Job Description

　　Join the Executive Office of Veterans' Services (EOVS), where your key role will be overseeing and managing the operations of the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemeteries. This pivotal position entails not only the administration of a range of programs and services but also the specific responsibilities of coordinating the hiring of personnel, engaging in long-range planning for cemetery development, and acting as a public relations liaison. As part of EOVS, you'll collaborate closely with military officials and work with EOVS fiscal staff to develop and adhere to the cemetery budget. In addition to these duties, the agency commits itself to advocating for military veterans throughout the Commonwealth, providing financial assistance, housing solutions, and outreach through various initiatives like the SAVE Suicide Prevention Team and the Women Veterans Network. You will also play a crucial role in managing the Massachusetts Veterans Homes and state cemeteries. This role offers the chance to advocate before the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs, ensuring veterans receive their deserved benefits. This opening is ideal for someone eager to step into a role focused on impacting the lives of our veterans.

　　These responsibilities encompass the core functions of strategic planning, operational management, staff leadership, compliance, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement, which are crucial for the effective administration of the State Veterans' Memorial Cemeteries and fulfillment of the EOVS's mission.

　　Duties and Responsibilities:

　　Lead the daily administration and management of the State Veterans' Memorial Cemeteries in Agawam and Winchendon, encompassing strategic oversight and overall cemetery functioning. Develop and monitor a budget, anticipate future development and maintenance needs, and balance the allocation of funds between federal grants and state resources.Recruit, train, and manage cemetery staff, ensuring team efficiency and adherence to EOVS standards for quality and performance.Align cemetery operations with federal and state guidelines, ensuring compliance in interment, bereavement, and perpetual care services. Implement policies at the cemeteries that are in line with state and federal guidelines, ensuring dignified treatment of veterans and their families.Serve as the primary contact for public relations, coordinating with military officials, veterans' service agents, and other stakeholders.Liaise with federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, to facilitate compliance and effective service delivery.Seek out funding opportunities, write and manage grant applications for cemetery upkeep and expansion, ensuring efficient resource utilization.Organize and supervise cemetery-related events and ceremonies, maintaining respect and honor for veterans and their families.Collaborate with the General Counsel as required to ensure legal and regulatory compliance in all operations. Regularly communicate with EOVS leadership, providing updates and reports on the management and operational challenges at the cemeteries.Oversee the coordination of staff and volunteers for ceremonial services, involving honor guards and clergy, to ensure respectful proceedings.Monitor and assess the quality of interment operations, bereavement services, and cemetery upkeep, upholding high service standards. Decide on cemetery expansion, maintenance plans, and operational improvements, utilizing data-driven analysis and understanding of evolving needs. Engage with the community, local businesses, non-profits, and other relevant organizations to share and collect veteran statistical information, thus enhancing service reach and efficacy.All other duties as assigned.

　　Qualifications

　　MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

　　Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

　　Substitutions:

　　I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

　　II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

　　III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

　　IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

　　Pre-Offer Process:

　　A criminal and tax history background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

　　Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

　　Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

　　Comprehensive Benefits

　　When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

　　Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

　　COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment.

　　An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

　　The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.