Cemeteries Managing Director

Job Description

Position Title: Catholic Cemeteries Managing Director
Reports To: Chancellor/CFO
Supervises: Operations Manager, Family Services Advisor Manager, Administrative Assistants for five cemeteries in the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area
FLSA: Exempt
Effective Date: May 2024
Compensation: Base salary plus $6,000 bonus opportunity based on operating surplus and sales.

Position Summary
We are seeking a Cemeteries Managing Director (CMD) to support the Bishop of Grand Rapids' ministry. The Cemeteries Manager is responsible for setting strategy and managing all aspects of Diocese of Grand Rapids Catholic Cemeteries including leading a team of dedicated individuals who perform sales/customer service, grounds operations, financial record keeping, and administrative duties. By directing and supervising all operations of the diocesan Catholic cemeteries, the director ensures the preservation of the sacred ground and directs a team committed to faithful service to the deceased and their loved ones.

Key Responsibilities
• Cemetery Operations
• Sales and Customer Interaction
• Financial Management
• Staff Supervision and Development
• Community Outreach
• Burial Coordination
• Record Keeping and Reporting
• Set and Implement Strategic Direction

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in the cemetery or funeral home business
• Minimum of three years of supervisory leadership and sales experience
• Possess a thorough understanding of the interment rituals and procedures associated with burials in the Roman Catholic Church.
• A high level of integrity; must be comfortable as role model for staff
• Maintain confidentiality and trust in dealing with sensitive issues
• Ability to multi-task and set priorities
• Be fully knowledgeable of all local and national regulations and industry-specific standards relating to the operation and maintenance of cemetery properties, individual gravesites, and interment procedures.
• Must have considerable knowledge of standard office procedures, labor practices, financial reporting and terminology.
• Experience with managing projects and a budget; excellent reporting capabilities
• Strong computer skills
• Strong written and communication skills. Must be comfortable and experienced with public speaking. Passion and energy for contributing to the growth of the cemetery. Must have the ability to communicate and foster relationships with families, parish priests, and funeral homes.
• Must be able to speak and listen in English. The position may occasionally use a ladder. The position works onsite Monday through Friday with occasional weekends as needed.
• Valid Michigan driver's license and reliable transportation
• Belief in and respect of Catholic doctrine and religious practices.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to dogrhr@grdiocese.org.

About the Employer

The Diocese of Grand Rapids was established May 19, 1882 and originally consisted of much of the northern and western parts of the Lower Peninsula. Since 1971 the diocese comprises 11 counties of Western Michigan: Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa.

The Diocese of Grand Rapids currently serves over 191,000 Catholics, 81 parishes, and 30 schools (including four high schools, one private high school, 25 elementary schools and one Catholic college) located within its 11-counties. Connect with the diocese on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.