Careers at American Ancestors

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

Function of the Position:  

The Assistant Archivist supports the Special Collections Manager and Digital Archivist with the daily operation of the R. Stanton Avery Special Collections. R. Stanton Avery Special Collections collects, preserves, and provides access to manuscripts, archival materials, and rare books in the American Ancestors’ collection. The Assistant Archivist is responsible for processing manuscript collections, creating finding aids, producing MARC records, supporting preservation and access to the rare book collection, and assisting with Special Collections reference services. This is a full-time, non-exempt position, Tuesday through Saturday with regular on-site 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: 

• Arrange and describe manuscript items and collections to established standards such as DACS, and American Ancestors Special Collections policies and procedures - includes processing, preservation, and preparation of finding aids.
• Assist Special Collections Manager with accessioning newly acquired collections.
• Produce MARC records using OCLC’s Connexion, and Sierra Integrated Library System.
• Assist with reference services including reference desk coverage, the retrieval of manuscripts requested by patrons, the supervision of their use, and re-shelving.
• Support Special Collections Manager in the oversight of American Ancestors’ rare book collection.
• May research, write, and publish content about collections and department activities.
• Assist with photocopy requests, scanning, digital curation, and other tasks to support the activities of the department. 

Required Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree with archives management emphasis or concentration
• Minimum 1-3 years' experience processing archival or manuscript collections.

Skill and Qualifications: 

• Work experience with processing manuscript collections using MPLP/extensible processing methods.
• Demonstrated understanding of current archival theory and practice with knowledge of archival description standards and practices including DACS.
• Knowledge of MARC encoded formatting, RDA archival description standards, and the use of controlled vocabularies.
• Experience working with an archival content management system, preferably ArchivesSpace.
• Ability to lift 30 lb. boxes, to pull boxes from the top and bottom shelves, and to work in an environment where exposure to dust and mold is possible.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills and attention to detail.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently, cross-functionally, and collaboratively and effectively as a team member.
• Some knowledge of genealogy is helpful.

Salary range is non-exempt, $25-$27 per hour, 35 hours per week, commensurate with candidate's experience.

To Apply 

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

Please include your last name and Assistant Archivist in the subject line of your email.  

No phone calls please