Job Opportunities

 

Director of Cemetery Services
Posted: 4/3/2025

Overview
Newton Cemetery & Arboretum is seeking an experienced professional in a key strategic and operational leadership role. This is an opportunity to lead a well-established department in a respected organization. The position is highly visible and interacts regularly with the public and Cemetery staff. The Director will be joining a dedicated and professional team that is responsible for providing exceptional customer service along with the daily care of the historic landscape, active cemetery, and accredited arboretum. The successful candidate will be a hands-on, proactive manager with the ability to work collaboratively and independently. Cemetery or funeral industry experience is preferred but not required as there are many related professional backgrounds that would make a successful candidate for this position.

Position Summary
The Director of Cemetery Services is responsible for leading the Cemetery’s efforts to provide burial space to customers, including monitoring current and future burial space needs, and supporting the planning, design, and development of new areas in the landscape. The Director manages a non-commissioned sales team to support the revenue objectives of the organization. The sales program is focused on providing information, guidance, and assistance to customers.
The Director also ensures that the key revenue-generating services of approximately 175 sales of burial space, 400 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 sales team, office staff, and the chapel/crematory manager, 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 and works collaboratively with the president, also working with the Board and cemetery management in developing and carrying out goals that support the Cemetery’s mission.
Essential Duties of the Director of Cemetery Service
• Manage the Cemetery’s sales program, also acting as a member of the sales team to show interment options when necessary.
• Oversee Cemetery database and records management. Analyze data and provide reports.
• Propose new products and outreach programs to meet market demands and remain competitive.
• Develop marketing strategies and ensure marketing materials are up to date.
• Manage the customer service and administrative staff to ensure overall efficiency, effectiveness, and the highest standard of customer service.
• Oversee the chapel and cremation program, directly supervising the Chapel & Crematory Manager.
• Oversee the memorial and inscription program.
• Foster daily communication, acting as a link between the office and ground personnel.
• Strong understanding of Newton Cemetery rules and regulations with the ability to communicate these guidelines to staff and customers effectively.
• Ensure training/instruction documents for all administrative functions are in place and up to date.
• Prioritize and set goals for staff.
• Work with management to analyze and control expenditures and improve efficiency.
• Participate in professional networking in industry organizations and encourage participation by staff.
• Assist with efforts to strengthen and expand the Friends of Newton Cemetery programs.
• Availability during weekend and off hours as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in a related field of study.
• Ten or more years of experience in a similar industry.
• Fluency in English required.
• Experience managing staff with an ability to lead and inspire.
• Excellent customer service skills with an ability to interact with compassion and patience.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and delegate assignments.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Acumen for understanding maps and plans.
• Willingness to be outdoors throughout the year to show cemetery products.
• Experience in preparing and managing budgets.
• Ability to understand and follow applicable local, state and federal laws/regulations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products with 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.

How to Apply
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 the applicant’s last name in the file name.
About Newton Cemetery & Arboretum
Established in 1855 as a private, non-profit organization, Newton Cemetery & Arboretum is a premier garden cemetery and accredited arboretum serving the needs of all faiths throughout the Greater Boston area. The grounds of the historic landscape are open to the public daily and offer a tranquil, park-like setting with numerous burial options throughout the well-maintained landscape.

 

 

Job Title:  Visitor Services
Reports To:  Visitor Services Manager
Status: Non-exempt
Compensation: $20-$22 per hour

Knollwood Cemetery Corp (DBA Sharon and Knollwood Memorial Parks) is seeking individuals to fill the position of Visitor Services Representative. The representative displays compassion, sensitivity, and good business ethics in all interactions with clients and visitors.
Please submit resume to info@sharonmemorial.com

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

  • Serve as first contact for visitors to welcome them, answer questions and direct them to their desired destinations.  Use computerized interment database to locate specific grave locations for visitors as requested.
  • Await incoming funerals and escort processions to the grave location in a controlled and orderly manner. Verify permit, authorizations, and all accompanying paperwork.
  • Assist with the control of traffic entering and leaving the cemetery, which includes funeral processions, memorial and chapel services, general visitors to the cemetery, and attendees of other cemetery functions.
  • Assemble/disassemble the daily interment and unveiling board
  • Setup marketing and unveiling packets as required.
  • Administrative duties: including paperwork, mailings; telephones, and data entry
  • Assist with special events in the park

Education and Qualifications

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Must be able to speak and write fluent English
  • Must have prior office environment experience
  • Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and access to drive a vehicle
  • Ability to communicate clearly and courteously with all visitors and staff.

Competencies:

  • Must have basic computer skills and be able to navigate on the internet
  • Must have excellent customer service skills
  • General Mathematic skills.

Personal Characteristics

  • Outstanding communications skills, written and oral
  • Must be able to maintain composure in difficult situations
  • Compassionate and willing to help others

Physical Requirements: 

  • Must be able to ambulate around the office and the Park
  • Must have manual dexterity
  • Must be able to use a computer throughout the workday
  • Must be able to bend and stretch
  • Must be able to lift small boxes (<30lbs)
  • Required to work outdoors during all seasons of the year and must be able to work in harsh weather.

Work Environment:

  • The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Knollwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

Knollwood recognizes Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 149/19b that it is unlawful to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.