does not apply to you, enter N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
Documents needed to complete your application: Required Documents
Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
Resume / Curriculum Vitae
Statement of Contribution to Mission
Optional Documents
Other Document
#J-18808-Ljbffr
View Details
link below the Job Title. If you have questions about the application process, please refer to the
Applicant FAQ's .
Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job Please see Special Instructions for more details. In addition to your resume and cover letter, please submit a written Statement of Contribution to Mission. You may find more information on our website about the University’s Mission and Enduring Commitments.
Posting Details Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ’s.
Posting Number: 20254526S
Position Title: Assistant Director for Liturgical Music
Position Type: Staff
Location: Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule: full-time/12-months
Avg Hours Week: NA
Department: 005-Office of Mission and Ministry
Position Summary As a member of the Center for Liturgy and Sacred Music in the Office for Mission & Ministry, the Assistant Director for Liturgical Music cultivates high-quality sacred music experiences for students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the wider community of Villanova families and supporters. This is achieved primarily through the ongoing formation of student musicians and by providing key administrative support for offerings of sacred music at Villanova University events.
By utilizing skills as an accompanist, conductor and teacher, the Assistant Director provides comprehensive formation and excellent musical preparation for the Villanova Pastoral Musicians, the University’s liturgical music ensemble of about 60 undergraduate and graduate (non-music major) vocalists and instrumentalists. In this capacity, the Assistant Director will serve as the primary director of the instrumentalists, and work toward the ensemble’s flourishing as a distinct entity within the wider Pastoral Music program.
The Assistant Director is responsible for supporting the musical experience at all University liturgies (including Sundays and Holy Days, university-wide and special liturgies, etc.) and contributes musically—as a singer, instrumentalist, conductor or accompanist—as needed, and may assist with various non-Eucharistic liturgies and prayer services held throughout the year. As Villanova’s physical footprint expands to include the former Cabrini University and Rosemont College’s grounds, additional needs for service playing and further program development will be discerned.
The Assistant Director actively promotes the Augustinian Catholic mission of the University by fostering an inclusive and welcoming community, advancing diversity of experience and embodying care for our common home in daily practices and in programming. The ideal candidate will utilize their unique skills to provide transformational experiences that nurture the personal, spiritual and musical growth development of each student.
The position requires a flexible work schedule which includes working frequent evenings and weekends.
Ignite Your Career at Villanova University!
Whether undergraduate or graduate, faculty or staff, each community member brings with them a wealth of experiences that enrich our university and shift our perspectives. As a part of this community, your work will improve lives and ignite change!
Why work at Villanova?
Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities 45% of Time: Musical Performance and Formation
Serve as Assistant Director of the Pastoral Musicians
As a conductor and accompanist:
Provide liturgical music for Sundays, holy days, special or University-wide liturgies and services, as assigned by Associate Director.
Serve an assisting role in leading choral and instrumental rehearsals, with duties assigned by Associate director.
As a teacher of music:
Utilize repertoire to identify and strengthen basic musical competencies (rhythm, pitch, tone, timbre, interpretation), helping students approach independent musicianship.
Provide training and formation for student instrumentalists in skills related to their individual instruments and skills associate with liturgical music, such as improvising and accompanying varied groups (soloists, congregations, etc.).
Source and create musical and coaching resources to increase the quality of experience for student instrumentalists.
Create the necessary conditions for student participation in a mixed vocal and instrumental ensemble, (i.e. create a trombone part where one does not exist; provide for additional cantor rehearsals, etc.).
As a member of the Liturgy and Sacred Music Team:
Share in the work of recruiting student musicians.
Assist in choosing appropriate repertoire for concerts or special performances, including those requested by the Office for Mission and Ministry or as part of University conferences/events, with particular attention to instrumental ensemble engagement and success.
Provide support for guest (paid) professional musicians by providing sheet music and appropriate direction. Provide for emergency substitutions, as necessary.
Serve as a resource to the Spanish Mass and Peer Ministry communities by assisting musical leadership at Spanish Mass and Praise and Worship, including the formation/training of student musicians in these areas.
35% of Time: Administration
Provide for organization and administrative needs for the Pastoral Musicians
Organize and maintain choral and instrumental music library.
Manage the organization of physical and electronic music resources, ensuring compliance with copyright law by ethical practices and holding responsibility for copyright agreements with non-University entities, such as One License.
Maintain proper storage and care for student instruments. Serve as a resource for instrument repair.
Hold responsibility for planning on/off-campus programming logistics, including Caritas (pre-Orientation week) and Commencement Week activities, social gatherings and performance pilgrimages. Collect and submit materials such as waivers, student payments, contracts, etc.
Supervise student workers. Mentor and supervise members of the Pastoral Musicians student leadership board, fostering professional and pastoral skills and promoting their understanding of the program’s mission.
As a member of the Center for Liturgy and Sacred Music
Identify and invite visiting professional musicians and coaches. Collect and submit invoices for payment for outside/assisting professionals as necessary.
Maintain responsibility for printed worship aids/programs for large and special liturgies, concerts, etc., as an act of hospitality for our community and guests.
Ensure maintenance of Pastoral Music website.
10% of Time: Ongoing Formation and Program Development
Through regular collaboration with the Associate Director
Assist in developing a liturgical music curriculum worthy of an intellectually engaged and diverse community of student musicians with a particular attention to the Augustinian charism.
Seek opportunities to collaborate with off-campus partners at the local, archdiocesan, national and international levels.
Support the planning, organization and execution of off-campus performance opportunities and pilgrimages, broadening the reach of student ministry and community with Augustinian and other communities, domestic and abroad.
Work to provide necessary accommodations to ensure student success and compliance with norms and best practices for persons with disabilities or unique strengths.
10% of Time: Participation in the work of Mission & Ministry
Participate in relevant trainings offered by the University.
Meet requests to advance the work of the Office on campus.
Participate in Liturgy and Sacred Music Meetings, Mission & Ministry Staff Meetings, standing committees and ad hoc committees, and support communications efforts as applies to liturgical music.
Perform other duties and assist with projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Formal Education
Bachelor’s Degree
Work Experience
N/A
Work Skills
Excellent communication and skills and ability to provide pastoral care.
Specific Job Knowledge
Pianist
Conductor, able to work with vocalists and instrumentalists
Teacher of musical competencies
Equipment Knowledge
Proficiency in music notation software.
Preferred Qualifications Formal Education
Bachelor’s degree in Music, Education, Theology or related field.
Work Experience
2-3 years professional experience in music, education or liturgy preferred.
Experience working with young adults in a formation or mentorship setting.
Work Skills
Strong conducting skills, experience directing choir, instrumentalists or mixed ensembles.
Proficiency as an organist.
Strong time and project management skills.
Personal commitment to inclusion within student groups and ministerial opportunities.
Specific Job Knowledge
Ability to coach a variety of instrumentalists in rehearsal.
Proficiency in sight reading, especially of choral and instrumental scores.
Strong knowledge of Catholic liturgical music in a variety of styles.
Familiarity with Catholic liturgical documents principles as pertains to musical offerings.
Equipment Knowledge
Experience using OneLicense.
Using professional sound systems.
Other
Experience with retreats or group trips involving performance and formation.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours Tools, machinery and equipment used
Musical instruments including organ, piano and electronic piano keyboard.
Environmental conditions
Occasional performance in hot and humid outdoor conditions, i.e. at Orientation and Baccalaureate masses.
The position requires a flexible work schedule which includes working frequent evenings and weekends.
Special Message to Applicants: In addition to your resume and cover letter, please submit a written Statement of Contribution to Mission. You may find more information on our website about the University’s Mission and Enduring Commitments.
Posting Date: 11/03/2025 Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information: This position falls within salaried grade 13 and the range for this position is $51,000-63,800. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate’s qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity. Salary Band: 13 Job Classification: exempt
References Needed Minimum Number of References Needed: 2 Maximum Number of References Needed: 3
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
How did you first hear of this employment opportunity?
Indeed.com
Higheredjobs.com
Glassdoor
Chronicle Vitae
Academic Keys
PA CareerLink/JobGateway
Professional Affiliation/Trade Website
Diversity Association/Publication Website
Advertisement in Academic or Professional Publication
Referred by a current employee
Referred by a friend, family member, or former employee
Heard about it at a conference or career fair
Browsing the Villanova website
Cabrini University employee
Other
If your answer to the above question is "Other", please specify the source below. If this question does not apply to you, enter N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
Documents needed to complete your application: Required Documents
Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
Resume / Curriculum Vitae
Statement of Contribution to Mission
Optional Documents
Other Document
#J-18808-Ljbffr