Director of Cemetery Operations

The City of Savannah is seeking a visionary Director of Cemetery Operations to lead an evolving, customer‑service‑oriented City Cemetery Division
. The next director will excel at managing projects, people, and budgets, and will lead with a customer‑service focus that effectively coordinates with all internal departments to meet City goals.

The Director of Cemetery Operations directs and manages the operations of the City’s six municipal cemeteries. The Director will oversee a department of 45 skilled employees and is responsible for the planning and direction of general work programs including cemetery services, vital record management, conservation, tourism, and all maintenance activities. This position will also direct and monitor the collection and disposition of revenues.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Develops and manages operating and capital budgets and long‑term strategic plans; analyzes, monitors, and projects past, present, and future revenues and expenditures; approves purchases; prepares monthly, quarterly, annual, and special reports as needed.
• Plans and directs general work programs including cemetery services, vital record management, conservation, tourism, and all maintenance activities.
• Directs and monitors the collection and disposition of revenues.
• Coordinates internal and external communication. Corresponds with internal and external customers, investigates claims and complaints, and resolves conflicts and concerns.
• Researches vital records, diagrams cemetery lots, probes, measures, and meets with grieving families, funeral directors, and monument companies.
• Prepares and publishes brochures, website, and other media for public information, sales, and marketing. Attends community meetings and makes presentations to various groups. Responds to Open Records or Freedom of Information requests.
• Establishes quality standards for all work programs, reviews the effectiveness of work programs, and implements improvements as needed.
• Establishes and enforces rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and methods for departmental operations and ensures compliance with all applicable policies and statutes.
• Plans and directs the capital improvement program and all special projects within the municipal cemeteries.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Public Administration, Cultural Resource Management, Historic Preservation, or related field; with five years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in cultural resource management, preferably in cemeteries, historic sites or parks maintenance; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

You must possess a valid driver’s license.

Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post‑offer/pre‑employment medical screen; and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.

• Knowledge of cemetery procedures and technology.
• Knowledge of city budgetary and purchasing procedures.
• Knowledge of city, bureau, and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of department personnel policies.
• Knowledge of green industry standards.
• Knowledge of U.S. Department of the Interior historic preservation standards.
• Knowledge of funeral and death care industry standards.
• Knowledge of vital records management.
• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of computers and other modern office equipment.
• Skill in developing short‑ and long‑range plans.
• Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work.
• Skill in the training and supervision of personnel.
• Skill in the operation of computers and other modern office equipment.
• Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISOR…