The Director of Catholic Cemeteries is an executive role combining pastoral ministry with multi-site management. The Director serves in the management of sacred burial grounds, balancing the operational needs of 14 active locations and 3 inactive historical locations managed by the Diocese with a consultative role for 12 parish sites, ensuring all adhere to Canon Law, liturgical standards, and financial best practices.
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.
- Leadership: Proven experience in supervising staff and managing operational budgets
- Skills: Strong communication, customer service, and computer skills (MS Office/Database Management). Proficiency in Cemetery Management Software (e.g., HMIS, PlotBox) is a plus.
- Travel: Ability to regularly travel to all locations
We provide benefits which include Health, Dental and Vision insurance. As well as a defined contribution plan, life insurance, short and long-term disability. Paid holidays, vacation, sick and personal time.
If interested, submit your resume to HR@camdendiocese.org