Funeral Director

Service Corporation International•Columbia, MO

18d

About The Position

The Funeral Director compassionately facilitates funeral arrangement discussions with the deceased’s next of kin and presides over visitation, funeral, and graveside services in accordance with family wishes, company expectations, and applicable laws. As the licensed Funeral Director, this role is responsible for compliance with mortuary, health, and vital statistics regulations within the funeral establishment(s). The role receives or initiates calls with next of kin, gathers or confirms contact information and needs, schedules arrangement appointments, and facilitates arrangement conferences. It discusses available insurance and benefits, promotes funeral, cemetery, crematory, and related merchandise and services, and may handle removals or transfers. The Funeral Director confirms authorization for services, leads services as Master of Ceremonies, checks the deceased and service arrangements, and works with families and staff to fulfill death-care requests. The position also plans and prepares events, including arranging resources such as music, flowers, and catering; producing memorial products; setting up and cleaning event spaces; and delivering family memorabilia. It may include attendant duties, community or charity representation, and other responsibilities as assigned. The role works under general guidance and must comply with local, state, and federal regulations.

Requirements

Graduated from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Hold a current Funeral Director license in the practicing state.
Have a valid state driver’s license and an acceptable driving record to operate company-owned vehicles.
Demonstrate cognitive ability to reason, plan, identify problems, learn quickly, learn from experience, and apply learning to new situations.
Be process- and results-oriented, motivated to keep work moving by removing obstacles and exploring alternatives.
Have a positive attitude, self-motivation, and willingness to continually advance understanding of the industry and business.
Ability to build professional and trusting business relationships.
Professional written and verbal communication skills.
Public speaking skills and ability to influence and gain consensus.
Proficiency using databases in automated processes.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors during all seasons and weather.
Professional business attire is required when in contact with families.
Frequent sitting or standing for continuous periods of up to six hours per day and frequent stair climbing.
Manual dexterity for paperwork and use of calculators, computers, and phones.
Ability to push and pull up to 150 pounds on flat and inclined flooring or ramps.
Flexibility to work outside normal business hours; nights and weekends are frequently necessary.

Nice To Haves

Industry experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive or initiate calls to the deceased’s next of kin; obtain or confirm contact information and needs, schedule arrangement appointments, and send appointment confirmations.
May perform removals or transfers in accordance with company standards, care for the deceased respectfully, and update removal status in company software.
Greet next of kin and facilitate arrangement conferences, assessing needs and discussing desired outcomes, life insurance, benefits, services, and merchandise.
Transition arrangement conferences to a Funeral Services Counselor/Advisor for cemetery property, merchandise, pricing, and contract completion; perform those duties in their absence when needed.
Review and authorize revisions to merchandise and service contracts.
Confirm authorization to proceed with service arrangements and preside as Master of Ceremonies at visitations, funerals, and graveside services.
Be present for graveside services included in the purchase agreement and when a casket containing a human body is placed in a grave, crypt, or burial vault; verify personal belongings are removed before burial per the arrangements.
Visually inspect the deceased, casket dressing, attire, or makeup and communicate concerns to preparation staff.
Inspect service arrangements against contractual arrangements and family expectations, initiate corrective action as appropriate, and provide guidance to service team members when needed.
Interact with families and guests to fulfill death-care requests and obtain leads for pre-need services.
Plan and order event resources such as music, flowers, and catering; produce memorial products, including scanned photos, memorabilia, stationery, electronic presentations, obituaries, and online memorials.
Prepare event rooms, including setting up chairs, tables, flowers, guest books, and décor; clean and restore spaces after events, identify property needing repair, and deliver family memorabilia.
May perform attendant duties such as parking lot attendant, driver, usher, pallbearer, or courier.
May attend community or charity events to represent and promote the location or market.
Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures; seek guidance, communicate workload and priorities, and take on additional work as assigned.