Nurturing Non-Profit Success Through Fair Compensation: How Mount Auburn Cemetery Transformed Its Pay Strategy with CompTeam
Executive Summary
As a National Historic Landmark and the first garden cemetery in the United States, Mount Auburn Cemetery has been a place of solace and beauty for nearly two centuries. But behind the peaceful exterior, its dedicated staff faced a decade of stagnant wages that didn’t reflect the rising cost of living or reward their hard work. When new leadership recognized this, they took bold steps to turn things around. Partnering with CompTeam, Mount Auburn transformed its pay strategy, reinvigorating employee morale, loyalty, and performance. By investing in their people, Mount Auburn built a future where their staff is as nurtured as the land they care for.
Mount Auburn’s Challenges: The Need for Change
When Matthew Stephens became President and CEO of Mount Auburn Cemetery, he quickly realized that his greatest asset—the staff—was underappreciated. Conversations with team members, followed by a third-party assessment, highlighted significant gaps in compensation and recognition. Skyrocketing living costs in the Boston area only added to the strain.
Years of prioritizing capital projects had left employee pay and development on the back burner. It became clear to Stephens that to ensure Mount Auburn’s continued success, leadership needed to refocus on the very people who maintain this beautiful urban sanctuary.
A Strategic Partnership: Mount Auburn Chooses CompTeam
Recognizing the urgency, Stephens and the board set out to find the right partner to overhaul their compensation strategy. After reviewing proposals, CompTeam emerged as the clear choice. With a deep understanding of non-profit organizations and a reputation for delivering tailored, impactful solutions, CompTeam was uniquely qualified to help.
A Custom Solution for Lasting Impact
CompTeam’s approach was centered on one key principle: assess and invest. They conducted a comprehensive analysis of Mount Auburn’s compensation structure, benefits offerings, and pay equity compared to similar organizations. The result was a detailed Total Rewards Roadmap—a new pay strategy that not only aligned with market standards but also fostered career development and mobility for employees.
CompTeam also provided Mount Auburn with tools to effectively communicate these changes. Through training sessions and translated materials, the staff was empowered to understand and embrace the new compensation plan, ensuring transparency and engagement at every level.
The Results: A Thriving Workforce and Organization
In just one year, Mount Auburn shifted its focus to prioritizing people and culture. The results were profound: employee morale surged, loyalty strengthened, and performance improved across the board. By increasing the operating budget and committing to regular pay evaluations, Mount Auburn made it possible for their staff to enjoy a better quality of life.
Stephens praised CompTeam’s approach, stating, “The solution was more thorough and thoughtful than anything I’ve experienced. CompTeam’s involvement at every step made it clear we were a top priority, and their expertise allowed us to achieve our mission in ways we never thought possible.”
What’s Next? A Partnership for the Future
As Mount Auburn continues to grow, Stephens sees the value in ongoing consultation with CompTeam. Plans for the next phase include a focused fair pay study and further development of organizational culture. Together, Mount Auburn and CompTeam are building a future where employees are valued, empowered, and fully equipped to carry out the cemetery’s mission for generations to come.
Transform Your Organization with CompTeam
If you’re ready to invest in the people who make your mission possible, let CompTeam help you create a customized pay strategy that aligns with your goals and values. Reach out today to learn how we can empower your workforce and drive your organization’s success.
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“I’m very appreciative of CompTeam’s hard work and dedication. Every member of the team was thoughtful and coordinated, with a clear plan from the beginning. Their approach has transformed how we support our employees.”
—Matthew Stephens, President and CEO, Mount Auburn Cemetery.
