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
 
 

Function of the Position:  

American Ancestors and the New England Historic Genealogical Society is hiring a Junior Accountant reporting to the Controller and working across all departments. The Junior Accountant supports the finance team in maintaining accurate financial records, performing account reconciliations, preparing journal entries, and assisting with month-end and year-end close processes. This role is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career professional looking to gain hands-on experience in accounting operations and develop a strong foundation in financial reporting and compliance. This full-time, hourly position is hybrid eligible and located at our headquarters in Boston.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Duties and responsibilities may include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Record daily financial transactions in the general ledger and accounting system.
• Reconcile cash and credit accounts with monthly banks statements.
• Conduct billing, collection, and accounting for accounts receivable.
• Maintain organized and accurate accounting files and documentation.
• Reconcile income statement and balance sheet accounts; book journal entries, including those for current accounts including prepaids, accruals and allocations.
• Assist the Senior Accountant and Controller with month-end and year-end close activities, including financial statement preparation.
• Assist in the preparation of audit schedules and provide supporting documentation as needed.
• Work as an accounting team member to ensure success for accurate and timely reporting of financial information
• Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Other responsibilities as designated by the Controller and CFO.

Skill and Qualifications: 

• 1-3 years of accounting experience, with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent combination of education and experience in related field required.
• Familiarity with nonprofit or fund accounting is preferred
• Computer software experience, including Microsoft Excel and Word; SAGE or similar accounting software is preferred
• Must be a team player, detail oriented, possess the ability to prioritize tasks well and work with various staff and managers.
• Strong understanding of basic accounting principles (GAAP).
• Commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and integrity.

Some of our amazing benefits include; very generous paid time off, plus 12 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays, medical insurance, dental, vision, 403 (b) retirement plan with a 7% contribution after 2 years of service, Employee Assistance program, AFLAC, and much more!

Hourly salary of $27.00, 35 hours per week.

To Apply 

Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is hired.

To apply, please email a resume and compelling cover letter to Michelle Major, Director of Human Resources, michelle.major@americanancestors.org

Please mention Junior Accountant in the subject line.

No phone calls or recruiters please.