Careers at American Ancestors

Who We Are:  

American Ancestors is a national center for family history, heritage & culture based on Newbury Street in Boston and one of the world’s top destinations for family history research, according to USA Today. It is the global brand of New England Historic Genealogical Society, America’s oldest and largest genealogical society, founded in 1845. American Ancestors serves more than 500,000 members and subscribers and millions of online users engaged in family history nationally and around the world through its website AmericanAncestors.org with more than ten billion names in its databases.

With spaces and resources dedicated to advancing family history, including the Brim-DeForest Library, the Family Heritage Experience, the R. Stanton Avery Special Collections, the Brue Family Learning Center, the 10 Million Names Project, and the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center, we also maintain a publishing division that produces original genealogical research, scholarship, and educational materials. We strive to connect with our members and the public in meaningful ways, serving as respected expert genealogists and historians who care deeply about helping people.

The Role:  

Under the direction of the Chief Advancement Officer, the Major Gifts Officer will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects to support the vital work of American Ancestors. Using moves management and prospect tracking strategies, the Major Gifts Officer is responsible for the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, recognition, and stewardship of assigned donors. 

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Manage a portfolio of 120+ active and discovery prospects and execute cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies for each.
• Responsible for the meaningful cultivation and solicitation of capital campaign and annual giving donors, including face-to-face visits, as well as email, telephone, and mail communications. Goal of 10 face-to-face donor visits per month, with an emphasis on cultivating new support.
• Participate in events, programs and activities for donor outreach, cultivation and stewardship
• Manage a “moves management” program in your portfolio with a focus on cultivating, rating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts.
• Document all cultivation and solicitation activities with prospects/donors and employ prospect clearance policies. Maintain accurate and timely records of all activities in donor database.
• Work with the CAO to identify and strategize giving options and to structure gifts that accommodate donor interests and meet institutional needs/opportunities.
• Ensure that gifts are recorded, acknowledged, and recognized in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Collaboration with the team and across other departments will be important to create a strong and continuous portfolio.
• Provide additional assistance to Executive Leadership Team members and members of the Advancement team as requested.

Skills & Qualifications:  

• Minimum of 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, with a proven track record of securing individual major gifts at the $100,000 level and higher.
• Experience using a donor database, prospect research and other wealth screening tools to support moves management process.
• Develop compelling proposals and gift strategies, including understanding various giving vehicles and planned giving options.
• Exemplary oral and written communications skills are necessary
• Ability to manage several development activities and strategies simultaneously while maintaining timeframes.
• Must have strong organizational and project management skills, as well as the ability to establish priorities and apply available information and resources to complete assignments on a timely basis.
• Excellent social skills and ability to relate to persons from many different backgrounds.
• Significant administrative work, including travel planning, itinerary building, correspondence, and accurate and timely documentation of all work.
• Experience with using Tessitura highly desirable
• Experience with using Microsoft’s Office 365 suite required
• Interest in genealogy, history or related subject matter is a plus.

Education Level:  

• Bachelor’s degree.   

This exciting opportunity is a full time; exempt position located at our headquarters on Newbury Street in Boston. Some of the outstanding benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, generous paid time off, paid holidays, Employee Assistance Program, tuition reimbursement, FSA, 403(b) Retirement plan, and so much more!

Salary: $109,200

To Apply 

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

Please include your last name and MGO in the subject line. 

No phone calls please.

Join the Team at American Ancestors

Are you passionate about uncovering family stories, solving historical mysteries, and helping people connect with their past? American Ancestors, one of the nation’s leading genealogical research organizations, is seeking a talented and enthusiastic Researcher to join our Research & Library Services team.

For more than 180 years, American Ancestors has been setting the gold standard for family history research. As a Researcher, you will work alongside a team of expert genealogists and historians, helping clients discover their family stories through thoughtful research, compelling writing, and exceptional service.

This is a full-time, non-exempt, hourly position based at our historic headquarters on beautiful Newbury Street in Boston. The schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday.

Why Join American Ancestors?

In addition to meaningful work that helps individuals preserve and understand their heritage, we offer an outstanding benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• AFLAC and life insurance
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Professional development opportunities
• A collaborative and mission-driven workplace
• And much more!

Responsibilities of the Researcher Position: 

As a member of our Research & Library Services team, you will:

• Conduct accurate and thorough genealogical and historical research using a wide variety of records, repositories, and methodologies.
• Analyze historical documents and evidence to solve complex family history questions.
• Produce detailed, well-written narrative research reports for clients.
• Manage research projects efficiently within established timeframes and budgets.
• Assist visitors and members in-person at our Brim-DeForest Library on the reference desk.
• Contribute articles, content, and research findings to American Ancestors publications, including American Ancestors magazine and Vita Brevis.
• Represent American Ancestors at virtual and in-person conferences, seminars, and educational events as needed.
• Collaborate with a team of dedicated professionals committed to advancing the study of family history.

