Director of Services

Newton Cemetery & Arboretum is looking for a Director of Cemetery Services, a role that has frequent interaction with the public and Cemetery staff.  The Director will be leading a dedicated team that is responsible for providing exceptional customer service.  The successful candidate should like meeting clients and familiarizing them with the products and services Newton Cemetery has to offer.  Excellent communication skills with an ability to understand customer needs are essential.  Cemetery or funeral industry experience is not required, only an openness to applying skills in a new role.

Position Summary:

The Director of Cemetery Services is responsible for leading the Cemetery’s efforts to provide burial space to customers through its sales and marketing program. As the primary member of the sales team, the Director manages the non-commissioned sales program to support revenue objectives. This is a non-traditional sales role that is focused on providing information, guidance, and assistance to customers.

The Director also ensures that the key revenue-generating services of approximately 150 sales of burial space, 375 interments, 1,000 cremations, 75 chapel services, and 175 memorial settings annually are meeting client needs and upholding the Cemetery’s reputation of excellence. The Director sees to a positive experience for all clients and funeral directors and works to enhance offerings so that Newton Cemetery remains a model for service among other cemeteries.

The Director supervises the Office, Chapel and Crematory Managers providing the leadership, guidance, and motivation required to maintain a strong, dedicated team. The Director also works closely with the Director of Cemetery Operations regarding customer issues related to the grounds, and the Director of Finance in preparing and adhering to operating and capital budgets. The Director reports to the president and works collaboratively with the president, the Board, and cemetery management in developing and carrying out goals that support the Cemetery’s mission, including advising on current and future burial space needs in the planning, design, and development of new areas in the landscape.

Essential Duties:

• Ensure timely and sensitive service to all customers, including Funeral Directors.
• Ensure appropriate staffing and training to provide superior customer service.
• Review, interpret, and analyze sales and service data and provide reports to the team.
• Propose new products and programs to meet market demands and remain competitive. Advise on current and future burial space needs.
• Implement practices and marketing strategies to maximize a positive presentation of the Cemetery’s products and services.
• Oversee the chapel and cremation program, directly supervising the Chapel & Crematory Manager.
• Foster daily communication between departments, acting as a liaison between the office and grounds’ personnel.
• Implement interpretation of legal issues, rules, and regulations. 
• Prioritize and set annual project and performance goals for staff.
• Work with management to analyze and control expenditures and improve efficiency, planning, reporting, and information flow.
• Assist with efforts to strengthen and expand the Friends of Newton Cemetery programs.

About Newton Cemetery & Arboretum:

Established in 1855 as a private, non-profit organization, Newton Cemetery & Arboretum serves the needs of all faiths throughout the Greater Boston area.  The historic landscape and accredited arboretum are open to the public daily and offer a tranquil, park-like setting with numerous burial options throughout the well-maintained landscape.

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to interact with compassion and patience.
• Superior verbal and written communication abilities.
• Experience managing staff with an ability to lead and inspire.
• ​Ability to work collaboratively and independently. 
• Acumen for understanding maps and plans.
• Willingness to be outdoors throughout the year to show cemetery products.
• BA/BS degree in a related field of study.
• Ten years of customer service or business management experience.
• Fluency in English required.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and an ability to learn new applications. 
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license.

This is a full-time, exempt position with a comprehensive benefit package including medical and dental insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution, group long term disability and group term life insurance, paid vacation, personal and sick time.  Compensation is commensurate with experience.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities.  Employment with Newton Cemetery is not governed by any written or oral contract and is an "at-will" arrangement.  Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for references to mab@newcemcorp.org with subject line “Director of Cemetery Services.” All materials should include applicant’s last name in the file name.