Executive Director Easton Cemetery

Position Overview: The Executive Director (ED) of Easton Cemetery (EC) will provide leadership and strategic direction in support of the cemetery’s mission to preserve, protect, and promote its historical and cultural significance. The ED will oversee fundraising, grant writing, community engagement, staff management, and the day-to-day operations of the cemetery. This role requires a dynamic, visionary leader with strong organizational, fundraising, and relationship-building skills. The ED will also play a critical role in maximizing the cemetery’s revenue streams, from burials and plot sales to event planning and the development of the cemetery as a heritage site.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Financial Management:

• Fundraising Strategy & Execution: Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive, multi-channel fundraising strategy that targets individual donors, corporate sponsors, grants, and community appeals. Foster relationships with current and potential donors to maximize revenue opportunities.
• Grant Writing & Relationship Management: Proactively identify and pursue grant opportunities from local, state, and federal sources, as well as foundations. Manage donor relationships, ensuring transparent and regular communication to retain and increase funding.
• Revenue Growth & Sustainability: Focus on increasing overall revenue streams through burials, plot sales, event programming, and heritage site development. Calculate the number and location of available plots, establish competitive pricing, and develop a plan to optimize plot sales in line with market demand.
• Financial Oversight: Regularly review and assess income and expenses, ensuring funds are allocated in accordance with the Board’s policies. Provide accurate and timely financial reports to the Board of Directors to ensure financial health and accountability.
• Financial Planning & Budgeting: Develop and manage the annual budget, ensuring efficient use of resources and maintaining sufficient reserves for long-term sustainability. Identify new funding opportunities and revenue sources to diversify income streams and reduce financial dependence on traditional sources.

Staff & Operations Management:

• Supervise office staff, Superintendent, and volunteers, providing support to ensure efficient daily operations for cemetery and land management activities.
• Monitor and manage office operations, technology systems, and cemetery databases related to service activities and burial records.
• Maintain and update operations manuals for all staff positions and activities, ensuring clear and consistent processes for burials, tours, and cemetery land management.
• Develop and implement procedures for cemetery operations, including grave digging, burials, memorial installations, and land management.

Community & Stakeholder Relations:

• Foster collaborative relationships with local organizations, including the City of Easton, Lafayette College, and other community partners, in alignment with the cemetery’s mission.
• Maintain strong communication and work closely with our non-profit partner, Friends of Historic Easton Cemetery, to ensure shared goals and initiatives.
• Serve as the organization’s spokesperson for media-related interviews, articles, and community outreach programs.

Strategic Planning & Development:

• Lead the development and execution of long-term strategic plans to ensure the continued preservation and growth of the cemetery.
• Regularly assess and update the Employee Handbook to accommodate changing needs and directives.
• Engage with volunteers, board members, event committees, and partnering organizations to strengthen the impact and outreach of EC’s mission.

Board Relations & Communication:

• Communicate regularly with the Board of Directors, providing updates on financial, operational, and strategic matters.
• Attend monthly Board meetings and participate in committee meetings as needed to support Board activities and initiatives.

Event Planning & Revenue Generation:

• Event Programming & Venue Management: Capitalize on EC’s natural beauty and historical significance by expanding its role as a venue for events. Develop a strategic plan for hosting revenue-generating events, including memorial services, historical tours, educational programs, and private rentals.
• Community Events & Fundraisers: Plan and execute events that offer cultural, educational, and historical value, while generating additional income for the cemetery.

Heritage Site Development:

• Preservation & Infrastructure: Develop EC as a heritage site by enhancing the infrastructure and programming needed to make it competitive for grants, educational tours, and cultural activities. Position the cemetery as a marketable destination for heritage tourism, and ensure that it receives funding for preservation and educational activities.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Periodically hire, train, and retain staff to support ongoing operations and growth.
• Maintain the cemetery’s presence at the state and national levels, enhancing recognition and fostering opportunities for collaboration.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Relevant experience in sales, development, or fundraising.
• A minimum of two years of experience managing and leading employees.

Valued Qualifications:

• Relevant experience with a non-profit organization.
• Experience with conservation, land management, or land resources.
• Experience with organizational management, including working with staff in office and physical settings, planning for and achieving short-term and strategic objectives, and managing a budget.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to effectively engage a broad range of populations.
• Experience with outdoor and physical work.
• Experience in a cemetery or end-of-life care field, or similar work requiring empathy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google products, QuickBooks, and social media platforms.
• A Bachelor’s degree in an academic field.

References: Please submit the names and contact information of three individuals who may be contacted as references. At least two of the references should be individuals who can attest to your work experience.

Work Hours & Requirements:

• Typical work weeks are five eight-hour days, with variations according to organizational needs. Flexible scheduling and occasional remote work are permitted. Some evening and weekend work is required.
• This position requires the ability to work in an office setting as well as with staff and volunteers on the cemetery grounds.
• This position requires outdoor work and exposure to Pennsylvania’s extremes of weather and nature.
• Management, fundraising, and burial duties include inherent mental demands, such as urgent deadlines, prioritizing competing deadlines, and working with clients or employees facing challenging situations. The role also involves managing multiple projects.
• Inclement weather may occasionally present challenges, requiring flexibility in plans.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $60,000–$80,000 annual salary, negotiable based on experience.
• Monthly healthcare benefit with the requirement of health insurance.
• Vacation, holidays, and sick leave are negotiable.

Cover Letter:

• Please submit a cover letter with your application. Thank You.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• No nights
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $80,000