Executive Director of The Catholic Cemeteries

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Executive Director is responsible for overall management of the six owned and operated cemeteries of The Catholic Cemeteries corporation, a religious corporation, including public relations, sales operations, annual budget and investment funds, personnel and long-range planning. The Executive Director sets overall policy, provides for fiscal oversight and financial controls, and assures that appropriate planning processes are in place for the future of The Catholic Cemeteries.  The Executive Director provides appropriate guidance and support to parochial cemeteries of the Archdiocese.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Employment in and by the Church is substantially different from secular employment. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner which is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals, laws of the Church, such that it can embarrass the Church or give rise to scandal.  It is required that this employee be an active, participating, Roman Catholic. It is expected that all employees will respect Catholic doctrine and religious practices. Reasonable accommodation for the religious practices of employees not of the Roman Catholic faith will similarly be provided.

REPRESENTATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• *The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors of The Catholic Cemeteries on a bi-annual basis at Corporate Board Meetings and, upon request, as conditions dictate.
• *The Executive Director is responsible for the overall direction and leadership of The Catholic Cemeteries. The Executive Director leads the organization based on the Mission Statement for The Catholic Cemeteries which specifically articulates the mission of the Church itself: to bury the dead within the context of the Order of Christian Funerals.
• *The Executive Director is responsible for assuring that proper records are kept for The Catholic Cemeteries.  This is accomplished by providing the appropriate computer hardware and software to handle the necessary record-keeping functions related to burial sites, financial records, reports and historical information.
• *The Executive Director is responsible for the development and maintenance of sound public relations for The Catholic Cemeteries. The Executive Director accomplishes this with a long-term marketing plan; development of relationships with stakeholders, and funeral directors. The Executive Director has oversight responsibilities for all printed and digital materials, special events and programs.
• *The Executive Director is responsible for oversight of all property development and operational plans for The Catholic Cemeteries. The Executive Director is responsible for studying trends and data in order to implement the annual operations plan in coordination with Director of Operations and Project Management.
• *The Executive Director is responsible for personnel supervision and overall personnel policy for The Catholic Cemeteries.  The Executive Director accomplishes this by: hiring and supervising all management personnel, reviewing personnel needs, personnel policies, reviewing wage and benefit packages, representing the corporation in union negotiations; oversight of the functions of The Catholic Cemeteries retirement plans and being accountable to the Trustees of the Pension Plan and the 403(b) Plan of The Catholic Cemeteries.
• *The Executive Director is responsible for the direction of financial planning for The Catholic Cemeteries and oversight of an integrated accounting system for all cemeteries.  Director accomplishes this by the supervision of and coordination with the Director of Finance to monitor the budget and work in collaboration with the Board as well as signing checks and monitoring all financial functions associated with the operation of the cemeteries.
• Responsible for the maintenance of a positive relationship with parochial cemeteries in the Archdiocese.  The Executive Director serves as a resource to parish cemeteries in all areas of cemetery administration within the Church.
• The Executive Director is expected to participate actively as a member or liaison between The Catholic Cemeteries and local, state, and national professional cemetery organizations, including the Catholic Cemetery Conference.
• *Contribute to the good public relations of The Catholic Cemeteries by projecting a positive and professional image and work ethic with co-workers and visitors and by assisting families in a comforting manner.
• *Be present, ready to work, and on time for scheduled times of work and to maintain consistent work attendance.
• Perform other duties, as need is apparent or as assigned

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

The responsibilities listed on this page are representative responsibilities intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by staff members assigned to this position.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications required of the position. Assigned responsibilities may change, as needs of the cemeteries change. More detailed listings of duties and tasks may be outlined in supplemental documents.

The responsibilities preceded by an asterisk (*) are considered essential functions of the position:

• *Contribute to the good public relations of The Catholic Cemeteries by projecting a positive and professional image and work ethic with co-workers and visitors and by assisting families in a comforting manner.
• *Be present, ready to work, and on time for scheduled times of work and to maintain consistent work attendance.
• Perform other duties, as need is apparent or as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Be an active, participating Roman Catholic
2. Possess a working knowledge of and respect for the Catholic Church and its various ministries
3. Possess a Master’s degree in administration, theological background, a Church related field, or comparable experience in the field of organizational administration.
4. Served at least five years successfully at an executive level of management
5. Experience in cemetery/funeral environment, administration, customer service, sales or public relations
6. Able and willing to acquire new skills

MENTAL DEMANDS

1. Ability to work under pressure and with periodic interruptions
2. Coordinate and implement multiple concurrent tasks
3. Ability to plan, organize, and meet deadlines
4. Ability to be tactful and service-oriented even when exposed to negative factors
5. Ability to maintain confidentiality and trust in dealing with sensitive issues

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. Work 40+ hours per week
2. Lift and move using proper techniques up to 15 pounds
3. Answer phones and use keyboard for most of the working hours

All applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Dan Delmore at ddelmore@delmore.com or Gearty Delmore Chapels, 3888 West Broadway, Robinsdale, MN 55442 by July 30, 2025.