Education Level for the Position: 

• Bachelor's degree in History, Genealogy, Anthropology, Library Science, or a related field.

Qualifications:

• 3–4 years of genealogical research experience preferred.
• Historical research experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to evaluate evidence and develop sound genealogical conclusions.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe products.
• Outstanding customer service skills and a client-focused approach.
• Familiarity with American Ancestors collections and resources preferred.
• Passion for family history and a commitment to research excellence.

Compensation

• $22.50 per hour
• 35-hour work week

To Apply 

Please submit the following materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter (tell us what excites you about genealogy and research)
• Writing Sample (required), preferred to be genealogical

Please send application materials to:
Michelle Major
Director of Human Resources
michelle.major@americanancestors.org

No phone calls please.

Basic Function of the Position: 

Working in a fast-paced and detail-oriented environment within the Research & Library Services department, the Finance Coordinator supports daily financial operations, including billing, payment processing, account reconciliation, and financial record maintenance. This position requires strong organizational skills, accuracy, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining excellent communication with internal staff and clients.

Working closely with the Finance team, The Finance Coordinator will utilize financial and customer relationship management systems, including Tessitura and Sage Intacct, to process transactions, maintain records, and assist with reporting and financial administration. This position is on-site at our Boston location and not eligible for remote work. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Process invoices, billing requests, and payments in a timely and accurate manner. 
• Maintain financial records and documentation within Sage Intacct and Tessitura systems. 
• Assist with accounts payable and accounts receivable functions. 
• Coordinate payment processing, including credit card payments, checks, ACH transactions, and online payments. 
• Reconcile financial records, transactions, and account discrepancies. 
• Serve as a point of contact for billing inquiries and payment-related questions from staff and clients. 
• Generate financial reports, spreadsheets, and account summaries as requested. 
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure accurate financial tracking and communication. 
• Assist with maintaining organized electronic and physical financial files and records. 
• Support month-end and year-end financial processes and audits. 
• Monitor and update financial tracking logs and databases. 
• Ensure confidentiality and security of financial and donor/customer information. 
• Assist with administrative and operational projects as assigned. 

Education/Experience Level for the Position:

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field. 
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in finance, accounting support, billing, or administrative coordination. 
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations or membership-based organizations preferred. 

Skill Level for the Position:

• Strong computer and financial software skills required. 
• Experience with Tessitura and Sage Intacct preferred. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite. 
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a time-sensitive environment. 
• Customer service and professional communication experience required. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments. 

How to Apply: 

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Michelle Major, Director of Human Resources, michelle.major@americanancestors.org Please include your last name and Finance Coordinator in the subject line of your email.

No phone calls please.

Salary: $22.50 per hour 19 hours per week 

Basic Function of the Position:

As a member of the Family Heritage Experience team, the Retail Associate helps create a welcoming and engaging shopping experience while serving as an ambassador for American Ancestors and its mission. Through thoughtful customer service, product knowledge, and strong visual presentation, the Retail Associate supports daily store operations and helps visitors discover meaningful ways to continue their family history journey.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position with a Tuesday through Saturday, 9:45 am – 6:15 pm schedule. The role is based on site at our headquarters on Newbury Street in Boston; remote work is not available.

American Ancestors offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan, generous paid time off, holidays, and more.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Customer Service: Greet visitors warmly, assist guests in selecting products, and share information about American Ancestors’ resources, programs, events, and mission to help enhance their experience.
• Sales & Transactions: Operate the point-of-sale system efficiently, process transactions accurately, and handle cash and credit card payments securely.
• Merchandising: Ensure the retail space is well-organized, clean, and visually appealing, including restocking shelves and arranging displays.
• Product Knowledge: Develop a thorough understanding of the merchandise, including books, gifts, and genealogy-related products, to provide knowledgeable recommendations.
• Inventory Management: Assist with inventory tracking, receiving new stock, and maintaining accurate product counts using inventory management software.
• Team Collaboration: Collaborate with colleagues across the institution to support daily operations, visitor engagement, and special initiatives. This may include, but it not limited to, providing temporary coverage for colleagues at the Front Desk.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

• Required: Previous retail experience, preferably in a museum, cultural institution, or similar environment.
• Preferred: Experience or an eye for creating attractive retail displays.  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Interest in history, genealogy, or cultural heritage is a plus.
• Availability to work a Tuesday through Saturday schedule, including some holidays and nights.
• Ability to lift 20 lbs and climb stairs. 

How To Apply: 

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Michelle Major, Director of Human Resources michelle.major@americanancestors.org. Please include your last name and Retail Associate in the subject line of your email.

No phone calls please.

Apply by: July 24, 2026

Salary: $18.00 per hour, 37.5 hours per week