The Director of Community Engagement: Holy Sepulchre and Ascension Garden Cemeteries, Rochester, NY
The Director of Community Engagement (DCE) will represent HSC/AG to Catholic dioceses,
parishes, community groups, and local leaders. This role is responsible for building
collaborative relationships that raise community awareness of existing programs and services
as well as the development of new programs and services educating the community in the
Order of Christian Funerals, the benefits of advanced planning and grief support programs.
This newly created position reports to the Executive Director of the Cemetery and works closely
with staff leadership and guidance from the Board of Trustees.
Functional Objectives
• Knowledge and Management of Catholic Theology: Exhibit extensive knowledge of
the Catholic faith and exercise responsibility for the overall direction and management
of the ministry’s engagement functions consistent with the Mission Statement.
• Staff Recruitment and Development: Assist in the recruitment, training and
evaluation of key staff who facilitate family services and community engagement
functions. Provide input to the annual budget process regarding the educational needs
of the ministry and resource development.
• Current Staff: The (DCE) will lead staff to educational opportunities to ensure
adherence to Catholic theology.
• Program Performance and Reporting: Advise and inform the Executive Director and
Board Committee regarding the performance and success of ministry-related
programs. Establish ongoing communications with the Board Committee to prepare
and distribute materials for Executive Committee and Board meetings related to the
ministry programs.
• Strategic Planning Collaboration: Assist the Executive Director in the development of
intermediate and long-term strategic planning. Maintain necessary budgetary,
technological, and analytical skills while being familiar with the language and culture of
cemetery ministry.
• Additional Duties: Other duties as assigned
Role Clarity
Management and Coaching
• Provide leadership and strategy for introducing educational, grief support and preplanning programs to the community.
• Oversee parish and community engagement events in collaboration with the Executive
Director.
Relationship Building and Community Partnerships
• Lead the development of partnerships with clergy, parish staff, and community
organizations, emphasizing HSC/AG programs and the Order of Christian Funerals.
Grief Ministry Program Management
• Design, implement, and lead a comprehensive Grief Ministry Support Program.
Outreach and Community Events
• Monitor regional diocesan engagement and community events, assessing effectiveness
with the Executive Director.
• Suggest improvements for engagement initiatives and enhance family engagement
skills.
Administration
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop a strategic engagement plan.
• Issue engagement reports to the Board of Trustees and Executive Director, identifying
new marketing and service opportunities.
Qualifications Required
• Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with a demonstrated commitment to the
mission of the church.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a Master of Divinity
degree preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of applicable managerial experience is required, preferably with
experience in program development and implementation within a nonprofit, religious
or pastoral / Catholic ministry setting. Candidates with comparable relevant experience
will be considered.
• Strong communication skills and adept at developing interpersonal relationships.
• Is able to conduct oneself with a family first approach, at times in emotional
environments with grieving families.
• Has the ability to manage a grief ministry program.
• Skilled at establishing and developing cooperative working relationships with parish
and community leaders and serving families of our faith community while meeting the
objectives of this position.
• Is proficient in Microsoft Office and other software.
• Valid NYS driver’s license.
Physical and Working Environment
• Primary office will be located at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rochester NY.
• Working hours will be flexible as some evenings and weekends will be required for
events and presentations.
• While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to; stand, sit, walk, use
of arms and hands. Occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, climb and balance within an
office environment. Additionally at times it is necessary to walk on the cemetery
grounds in good or inclement weather and use steps within the chapels and
mausoleums.
