Gospel Choir Director

Job Summary

Xavier University of Louisiana, the nation’s only Catholic and Historically Black University, seeks a dynamic, faith-centered, and musically gifted Gospel Choir Director to lead and develop the University Gospel Choir. The Director will cultivate a vibrant musical ministry that enriches the spiritual life of the campus community through worship, performance, fellowship, and service.

Rooted in Xavier’s Catholic identity and rich Black cultural heritage, the Gospel Choir serves as an important expression of faith, community, and student engagement. The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of both the Black Gospel music tradition and Catholic liturgical worship, with the ability to engage students from diverse faith backgrounds in a welcoming and mission-centered environment. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in Catholic liturgy and African American sacred music traditions.

AA/ EOE

• · Bachelor’s degree in Music, Sacred Music, Music Education, Worship Arts, Church Music, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• · Demonstrated experience directing vocal ensembles, choirs, or gospel music groups.
• · Strong conducting, vocal coaching, and rehearsal management skills.
• · Knowledge of Black Gospel music traditions and repertoire.
• · Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• · Ability to work effectively with college students from diverse backgrounds.
• · Commitment to the mission and values of Xavier University of Louisiana.

• · Experience directing music within a Catholic parish, university, campus ministry, or faith-based organization.
• · Familiarity with Catholic liturgy, liturgical planning, and the liturgical calendar.
• · Demonstrated knowledge of African American sacred music traditions, including spirituals, gospel, and contemporary worship music.
• · Ability to read and teach music effectively.
• · Experience working with collegiate choirs or student organizations.
• · Proficiency in piano, keyboard, or other accompanying instruments.
• · Experience arranging music for vocal ensembles.

• · Daily Masses and liturgical celebrations as assigned.
• · Weekly choir rehearsals (minimum of two rehearsals per week).
• · Sunday liturgies when the choir is scheduled to serve.
• · University ceremonies, concerts, convocations, and special events.
• · Occasional evening and weekend commitments.

Typical commitment is expected to range from 10-19 hours per week
, depending on the university calendar and performance schedule. This is a non-benefit eligible and non-exempt hourly part-time position.

• · Direct and conduct the Xavier University Gospel Choir during rehearsals, liturgies, concerts, and special university events.
• · Plan and prepare music for weekly and special liturgical celebrations, including Daily Mass, Sunday Masses, Baccalaureate, Founders Day, the Black History Month Convocation, and other university events as assigned.
• · Collaborate with Campus Ministry, the Dean of Interfaith and Spiritual Life, the University Chaplain, and university leadership to ensure music selections align with the liturgical calendar, Catholic worship practices, and Xavier University’s mission and values.
• · Recruit, mentor, and retain student singers and musicians.
• · Develop students’ musical abilities, leadership skills, and understanding of worship through music ministry.
• · Coordinate and lead regular choir rehearsals and sectional practices.
• · Select and arrange repertoire reflective of traditional and contemporary Black Gospel music, African American spirituals, praise and worship music, Catholic hymns, and…