Careers at American Ancestors

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  

Under the direction of the Chief Advancement Officer, the Corporate & Foundations Giving Officer will assist in executing and developing a corporate and foundations portfolio to fund the important work of American Ancestors, the oldest and largest genealogical society in the country.  Using moves management and prospect tracking, this Corporate & Foundations Giving Officer will be responsible for assisting with the identification, rating, cultivation, solicitation, recognition, and stewardship of assigned prospects and donors. 

This exciting opportunity is a full-time, exempt position. 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. 

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Manage and develop 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 corporate/foundation program officers and senior executives, including face-to-face visits, as well as email, telephone, and mail communications and other appropriate moves management.
• Demonstrated experience with initiating relationships and building an institutional portfolio from scratch that could be beneficial.
• Experience and success in securing state and federal government funding/grants.
• Participate in outreach and stewardship activities for donors including quarterly dinners and American Ancestors programs.
• Participate in “moves management” program with a focus on cultivating, rating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts.
• Document all cultivation and solicitation activities with prospects/donors and employ prospect clearance policies. Maintains 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.
• Manage the grant process from proposal to administration.
• Ensure that gifts are recorded, acknowledged, and recognized in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Collaboration with the team will be important to create a strong and continuous portfolio.
• Provide additional assistance to organizational executives and other members of the Advancement team as requested.

Desired Skills: 

• A skilled foundation and corporate fundraiser with at least 7 years of experience raising and managing foundation portfolios and corporate support.
• Demonstrated experience in securing foundation funding and corporate sponsorship is essential.  
• Familiarity with national markets for history, genealogical, library, and/or educational nonprofits is highly desired.
• Knowledge of Boston-based institutional funders a plus.
• 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.

Full-time, exempt position salary $109,200.00-$125,000

To Apply 

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

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

No phone calls please.

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.

American Ancestors seeks a full-time Researcher. Under the direction of the Director of Research & Library Services, 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 located at our beautiful headquarters on Newbury Street in Boston and is Tuesday-Saturday. 

Some of the outstanding benefits for the full-time position 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 the Researcher Position: 

• Provide accurate genealogical and historical research, using knowledge of genealogical skills, techniques, and sources.
• Efficiently conduct research in an allotted hourly time frame
• Assist with in-person reference desk visitation at our Library in Boston. This position is Tuesday-Saturday and must be able to work on-site in Boston at least one day per week.
• 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:

• Genealogical Training
• 3-4 years of genealogical or historical research experience
• Ability to analyze documents and compile detailed narrative research reports.
• Writing skills
• Computer skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft and Adobe
• Customer services experience
• Knowledge of the American Ancestors’ collection

Hourly salary of $22.50, 35 hours per week.

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.

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.