Careers at American Ancestors/NEHGS

The Database Projects Manager will be responsible for acquiring, structuring, and publishing genealogical database content that enhances the online searchable collections available to members of American Ancestors. They will also produce webinars, articles, and other content to educate members and staff about new and current database collections. This is a full-time, exempt position located at our beautiful headquarters on Newbury Street in Boston.

Some of our amazing benefits include; generous paid time off, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, AFLAC, employee assistance program, and much more!

Primary Focus Areas

Relationship Management. American Ancestors seeks to continually expand its database collections in specific areas to support a growing population of members. This person will maintain a responsive, well-organized relationship with existing and new partners throughout the publication process.

Data Publishing. The Database Projects Manager will evaluate, prepare, and structure data for publishing so it can be effectively searched in the form of an online database. This person will also define any needed enhancement to the department’s development tools and process to help speed the publication process, and work with the Director of Database & Search Technology to implement them. This person will also be managing the flow of data through internal servers and storage through to archive in the cloud. Supervising, training, and mentoring the Database Projects Coordinator to respond to customer correspondence regarding database updates and corrections.

Data indexing. The Database Projects Manager will oversee the indexing of all database collections. This person will manage the Volunteer Coordinator and 150+ website volunteer force. This person will also manage deliverables and contract negotiations with third-party indexing vendors. Projects will be prioritized and assigned to volunteers and third parties, to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget and meeting all contractual obligations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage all digital database projects, tracking timeliness of projects and ensuring that all phases of the project and life cycle are met.
• Manage the indexing process with volunteers and contractors to ensure projects are completed on time with high quality
• Use the Collections Administration Tool and others to complete the publication process for new database, and to update existing databases.
• Use SQL Server Management Studio to create queries, troubleshoot problems, and make database modifications.
• Help define an optimal search experience for AmericanAncestors.com website users; document and communicate search functionality requirements for developers.
• Create and deliver presentations on search functionality to internal staff and NEHGS members.
• Work with Microsoft Excel to manipulate indexed data from internal and external sources and complete the publication process.

Skill and Qualifications

• Experience working with SQL Server and the SQL Server Management Studio
• Strong analytical capabilities
• Ability to stay focused on complex projects, while retaining a high degree of attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical staff and end-users; excellent customer service skills
• Expertise in troubleshooting and solving data-related inconsistencies
• Preferred skills/must demonstrate a strong interest in: Genealogy and/or historical data and Search user experience
• Knowledge of Excel, particularly data search and manipulation functions. VBA macros are a plus
• Digital image processing concepts and tools
• Python or other scripting languages
• Content management system experience (WordPress and/or Drupal)
• Photoshop
• Software or website functionality testing
• Experience with search engine applications such as Elastic Search

Education Level

Bachelor’s degree in Library Science or History related area, or equivalent work experience.

Salary

$60,000-$70,000 per year

How to Apply

Apply by March 15, 2024. Please submit a cover letter and resume to Michelle Major, Director of Human Resources at mmajor@nehgs.org. Include your last name and "Database Projects Manager” in the subject line of your email. No phone calls, please.

The Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center (JHC), an archive and educational center whose collections specialize in the Jewish history of Boston and New England, is seeking candidates for a Historian in Residence position in the 2024-2025 academic year. An exciting opportunity for a post doc, scholar at the beginning of their academic career, adjunct faculty member, public historian, or teacher, the Historian in Residence will provide scholarly expertise to the JHC, will conduct research within the JHC’s archives, and will spotlight stories and insights from the collections in articles and talks for the public.

Responsibilities

The Historian in Residence’s responsibilities include research, writing, and presentations using the JHC’s collections. The historian will:

• Design and implement a research project on a topic or theme inspired by the holdings of the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center (in consultation with JHC staff); and connect and contextualize that topic within American Jewish history by also consulting related holdings at other local or national repositories.
• Write a minimum of two articles based on this research for publication in American Ancestors magazine and contribute occasional blog posts to the JHC and American Ancestors websites.
• Develop at least two lectures based on their research, to be presented online or in person, with the possibility of contributing to other public programs given by the JHC.
• Provide consultation to JHC staff about Jewish history as/when needed.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will:

• Have at minimum a Master’s degree in history, American Jewish history, or a related field.
• Demonstrate superb writing, research, and presentation skills.
• Have experience with public history and/or interpreting and presenting historical content for a wide variety of audiences.
• Be able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of the JHC team.

Terms and Stipend

Reporting to the Executive Director, this flexible, funded position begins on or after September 1, 2024, within a mutually agreed-upon schedule. This could entail 15–20 hours a week over the academic year (September 2024 through May 2025), or full-time work over a 4–5 month period. Remote work is possible, but the Historian is expected to spend at least some time each month working onsite with the JHC’s collections. The annual stipend for the academic year is $30,000.

To Apply

Candidates should submit a resume and/or CV; two references; and a statement of interest (no more than 1,000 words) that addresses:

• Your current research interests
• Your experience researching in archival collections
• A research project using JHC collections that you would propose after having reviewed collection information on the JHC website (JewishHeritageCenter.org/archives/collections). (Note: this proposed project is not binding.)
• 3 to 4 JHC collections you might use for this project
• Related collections at local or national archival repositories that you might consult.

Please send the above materials to:

Rachel King, Executive Director
Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center at American Ancestors
99-101 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02116
rachel.king@nehgs.org

About the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center at American Ancestors

The Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center (JHC) is a premier center for collecting, preserving, and illuminating Jewish history and heritage. Located at American Ancestors in Boston, the country’s founding genealogical organization, the JHC serves thousands of historians, genealogists, students, and members of the public each year. Its archives focus on the Jewish history of New England and contain more than four million records and more than 700,000 searchable documents in its digital collections. The JHC also offers educational programs about Jewish history, heritage, and culture at its historic Boston home, in the community, and online.

The Historian in Residence position is funded by Richard Schilder and the Schilder Family, in honor of Justin L. Wyner.