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.

Apply by: 06/02/2026

Salary: $22.50 per hour 19 hours per week 

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 Monday through Friday from 10:00am–6:00pm. Part-time consideration for the right candidate may be an option. 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 meaningful and growing mission, with the potential to take on increased responsibilities
• Microsoft Office and Windows computer proficiency required
• Poised and professional customer service skills, in person and by phone
• Familiarity with CRM database software (especially 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 F/T, 21 hours per week P/T

How to Apply: 

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.

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 
 

American Ancestors is seeking a technically proficient professional to deliver first-level technical support and to assist in maintaining and documenting the American Ancestors systems that support business operations. Reporting to the Director of Business Systems, the Technical Support & Integration Associate is a hybrid support-and-technical position offering the opportunity to expand into testing and integration responsibilities over time. The successful candidate will possess practical familiarity with contemporary development tools and a demonstrated commitment to mastering our internal systems. As the position develops, responsibilities are anticipated to expand to include writing and maintaining automated tests, as well as ad-hoc integration tasks as they arise. This is an in-person, non-exempt, hourly position is located at our Boston office.

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

Key Responsibilities: 

• Provide first-level technical support for business operations
• Provide rotating support for operational technology
• Document our technical processes and maintain internal documentation

Education/Experience Level for the Position: 

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field, or equivalent practical experience
• One to three years in a technical support, help-desk, or junior development role; candidates with demonstrable hands-on experience in lieu of formal employment history are encouraged to apply

Skill Level for the Position: 

• Proficiency with GitHub or other source-control systems
• Familiarity with object-oriented programming
• Familiarity with CRM software (e.g., Tessitura, HubSpot)
• Familiarity with cloud services (e.g., Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure)

Preferred (Optional) Skills

• Familiarity with end-to-end testing frameworks (e.g., Cypress, Playwright)
• Experience with React

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 Technical Support & Integration Associate in the subject line of your email.

No phone calls please.

Apply by: 07/10/2026

Salary: $35.00 per hour; 35 hours per week 
 

10 Million Names is a collaborative project dedicated to recovering the names of the estimated 10 million men, women, and children of African descent who were enslaved in pre- and post-colonial America (specifically, the territory that would become the United States) between the 1500s and 1865.

The project seeks to amplify the voices of people who have been telling their family stories for centuries, connect researchers and data partners with people seeking answers to family history questions, and expand access to data, resources, and information about enslaved African Americans.

American Ancestors seeks a full-time Researcher. Under the direction of the 10 Million Names Director of Research, a Researcher will conduct genealogical and historical research, in written and verbal form. This exciting opportunity is available as a full time, non-exempt, hourly position.

We are looking for candidates who are experienced in and knowledgeable in African American genealogy, specifically for areas within North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.  

This specific position is open to applicants who currently reside in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia, and is a remote opportunity.  

American Ancestors offers outstanding benefits for full-time employees which include medical, dental, vision, AFLAC, life insurance, generous paid time off, paid holidays, Employee Assistance Program, tuition reimbursement, FSA, 403(b) retirement plan, and so much more! 

Responsibilities of Researcher Position: 

• Provide accurate genealogical and historical research, using knowledge of genealogical skills, techniques, and sources. 
• African American genealogy and historical research, specific to areas within North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia 
• Efficiently conduct research in an allotted hourly time frame 
• Assist with Ask a Genealogist online reference chat through AmericanAncestors.org [Friday shift]. 
• Contribute to American Ancestors’ publications including American Ancestors magazine and our online blog, Vita Brevis.  
• Attend virtual and in-person genealogical conferences (as needed) 

Education Level for the Position: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a history related field 

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of genealogical or historical African American research experience (required) 
• Expertise in genealogical research with a specialty in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia (required) 
• Ability to analyze documents and compile detailed narrative research reports 
• Writing skills 
• Computer skills  
• Knowledge of Microsoft and Adobe  
• Customer Service Experience 
• Knowledge of the American Ancestors’ collection 

Salary range: $22.50/hour 35 hours per week      

How To Apply: 

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

No phone calls, please. 

The Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center (JHC) at American Ancestors seeks a creative and detail-oriented individual to join its team as Marketing and Engagement Associate. This position will increase awareness of and engagement with the JHC by managing the JHC’s social media presence; promoting JHC programs, resources, and events across multiple digital platforms; and updating the JHC website, among other responsibilities. 

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Marketing and Engagement Associate will be a key member of the JHC team, promoting the mission, work, and programs of the Jewish Heritage Center. The successful candidate will demonstrate a creative approach to communicating about Jewish history and archives and to building engaged, enthusiastic audiences. 

This is a full-time, non-exempt position, 35 hours a week, Monday through Friday, at the American Ancestors headquarters on Newbury Street in Boston, with a potential for hybrid work after the initial introductory period (at least 3 days in person in the JHC’s offices preferred).

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, generous paid time off, paid holidays, Employee Assistance Program, tuition reimbursement, FSA, 403(b) Retirement plan, and much more!

Responsibilities  

• Overall: Familiarize oneself with the stories, materials, and images in the archives, in order to communicate about and create interest in the JHC’s historical resources and programs in a dynamic way
• Develop and implement a social media plan that increases followers and results in increased engagement with the JHC. Create content in the form of posts, graphics, and vertical videos
• Draft and post marketing copy for a variety of platforms and purposes
• Conduct outreach to selected communities, institutions, and partners to increase their awareness of JHC mission, assets, and programs
• Draft bimonthly e-newsletters and coordinate their production 
• Update JHC website as needed
• Digitize archival materials to use as marketing assets
• Research and build contact lists to support key activities and programs
• Track and compile audience metrics
• Other tasks as assigned

Required Qualifications  

• Minimum 2-3 years' experience in a professional marketing, communications, and/or community engagement role.
• Demonstrable track record of using social media platforms to measurably expand awareness, use, and engagement; increase followers. Experience establishing institutional personality and voice through social media.
• Superb writing and communication skills; ability to adapt institutional messaging to different audiences
• Experience and comfort with content management systems (Wordpress and/or Drupal)
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask
• Proficiency with Office applications
• Excellent online research skills
• Familiarity with image editing software, such as InDesign, Photoshop and/or Canva
• Openness and eagerness to learn new skills and take on new projects as assigned
• Collaborative, positive team player
• Interest in history and/or Jewish history.

Preferred Qualifications  

• Familiarity with Google Analytics, database management, and other analytical tools
• Experience with mail delivery systems, such as Hubspot or Constant Contact
• Experience with media relations a plus
• Photography experience a plus
• Understanding of archives and library practices
• Experience in mission-based organizations

About the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center

The Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center (JHC) at American Ancestors is a research and educational center dedicated to preserving Jewish history, connecting people to their Jewish heritage, and illuminating the American Jewish experience. Through its extensive archival collections focused on New England Jewish families and institutions; educational resources; and public programming, the JHC engages historians, genealogists, students, and the general public in the study of Jewish history, heritage, and culture. The JHC is part of American Ancestors, the country’s founding genealogical organization and today a national nonprofit center for family history, heritage, and culture.

The JHC staff is a small, mutually supportive team with a lively culture and a passion for the Jewish history in its archives. As part of American Ancestors, the JHC staff regularly interacts and collaborates with colleagues across the larger organization. While focused on promoting Jewish Heritage Center news, events, and historical assets, the Marketing and Engagement Associate regularly communicates and coordinates with members of the American Ancestors marketing and communications team.

Application Instructions  

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

Please include your last name and “JHC Marketing and Engagement Associate” in the subject line of your email. No phone calls, please.

Apply by August 7, 2026

Compensation: $30 per hour; 35 hours per week.