Abbey Cemetery Manager

Saint John's Abbey invites applications for the full-time (.90FTE), benefit eligible position of Abbey Cemetery Manager.

Saint John’s Abbey Cemetery provides an identifiable and permanent resting place—a sense of place—and is an appropriate way for Saint John’s to fulfill Saint Benedict’s call to do good works, which includes caring for the deceased, a tradition that flows out of fundamental tenets of the Catholic faith.

Just as in life, we believe that the human body deserves to be treated with respect and dignity in death. We foster a way of remembering that is enlightened by faith and views death as a bridge to the Communion of Saints. Our bond with God’s people is not broken by death.

The Abbey Cemetery Manager will be responsible for managing the entire Abbey Cemetery operation. Work will include sales, marketing, communications, business planning, recordkeeping, cemetery burial services, and cemetery maintenance. This position also provides support for Abbey Enterprises and oversees the Cemetery Assistant Manager.

The Order of Saint Benedict offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program (click the benefits tab above the position summary section to view more information). The posted wage represents OSB's good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon several factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skills, and may fall outside of the range indicated.

Abbey Cemetery Sales

1. Assist individuals and families in making pre-need and at-need purchases of ground plots and columbarium niches as required.

2. Provide information regarding cemetery policies, procedures, available product lines and services, locations, and costs through personal visits, phone, mail or email contacts.

3. Keep the sales, referral, and cemetery burial database current and updated in a timely manner.

4. Prepare and process a variety of documents including contracts, invoices, and receipts. Provide annual reports for the audit including accounts receivable and inventory reports.

5. Follow up on leads and referrals during the day, evening and weekend as required.

6. Schedule annual tours at times of major campus events: SJU reunions, SJP reunions, Homecoming opportunities.

Marketing, Communication, and Business Planning

1. Develop and execute a business plan for the Abbey Cemetery, in consultation with the Abbey Treasurer.

2. Develop and execute a communication plan for the Abbey Cemetery, in consultation with the development and planned giving offices. Produce marketing and communication materials. a. Brochures and marketing materials b. Print ads c. Media ads (including video shorts for football game day screen) d. Mailings e. Web site

3. Determine, develop, execute, and evaluate market research on pricing, burial options, and cemetery operational “best practices” as needed.

4. Work closely with the Saint John’s University Planned Giving Office in producing planned giving mailings and Abbey Cemetery marketing materials.

5. Establish and maintain a good working relationship with Abbey Development, Preparatory School Development, and University Institutional Advancement offices. Educate them on the Abbey Cemetery and the burial options available.

Cemetery Operations

1. Coordinate burial arrangements for all three segments of the Saint John’s Abbey Cemetery: Monks, Parish, and Alums/Friends section. a. Assist families and/or funeral home for burial needs as requested/needed. b. Inground – arrange burial details with grounds crew to conduct the open/close of the burial site. c. Cremation – notify grounds crew, but cemetery staff typically handle the open/closed. d. Arrange for presider for services, as needed.

2. Assist individuals and families with the purchase of headstones, including design work, both pre-need and at-need; and coordinate the addition of final dates on headstones.

3. Arrange and coordinate the engraving of columbarium wall panels pre-need and at-need.

4. Coordinate additional services provided by Saint John’s such as accommodations at the Abbey Guest House, usage of the Abbey Church or Chapter House, and reception/luncheon in the Dining Service.

5. Funerals: Work with families to arrange and coordinate each funeral Mass request, including scheduling with Abbey Church staff, finding presider and musicians, creating Mass handouts.

6. Coordinate the cemetery maintenance with Saint John’s Grounds staff: a. Notify grounds of each interment service – and coordinate the “open/close” of ground burials. b. Notify grounds of tours and special events / visits to provide best presentation of cemetery possible (lawns mowed and trimmed). c. Regular check-ins for any grounds areas needing maintenance or care. d. Annually, review the need for headstone straightening.

7. Establish and maintain a good working relationship with the Diocese of St. Cloud

8. Establish and maintain a good working relationship with regional funeral home directors.

9. Research, determine, and comply with all local, state, and national laws, rules, and regulations regarding cemeteries and columbarium.

Contingent Responsibilities with Abbey Enterprises:

1. Abbey Woodworking – Assist customers of cemetery and general inquirers with information and purchase of Abbey Woodworking urns and caskets.

2. Weddings – Coordinate the wedding requests for the Abbey Church, providing both general information and couples’ support in the scheduling and preparations for their wedding at Saint John’s Abbey Church:

a. Work with Abbot’s Office, SJU President’s Office, SJP President’ Office, SJU Football calendar, and Physical Plant staff to determine dates that conflict with the hosting of weddings on Saturdays for the upcoming year.

b. In consultation with the Abbey Treasurer, determine the annual rental charge for the Abbey Church for weddings.

c. Respond to wedding inquiries; provide details on eligibility for Abbey Church weddings, and on requirements for Catholic marriage preparation.

d. Coordinate with the presider of each wedding to assure all the marriage preparation steps are completed; and if needed, submit to the Diocese for review of marriage preparation files.

e. With presider, make sure the State license is on hand for the service, and after the wedding, submit completed license back to the State of Minnesota.

f. Provide information and all file materials to the Saint John the Baptist Parish staff for registering of marriage sacrament, and process semi-annual payments for their assistance and record-keeping. 3. Perform other duties as assigned.