ICCFA - International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association
Executive Director
ICCFA - International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association, Westfield, New Jersey, us, 07090
Overview
Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey is a historic 100‑acre cemetery known for its serene, park‑like setting. Established in 1868, Fairview spans over 100 acres and reflects the rural cemetery movement of the 19th century. As a non‑sectarian, 501(c)(13) cemetery, Fairview’s mission is to provide a lasting memorial and fitting tribute for those who have made the Cemetery their choice as a final resting place and to bring empathetic, compassionate care, guidance, and counsel to family and friends. Fairview is also an accredited Level II arboretum, a member of the American Public Gardens Association, and offers tributes, tours, and walks to the public.
Position The Executive Director is the primary public‑facing leader of Fairview, the main point of contact for families, and the manager of a full‑and part‑time staff of ~10. The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure the fiscal health of the organization, manages an annual budget of ~$3 M and total assets of ~$45 M, and leads strategic conversations around long‑term growth in partnership with the Board.
Responsibilities
Serve as the primary point of contact for families, overseeing all aspects of burials, plot sales, and related services with empathy, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Supervise the long‑term planning and development of Cemetery grounds, including landscape improvements, space usage, and infrastructure upgrades.
Manage the budget and create financial projections based on the current year’s revenues and expenses to ensure the long‑term financial health of the organization; regularly liaise with the Board and the investment managers to maintain a healthy financial picture.
Lead, manage and inspire the entire Cemetery team, fostering a cohesive work culture that champions collaboration and high achievement for the greater good of Fairview Cemetery and its constituents; liaise with the local Teamsters union to maintain positive labor relations and support the management of unionized grounds staff.
Coordinate with outside vendors to manage contracted services such as monuments, landscaping, maintenance, and equipment repair, ensuring high‑quality and cost‑effective operations.
Collaborate with the Board to manage the activities of the Friends of Fairview, guiding volunteer efforts and supporting initiatives that promote community engagement and preservation of the cemetery, ensuring Fairview remains a valued cultural and historical resource for generations to come.
Engage with the community and external stakeholders to publicize and promote Fairview’s offerings and develop key relationships, including with funeral home directors.
Serve as a liaison to Union County, the surrounding municipalities, and local law enforcement, fostering strong relationships that support the Cemetery’s operations and community presence.
Oversee the completion of a strategic plan to achieve goals related to acreage development, mausoleum spaces, and diversification of program and revenue streams.
Establish clear priorities and define concrete metrics for success as Fairview progresses toward its goal of making its programs more widely known while continuing to serve as a historic cemetery for the Westfield community and beyond.
Qualifications
Demonstrated senior management experience with a particular emphasis on leading and inspiring staff responsible for the development and operation of a cemetery or place‑based business. Experience in the death care industry, hospice, health or elder care settings highly preferred.
Proven ability to support and communicate with families during times of grief and vulnerability, providing compassionate and respectful service while balancing customer experience and responsible financial management.
Experience overseeing complex budgets and effectively addressing the variety of operational and financial issues inherent in running a business, including working effectively with unionized employees.
A track record of developing and leading collaborative, collegial teams committed to excellence and continuous improvement.
Proven track record of successful personnel development and succession planning.
Excellent strategic planning and execution skills and the ability to think both short and long term about the effective operation and health of the Cemetery.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and an open, transparent, accessible leadership style.
Vision and creative ideas about ways to engage the public in Fairview’s history and preservation through the Friends of Fairview, including tours, talks, holiday‑specific events, etc.
An interest in historic preservation and a strong sense of how historic sites can be made relevant and dynamic for audiences today and in the future.
Emotional intelligence, a winning personality, and an ability to engage with staff, Board, government officials and regulators, vendors, supporters, visitors, property owners and their families, and community stakeholders.
Compensation
Anticipated salary range of $190 K‑$240 K, plus housing adjacent to the cemetery.
Competitive benefits package.
