Executive Director, Catholic Cemeteries

The Executive Director is responsible for developing and maintaining an effective organization which reflects the spiritual, pastoral and practical nature of the Catholic Cemetery ministry.  Reporting to the Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia, the Executive Director provides the strategic vision and maintains the operational and financial stability of the 3 diocesan cemeteries.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Overall management and direction of activities to develop, and maintain, cemetery operations.
• Develop appropriate procedures to ensure overall efficiency and quality of office and service operations.
• Develop and refine the sales and public relations programs of Catholic Cemeteries, Inc.
• Refine and implement service operations and cemetery office procedures.
• Refine and implement rules and regulations for certificate holders, heirs, visitors, funeral directors, and monument dealers.
• Prepare annual budget, develop annual goals and objectives, and monitor fiscal accountability, for Catholic Cemeteries, Inc.

• Manage the Operations and Development funds, monitor Endowed Care and Reserve Operating, which are managed by the diocese.
• Ensure all physical assets, historical documents and cemetery records are appropriately safeguarded and maintained.
• Direct overall administration of policies relating to employment, work assignments, evaluations, training and termination of staff.
• Serve as Secretary and prepare agendas and reports for the annual Corporate and quarterly Advisory Board meetings.

 OTHER DUTIES:

• Advise, assist, and manage parish cemetery operations as requested or required.

• Monitor State and Federal legislation for anything which may impact Catholic Cemeteries, Inc.
• Develop and enhance relationships with cemetery staff, other diocesan departments, business associates, clergy, religious and general public.
• Interact with legal counsel on behalf of Catholic Cemeteries, Incorporated.

• Attend industry conferences on behalf of Catholic Cemeteries, Inc.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field with 5 years of Catholic cemetery management and/or administration experience including organizational planning, budgeting, property development and management, building construction and maintenance, local, state, and federal regulations, as they apply to cemetery operations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• An understanding of, and commitment to, the beliefs and rituals of the Roman Catholic Church with the ability to plan and execute decisions which reflect the Diocesan Pastoral Guidelines as they relate to the Cemetery Administration.
• Ability to become an expert in the practices and rituals of Catholic burial.
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills including short and long-term planning.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills including the ability to motivate and lead a team to achieve goals and objectives.
• High level of professionalism with the ability to maintain confidentiality in all areas.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with individuals from diverse cultural, socio-economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Willingness to consent to and ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screen in accordance with federal/state/local laws.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington.