Employment in this role is conditional upon successful execution of the contract by the client.

The Work

The Alternate Project Manager supports the Project Manager in overseeing contract performance and day-to-day operations, and steps in to fulfill Project Manager duties whenever needed. In this capacity, the Alternate Project Manager helps coordinate and monitor all activities required by the Performance Work Statement (PWS), promoting safe, respectful, and consistent execution of services. This role contributes to ensuring that funeral home, mortuary affairs, and cemetery operations carried out under the contract adhere to applicable Federal and State requirements, as well as internal company policies and procedures.

This position aligns with Cayuse’s core values of Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Integrity by fostering technical solutions that meet customer needs, promoting teamwork, and prioritizing quality in deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary representative responsible for the performance of all work required under the contract, including planning, organizing, directing, and controlling daily operations in accordance with the PWS and all applicable laws and regulations.
• Ensure that either the Project Manager or Alternate Project Manager is continuously available between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., seven (7) days per week, throughout task order performance, to respond to Government inquiries, resolve issues, and make operational decisions.
• Oversee and coordinate all mortuary affairs, funeral home, and cemetery-related activities required under the contract, ensuring dignified, respectful, and compliant handling of remains and related services.
• Ensure all Funeral Homes utilized under this contract possess and maintain appropriate Federal and/or State licenses, certifications, and permits required to perform assigned services; verify and document license status prior to use on a recurring basis.
• Lead, supervise, and evaluate personnel supporting the contract, ensuring they are properly trained, qualified, and performing in accordance with contract standards, safety requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Coordinate with outside stakeholders (including funeral homes and related service providers), ensuring they meet all licensure and experience requirements and that their performance fully satisfies contract standards; maintain documentation demonstrating their compliance.
• Provide and maintain all required certificates or legal documentation demonstrating that the Project Manager, Alternate, and any applicable subcontractor personnel meet minimum experience and licensing requirements prior to execution of the contract, and update such documentation as required during contract performance.
• Prepare and submit required reports, documentation, and deliverables to the CO, COR, and ACOR in accordance with contract schedules and instructions.
• Ensure strict compliance with all privacy, confidentiality, and next-of-kin sensitivity requirements; foster a culture of dignity, respect, and professionalism in all mortuary and funeral-related operations.
• Support Government inspections, assessments, and program reviews; respond to findings and recommendations with corrective action plans and status updates.
• Maintain effective communication and coordination with Government stakeholders, internal corporate leadership, and subcontractors to ensure seamless execution and continuous improvement of contract services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications – Here’s What You Need

• Minimum of three (3) or more years of experience in at least one of the following areas:
  • Mortuary affairs
  • Cemetery superintendent / cemetery operations management
  • Funeral home director / funeral home management
• Ability to ensure that either the Project Manager or Alternate is available between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., seven (7) days a week during task order performance, including being reachable by phone and email and able to make timely decisions.
• Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment.
• Must hold an active, unrestricted license as a Funeral Director in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and remain in good standing throughout the period of performance.

 Minimum Skills Required:

• Must possess problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to respond effectively to customers with a sense of urgency.
• Proficient in Microsoft and Adobe toolsets, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Acrobat, etc.
• Highly motivated with the ability to handle and manage multiple tasks at any one time.
• Ability to forge new relationships, individual and teaming in nature.
• Must be a Self-starter, that can work independently and as part of a team.
• Must demonstrate a high degree of integrity, discretion, and emotional resilience, with the ability to handle sensitive and solemn duties with professionalism and respect.

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior experience managing a Government contract involving mortuary affairs, funeral services, or cemetery operations.
• Experience working with the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, or other Federal or State agencies in a mortuary or cemetery context.
• Formal training or certification in mortuary science, funeral service management, or cemetery management.
• Experience developing and implementing quality control/quality assurance plans and standard operating procedures in a regulated environment.
• Familiarity with Federal and State laws, regulations, and industry standards governing funeral homes, mortuary operations, and cemetery services.

Our Commitment to you / overview of benefits 

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance; Wellness Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided)
• Voluntary Life and AD&D options
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with matching after one year
• Paid Time Off

 Reports to: Program Manager with additional reporting to other designated leadership as required.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a combination of office settings, funeral homes, mortuaries, cemeteries, and related facilities.
• The role may involve exposure to sensitive and emotionally challenging situations, including interaction with deceased remains, grieving families, and ceremonial activities.
• Strict adherence to health, safety, infection control, and biohazard protocols is required when in or around mortuary, funeral home, or cemetery operations.
• May require periods of standing, walking across cemetery grounds or facilities, climbing stairs, and occasional lifting of materials, records, or equipment.
• Ability to travel to multiple sites, including Government facilities and subcontractor locations, by ground or air as required by the contract.

• Must be physically and mentally able to perform duties extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed to meet the demands of this position.
• Must be able to establish a productive and professional workspace.
• May be asked to work a flexible schedule which may include holidays.
• May be asked to work hours outside of normal business hours.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Cayuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, skills, and abilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in accordance with any applicable federal, state, or local law.