How to Apply Please send cover letter and resume as one PDF to
FairviewED@pbrsearch.com
with subject line "ICCFA - Fairview ED" and document name format “Last Name First Name – Letter Resume”. Include the Voluntary Self Identification form (will be sent upon receipt). Participation is voluntary and will not affect your candidacy in any way.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position The Executive Director is the primary public‑facing leader of Fairview, the main point of contact for families, and the manager of a full‑and part‑time staff of ~10. The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure the fiscal health of the organization, manages an annual budget of ~$3 M and total assets of ~$45 M, and leads strategic conversations around long‑term growth in partnership with the Board.
Responsibilities
Serve as the primary point of contact for families, overseeing all aspects of burials, plot sales, and related services with empathy, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Supervise the long‑term planning and development of Cemetery grounds, including landscape improvements, space usage, and infrastructure upgrades.
Manage the budget and create financial projections based on the current year’s revenues and expenses to ensure the long‑term financial health of the organization; regularly liaise with the Board and the investment managers to maintain a healthy financial picture.
Lead, manage and inspire the entire Cemetery team, fostering a cohesive work culture that champions collaboration and high achievement for the greater good of Fairview Cemetery and its constituents; liaise with the local Teamsters union to maintain positive labor relations and support the management of unionized grounds staff.
Coordinate with outside vendors to manage contracted services such as monuments, landscaping, maintenance, and equipment repair, ensuring high‑quality and cost‑effective operations.
Collaborate with the Board to manage the activities of the Friends of Fairview, guiding volunteer efforts and supporting initiatives that promote community engagement and preservation of the cemetery, ensuring Fairview remains a valued cultural and historical resource for generations to come.
Engage with the community and external stakeholders to publicize and promote Fairview’s offerings and develop key relationships, including with funeral home directors.
Serve as a liaison to Union County, the surrounding municipalities, and local law enforcement, fostering strong relationships that support the Cemetery’s operations and community presence.
Oversee the completion of a strategic plan to achieve goals related to acreage development, mausoleum spaces, and diversification of program and revenue streams.
Establish clear priorities and define concrete metrics for success as Fairview progresses toward its goal of making its programs more widely known while continuing to serve as a historic cemetery for the Westfield community and beyond.
Qualifications
Demonstrated senior management experience with a particular emphasis on leading and inspiring staff responsible for the development and operation of a cemetery or place‑based business. Experience in the death care industry, hospice, health or elder care settings highly preferred.
Proven ability to support and communicate with families during times of grief and vulnerability, providing compassionate and respectful service while balancing customer experience and responsible financial management.
Experience overseeing complex budgets and effectively addressing the variety of operational and financial issues inherent in running a business, including working effectively with unionized employees.
A track record of developing and leading collaborative, collegial teams committed to excellence and continuous improvement.
Proven track record of successful personnel development and succession planning.
Excellent strategic planning and execution skills and the ability to think both short and long term about the effective operation and health of the Cemetery.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and an open, transparent, accessible leadership style.
Vision and creative ideas about ways to engage the public in Fairview’s history and preservation through the Friends of Fairview, including tours, talks, holiday‑specific events, etc.
An interest in historic preservation and a strong sense of how historic sites can be made relevant and dynamic for audiences today and in the future.
Emotional intelligence, a winning personality, and an ability to engage with staff, Board, government officials and regulators, vendors, supporters, visitors, property owners and their families, and community stakeholders.
Compensation
Anticipated salary range of $190 K‑$240 K, plus housing adjacent to the cemetery.
Competitive benefits package.
How to Apply Please send cover letter and resume as one PDF to
FairviewED@pbrsearch.com
with subject line "ICCFA - Fairview ED" and document name format “Last Name First Name – Letter Resume”. Include the Voluntary Self Identification form (will be sent upon receipt). Participation is voluntary and will not affect your candidacy in any way.
#J-18808-Ljbffr