Careers at American Ancestors

American Ancestors is seeking a Database Projects Manager to oversee the acquisition, structuring, indexing, and publication of genealogical databases that enhance our online collections. This role ensures timely, accurate, and engaging content for our members and involves significant collaboration across departments and with external partners.

In addition to project management, this person will produce webinars, articles, and other educational materials to support member engagement and database discovery. They will work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to promote new and updated content.

This is a full-time, exempt, hybrid position, with regular onsite responsibilities at our beautiful headquarters on Newbury Street in Boston.

Why Work with Us?

American Ancestors offers an outstanding benefits package including:

• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• AFLAC supplemental benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• A collaborative, mission-driven work environment

Core Areas of Responsibility

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective data partners.
• Ensure communication and timelines are maintained throughout the publication process.

Data Publishing

• Evaluate, clean, and structure genealogical data to prepare it for online publication.
• Review existing databases to ensure all information is fully and accurately indexed, allowing users to successfully locate relevant genealogical content.
• Collaborate with the Director of Database & Search Technology to enhance internal tools and workflows; provide input and suggestions to third-party service providers to improve functionality and efficiency.
• Oversee the movement of data from internal servers to cloud-based storage and long-term archival systems.
• Supervise and mentor team members responsible for database customer service, user-submitted corrections, and quality assurance.

Data Indexing

• Oversee the indexing of database collections by managing the Database Services Volunteer Coordinator and a team of 150+ online volunteers, ensuring that the right data is captured and made easily accessible to users.
• Manage contracts, timelines, and quality control for third-party indexing vendors.
• Assign and prioritize indexing projects to both volunteers and contractors based on project scope, deadlines, and available budget.

Additional Responsibilities

• Manage all digital database projects, ensuring all phases of the project lifecycle are met on time and within scope.
• Use internal tools (e.g., Collections Administration Tool) to publish and update databases.
• Write and execute SQL queries using SQL Server Management Studio for troubleshooting and data processing.
• Collaborate with developers and user experience teams to optimize database search functionality.
• Prepare and deliver internal and external presentations on database search features.
• Work extensively with Microsoft Excel to transform and prepare data for publication.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Proficiency with SQL Server and SQL Server Management Studio
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Meticulous attention to detail and organizational ability
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Familiarity with Excel, including advanced functions (VBA macros a plus)
• Demonstrated interest in genealogy, historical data, or archival work

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital image processing and related tools
• Familiarity with scripting languages like Python
• Content management system experience (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Experience with Photoshop and website or software testing
• Knowledge of search engine technologies such as ElasticSearch

Education & Experience

Bachelors degree in Library Science, History, or a related field or equivalent professional experience.

Salary range $80,000-$85,000

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Michelle Major, Director of Human Resources, at michelle.major@americanancestors.org by 8/15/2025

Please include your last name and Database Projects Manager in the subject line of your email.
 

Team: 

Education and Programming     

Function of the Position:  

The Special Events Manager is a key team member overseeing all logistics and communication with donors pertaining to fundraisers, heritage tours, board meetings, and other special events (both online and in person), while also assisting in the delivery of events within the Education & Programming activity area, as needed. The Special Events Manager is also the main point of contact for group visits, building rentals, and other partner events at the American Ancestors headquarters. This position creates exclusive experiences and provides top-tier customer service that builds relationships with key audiences and helps to generate philanthropic support for the organization’s mission as a genealogical and historical cultural institution. This is a full-time, exempt  position, with regular onsite responsibilities at our beautiful headquarters on Newbury Street in Boston.

American Ancestors offers an outstanding benefits package including:

• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Medical, dental, life, disability, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• AFLAC supplemental benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• A collaborative, mission-driven work environment

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works alongside Chief Learning and Interpretation Officer and Chief Advancement Officer to develop a series of special events, experiences, and opportunities that deepen relationships with existing and potential donors and VIPs. This includes planning and executing the organization’s in-person and online signature events including special dinners and board meetings, the annual benefit gala, heritage tours and programming, stewardship receptions and lectures, and other special events.
• Produces special online events as needed from start to finish: creating promotional copy, building registration pages, developing a run-of-show, running technical rehearsals and live broadcasts, recording and posting content online, and communication with speakers and participants.
• The Special Events Manager is responsible for securing event space and catering, negotiating contracts with outside vendors, venues, tour operators, and implementing contracted work.
• Executes technical and logistical support for events and heritage tours including the development and maintenance of registration pages and interest lists; managing RSVPs, attendee lists, and attendee data; correspondence with invitees and attendees.
• Is chief contact (before, during, and after an event) for participant inquiries, general troubleshooting, and other event-related communication as needed, setting and maintaining the highest standard for efficient and accurate customer service
• Collaborates with colleagues on the creation of invitations, marketing materials, and collateral for events and heritage tours.
• Is main point of contact for group visits to the Brim-DeForest Library and rentals of spaces within the American Ancestors headquarters. This includes communication with interested visitors, managing logistics with internal teams, and promoting use of the space among event planners, corporate partners, and others.
• Performs administrative duties (e.g., arranging meetings for the team and events, creating agendas for meetings, answering phones, making follow-up calls, maintaining files, ordering supplies, etc.).
• Assists with the logistics and delivery of other American Ancestors events and programming, as assigned.

