DIOCESE OF ORANGE
POSITION TITLE: Executive Director of Cemeteries and Mortuary Services
SALARY RANGE: $225K - $250K salary + strong incentive bonus potential
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POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking a faith-filled and mission-driven Executive Director of Cemeteries and Mortuary Services to lead the Diocese of Orange's cemetery and mortuary operations (we hope to bring our first mortuary online soon at one of our cemeteries). This unique leadership role blends pastoral ministry with strategic business management to serve families during their end-of-life journey with compassion and faith. This position involves comprehensive oversight of operations, financial sustainability, staff management, and community relations, all while adhering to both civil and Canon Law.
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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Mission and Spiritual Leadership: Serving as a minister of the Church, ensuring all operations, burials, and commemorations align with Catholic doctrine and values. This involves fostering a culture of compassion and service to grieving families.
• Operational Oversight: Managing daily operations, including grounds maintenance, facility management, plot sales, marketing and the coordination of burial and mortuary services.
• Financial Management: Preparing and managing annual budgets, monitoring financial performance, setting pricing structures, and developing strategies for revenue growth and long-term sustainability.
• Compliance and Regulations: Ensuring adherence to all local, state, and federal regulations regarding cemetery and mortuary operations, as well as the requirements of the Diocese of Orange and the Catholic Church.
• Strategy Management: Develop and implement a long-term strategic plan that aligns with the vision of Diocesan leadership. Designing and developing future sections of our cemeteries in line with our future needs.
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QUALIFICATIONS
• Active Catholic Faith: A practicing Catholic with a deep understanding of Catholic teachings and traditions related to death, burial, and the care of cemeteries.
• Leadership Experience: Minimum of 15+ years of leadership and management experience, preferably in a non-profit, religious, or cemetery/mortuary setting.
• Business Acumen: Strong business management, financial reporting, and organizational skills.
• Compassion and Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work well with our cemetery staff and diocesan leaders as well as to provide compassionate support to grieving families and work effectively with diverse groups of people.
• Relevant Education/Licensing: A degree in Business Management, Mortuary Science, or a related field may be required or preferred, along with any applicable state funeral director's licenses.
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WORK CONDITIONS
• Environment: Primarily office-based with frequent visits to cemetery and mortuary grounds.
• Travel: Regular travel between multiple cemeteries and mortuary locations within the Diocese; occasional attendance at state and national conferences.
• Schedule: Full-time position with flexibility; must be available for emergencies during nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Tools/Equipment: Use of computer, phone, calculator, and automobile; occasional exposure to outdoor conditions during site inspections.
• Interactions: Frequent communication with clergy, parish staff, vendors, patrons, and Diocesan leadership.
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PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods during office work and cemetery inspections.
• Ability to drive to remote cemetery locations.
• Occasional lifting of materials or equipment up to 25 lbs. (e.g., documents, small tools).
• Compliance with Cal/OSHA safety standards for cemetery operations.
• Ability to navigate uneven terrain and outdoor environments during site visits.
• Visual and auditory capacity to interact effectively with staff and patrons and to review documents and reports.