Cemetery Sales Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $62,000.00 - $67,000.00 Annually
Location : Collegeville, MN
Job Type: Exempt, Administrative Staff, Full Time
Job Number: 202500038
Department: Business Office - Abbey
Opening Date: 07/27/2026
Position Summary
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.
For further information regarding Saint John's Abbey Cemetery, visit
Responsibilities
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.
Qualifications

1. High school diploma required; baccalaureate degree in business or related field desirable.
2. Three to five years sales or business experience required; cemetery sales experience is helpful but not necessary, training provided.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Proven track record in sales, be highly motivated, well organized, detail oriented, have excellent communication skills & enjoy direct selling.
2. Warm, welcoming, pastoral, and engaging personality.
3. Strong knowledge and understanding of Saint John's.
4. Ability to take initiative and work on your own with little daily supervision.
5. Ability to work productively, collaboratively, and effectively with Saint John's Abbey Development, Saint John's Preparatory School Development, and Saint John's University Institutional Advancement offices.
6. Sensitivity to grieving people and comfort with the process of death.
7. Strong listening, written, and oral communication skills.
8. Strong computer skills including cemetery database and Microsoft Suite.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to navigate the cemetery on uneven ground
• Extended periods of standing and walking required
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 25lbs
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions

ADDITIONAL REQUISITES: (In addition to the qualifications noted on the job description, all employees are expected to abide by the following expectations):

1. Ability to interact with the monastic community of Saint John's Abbey and the larger Saint John's community as an integral part of the staff and faculty.
2. Ability to project a positive image of service and pastoral care representing Saint John's Abbey and the larger Saint John's community.
3. Ability to acquire an understanding of the character and mission of the Order of Saint Benedict.
4. A willingness to maintain a high level of competence. Discreet judgment and confidentiality are expected at this level of responsibility.
5. Help create and foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive work environment.
6. The personal safety and health of each employee is of primary importance in our operation. Each employee has the responsibility to prevent accidents and injuries. The Order of Saint Benedict and its employees have the responsibility to comply with Federal, State and departmental regulations related to safety and health.

To Apply
Applications are accepted online by clicking on "Apply" above. Candidates are asked to complete the application form.
If you require an accommodation to participate in the OSB hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-2874.
It is the policy of OSB to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
Order of Saint Benedict is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Order of Saint Benedict (conducting Saint John's Abbey, Saint John's Preparatory School, Liturgical Press, HMML, and Collegeville Institute) provides a comprehensive fringe benefit program. This brochure provides a summary of the benefits offered to employees.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Employees are eligible for coverage in the health insurance plan on the first of the month following their date of hire. If you elect medical coverage for yourself, you may also choose to cover your eligible dependents. Both the employee and the Order share in the cost for this benefit. The plan also uses a Preferred Provider Organization Network; you receive discounts when utilizing health care providers in the network. Care received outside of the network is covered, but at a higher cost to the employee and the institution.
DENTAL INSURANCE
Employees are eligible for coverage in the dental insurance plan on the first of the month following their date of hire. If you elect dental coverage for yourself, you may also choose to cover your eligible dependents. Both the employee and the Order share in the cost for this benefit. The plan also uses a Preferred Provider Organization Network; you receive discounts when utilizing providers in the network. Care received outside of the network is covered, but at a higher cost to the employee and the institution.
VISION PLAN
This voluntary plan offers affordable vision coverage for routine eye exams, eyeglass lenses and frames, and contact lenses. Discounts on hearing exams and hearing aids are also included.
LIFE INSURANCE
The Order provides a Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) policy to employees. This insurance becomes effective on the first of the month following date of hire. The amount of term insurance provided is based on 1.5x salary up to a maximum benefit of $400,000.
You may also purchase additional life and AD&D insurance in increments of $20,000 up to a max of $500,000. There is also a dependent life insurance package available.
Employer provided life insurance in excess of $50,000 is subject to imputed tax (a tax on the value of the premium).
VACATION
Paid vacation is accrued based upon FTE and the number of years employed. Vacation is cumulative from year to year to a maximum of 240 hours. Employees working 100% time receive the following:
Vacation days per year Years employed
16 days 0-10 years
20 days 11+ years
HOLIDAY PAY
Employees receive paid holidays. The Order recognizes ten official holidays during the calendar year: New Years' Eve Day, New Years' Eve, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Leased employees may receive additional holidays.
SICK LEAVE
Full-time employees earn up to 9 days of sick leave per year, pro-rated based on FTE. Sick leave is cumulative from year to year up to a maximum of 720 hours (90 days). Employees may also use accumulated personal sick leave to care for ill family members.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY
After one year of benefit eligible employment, the Order provides coverage in the event of an illness or injury which prevents you from working. This plan provides a benefit which equals 60% of your basic monthly earnings to a maximum monthly benefit of $15,000. This benefit will be payable for the benefit duration, provided the employee is unable to perform the usual and customary duties of his/her occupation. For specific details, please refer to plan booklet.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS / HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
These plans allow employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to pay for IRS approved expenses.
TUITION ASSISTANCE - PREP SCHOOL
The tuition assistance plan is an educational grant provided by the Order to a qualified child of a full time employee towards meeting the tuition costs at Saint John's Preparatory School. The dependent must meet the eligibility criteria in order to receive this benefit. Leased employees are not eligible for this benefit.
TUITION REMISSION - EMPLOYEE
Tuition remission is