Director of Catholic Cemeteries

Key Responsibilities

• Oversight (17 Diocesan Sites)
• Manage daily operations, maintenance, and interments across Diocesan managed locations while ensuring accurate burial records, maps, and internment logs are maintained
• Direct a centralized team of Assistant Directors focused on Field Operations, Office Administration and Marketing & Outreach
• Standardize rules & regulations, and policies & procedures for all Diocesan-managed locations
• Oversee expansion of inventory management, including the development of new sections and capital projects
• Hire, train, and supervise cemetery personnel, ensuring compliance with safety standards and labor laws
• Serve families with compassion, assisting with burial arrangements and lot sales
• Direct landscaping, tree planting, and repairs to roads, fences, and buildings. Oversee management of equipment and vehicle maintenance and inventory
• Parish Consultative Services (12 Parish Sites)
• Act as the primary advisor to Pastors regarding cemetery operations
• Provide guidance on daily operations needs such as pricing, recordkeeping, mapping of lawns, and contracting services for hazardous tree removal, monument repairs, etc.
• Financial & Legal Stewardship
• Prepare and manage annual operational budget
• Oversee management of Accounts Receivable balances for monies owed by families
• Calculate and communicate quarterly incentive program payments for eligible staff
• Ensure all operations adhere to local, state, and federal laws, including environmental regulations and health codes. Maintain a working understanding of NJ state cemetery laws
• Manage liability and risk across all locations
• Review, analyze and approve vendor contracts and large-scale capital expenditures
• Ensure compliance with Diocesan Internal Audit requirements
• Ministry & Community Witness
• Ensure the Catholic Identity of the cemeteries through sacred art and prayer, including Masses held at key locations for specific holidays and Holy days
• Ensure staff uses a consultative sales approach to provide empathetic support that aligns with the Order of Christian Funerals

Experience

• 10 years of multi-site management experience, ideally in cemetery operations, funeral services, or property management

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. Equivalent working experience will be considered

Skills

• Strong communication, customer service, and computer skills (MS Office/Database Management)
• Proficiency in Cemetery Management Software (e.g., HMIS, PlotBox) is a plus

Benefits

• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• A defined contribution plan
• Life insurance
• Short and long-term disability
• Paid holidays, vacation, sick and personal time