Skill and Qualifications:

• Experience in customer service and/or administrative roles;
• Strong communication skills: spoken/phone and written;
• Accuracy and attention to detail;
• Experience coordinating large-scale, in-person event logistics;
• Experience producing online programs via Zoom
• Must be able to manage multiple events simultaneously;
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, as needed; some travel required;
• Discretion in dealing with confidential information;
• Interest in family history and American history a plus

Salary range

 $ 63,500-$ 65,500

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Michelle Major, Director of Human Resources, at michelle.major@americanancestors.org.

Resumes will be reviewed until the position is filled, preference to resumes submitted before 8/25/2025

Please include your last name and Special Events Manager in the subject line of your email. 
 

Grant funded one year term

American Ancestors seeks a full-time Researcher to conduct genealogical and historical research, in written and verbal form.  Under the supervision of the Director of Research & Library Services and the Senior Research Project Manager, this exciting opportunity is available as a one-year, full-time, grant funded position with the possibility of extension depending on funding. This one-year grant funded non-exempt position is benefits eligible and located at our beautiful headquarters on Newbury Street in Boston requiring an on-site presence.

Some of the outstanding benefits include medical, dental, generous paid time off, paid holidays, Employee Assistance Program, tuition reimbursement, FSA, 403(b) retirement plan, and so much more!

Responsibilities of the Researcher Position: 

• Provide accurate genealogical and historical research, using knowledge of genealogical skills, techniques, and sources.
• Particular attention will be given to candidates who have experience working with seventeenth- and eighteenth-century sources and researching enslaved families and/or colonial New England.
• Efficiently conduct research in an allotted hourly time frame
• Assist with in-person reference desk visitation at our Brim-DeForest Library in Boston
• Education level for the position:
• Bachelor’s degree in a history related field

Qualifications:

• 3-4 years of genealogical and/or historical research experience
• Ability to analyze documents and compile detailed narrative research reports
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Writing skills
• Computer skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft and Adobe
• Customer services experience
• Knowledge of the American Ancestors collections

How To Apply:

Please send resume, a genealogical or writing sample (REQUIRED), and a compelling cover letter to Michelle Major, Director of Human Resources, michelle.major@americanancestors.org   

No phone calls please.

Grade 17, Non-exempt, Full Time, Hourly

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The full-time Member Services Associate fills a key role on our strong Member Services team, providing front-facing support to American Ancestors members and visitors. The Member Services team focuses on building strong relationships with our members and developing those relationships over time. The hours of this full-time, non-exempt, hourly position are Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00–5:00. The position is at our headquarters on beautiful Newbury Street in Boston and requires an on-site presence.

Some of our amazing benefits include; very generous paid time off, medical, dental, vision, 403(b) retirement plan, EAP, AFLAC, life insurance, and much more!

Primary responsibilities include:

• Provide customer service support to American Ancestors members by phone, email, and in-person interactions
• Perform initial troubleshooting steps to assist with technical questions and issues
• Effectively communicate knowledge of American Ancestors resources, services, events, and mission.
• Process customer orders for new and renewing memberships, and prepare materials for a variety of member services communications
• Bring a solution-driven approach to customer service and daily tasks, by identifying possible ways to improve website usability, database functionality, and office processes and procedures
• Participate in occasional American Ancestors Education and Advancement events as needed
• Play an active role in driving new member acquisition, renewals, and upgrade initiatives through collaborative and proactive engagement.
• Additional responsibilities as needed.

Desired Skills:

• 1-2 years experience in customer service and enthusiasm for helping people
• Ability to communicate with all levels of staff in a professional environment
• Ability to work in a team as well as accomplish projects independently
• High level of organizational skills and attention to detail
• Desire to contribute to a team with the potential to take on increased responsibilities
• Microsoft Office and Windows computer proficiency
• Excellent customer service skills, in person and by phone
• Familiarity with CRM database software (ex. Tessitura), data entry software is a plus

The American Ancestors Member Services Team is vital to the growth and support of a 180-year old institution as we develop our constituent base in an exciting time to be working in the field of family history.

Starting wage is $20.00 per hour, 35 hours per week

Please submit cover letter and resume to Michelle Major, Director of Human Resources michelle.major@americanancestors.org .

Please include your last name and Member Services Associate in the subject line of your email.

No phone calls please