Careers at American Ancestors/NEHGS

The Controller is an integral member of the finance team responsible for all accounting functions, systems and control procedures, and monitoring of budgetary functions. Under the direction of the CFO and leading a team of four, the Controller will establish, implement, and monitor the Society’s financial policies and procedures while achieving financial and operational objectives. This full time, Exempt position is located at our beautiful headquarters on Newbury Street in Boston. Some of the outstanding benefits include; medical, dental, vision, very generous paid time off, paid holidays, retirement plan, and much more!

Duties and Responsibilities

• Overall responsibility for the accounting and financial management systems of NEHGS, including maintenance and reconciliation of the general ledger and cash accounts, payables and cash disbursements, contributions, pledges (segregated by permanently restricted, donor restricted, board and unrestricted), cash receipts and fixed assets systems. Maintain proper and up to date records to ensure adequate accounting and financial controls.
• Overall responsibility for planning and accounting for cash, including operating and restricted funds. Prepare cash plans and forecasts for CFO.
• Supervises, manages, and mentors the four members of the finance office: Accounting Manager, Accountants (2), Accounts Payable Associate. Provides supervision and direction for designated staff; evaluates job performances and develops professional development plans for staff; ensures staff receive appropriate training and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of new developments in the financial arena.
• Prepare monthly financial reporting package for department heads, CFO, COO and President, on financial position, operating results, comparison with budgets and trends.
• Responsible for ensuring timely completion of annual independent audit, including financial audit, Form 990 and Form PC, and 5500 retirement audits. Lead and manage preparation of information required for auditors. Maintain records to ensure compliance with applicable accounting principles, grantor and regulatory agencies and restrictions by donors. Serves as the primary liaison with all external auditors.
• Periodically review and update, as necessary, internal controls and processes to safeguard the Society’s assets and ensure integrity of financial information.
• Oversee and serve as a "super user" for the accounting software (Sage Intacct ) which may include implementation, customization, instruction, maintenance, and upgrade to applications, systems, and modules in conjunction with the Director of IT.
• In coordination with the CFO, maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures and implement a system of controls over accounting transactions to minimize risk.
• Work collaboratively with other staff members and department leaders in advancing institutional goals.
• Participate in NEHGS committees as requested; attend weekly Managers meetings.
• Carry out special projects and create/direct the creation of reports as requested by the CFO, COO, CEO.

Education Level

Bachelor’s degree in accounting (CPA preferred)

Skills and Qualifications

• A minimum of seven years of supervisory experience with not-for-profit accounting and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal, collaborative, and supervisory skills.
• Thorough understanding of internal accounting controls, GAAP, and business processes.
• Hands on computer skills and deep knowledge with a variety of applications including accounting software, and Microsoft Excel and Word, and experience in the implementation of accounting software and reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve, independently and collaboratively.
• Advanced MS Office skills.
• Proficient in accounting and other business software. Experience with Sage Intacct, Tessitura CRM, and Shopify eCommerce software strongly preferred.
• Detail-orientation; focus upon accuracy; ability to effectively prioritize activities.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a timely and efficient manner.
• Must maintain the highest levels of respect, confidentiality, discretion, and teamwork.
• Appreciation, knowledge, and passion for the fields of genealogy and family history

Salary Range

$95,000- $ 130,000

How to Apply

Please send a compelling cover letter and resume with your last name and position tile of Controller to Michelle Major at mmajor@nehgs.org. No phone calls or recruiters, please.

Under the direction of the VP for Advancement, 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.

Education and Professional Experience

Bachelor’s degree with at least five years of professional experience in the development field including experience in corporate and foundation gift cultivation, working with foundation program officers, grant proposal writing, and successful solicitation at the $100,000 level and higher.

Duties and Responsibilities

• 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/ NEHGS 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 VP for Advancement 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.
• This position is remote/hybrid and living within the Northeast ACELA corridor with easy access to Boston and New York City for program officer and corporate meetings.

Skill and Qualifications

• Exemplary oral and written communications skills are necessary.
• This position is remote/hybrid and living within the Northeast Acela corridor with easy access to Boston and New York City for program officer and corporate meetings.
• 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.

Salary

$76,000-$96,000

How to Apply

Please send resume and a compelling cover letter to, Michelle Major, Director of Human Resources at mmajor@nehgs.org. No phone calls, please.

The full-time Member Services Associate fills a key role on our strong Member Services team, supporting our organizational mission to advance the understanding of family history in America and beyond. The Member Services team focuses on building strong relationships with our members and developing those relationships over time. The hours of this full-time, hourly position are Monday through Friday from 9:00–5:00. The position is located at our headquarters on beautiful Newbury Street in Boston and requires a hybrid remote and on-site presence.

Some of our outstanding benefits include medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, generous paid time off, 12 paid holidays, 403 b retirement plan, and much more!

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide customer service support to NEHGS members by phone, email, and in-person interactions
• Actively recruit, educate, and engage new members via outbound calls
• Perform initial troubleshooting steps to assist with technical questions and issues
• Effectively communicate knowledge of NEHGS 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
• Handle bookstore sales, signing in visitors, and orienting visitors to the library
• Participate in occasional NEHGS Education and Advancement events as needed
• Additional responsibilities as needed.

Desired Skills

• Experience in customer service and enthusiasm for helping people
• Outbound sales experience preferred
• 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

How to Apply

Please submit cover letter and resume to Michelle Major, Director of Human Resources at mmajor@nehgs.org. Please include your last name and position title of Member Services Associate in the title of your email. No phone calls, please.

American Ancestors is seeking a Research Director for our 10 Million Names project. This is a full-time position that can be hybrid at our beautiful Newbury Street, Boston location or, for the well matched person, fully remote.

Some of our outstanding benefits include medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, generous paid time off, 12 paid holidays, 403 b retirement plan, and much more!

Project Description

Between 1565 and 1865, ten million men, women, and children were enslaved on American soil. Four million of these individuals survived the Civil War and became U.S. citizens in 1865. These women, men, and children have at least 40 million descendants living in America today, but slavery separated families, erased names, and obscured facts.

As a result, more than 40 million Americans encounter a “brick wall” when attempting to trace their ancestors before 1870, the date of the first census to record previously enslaved people. This lasting legacy of slavery—the erasure of family history—is still with us today.

Through genealogical research, the 10 Million Names project proposes to recover the names of the ten million people enslaved in America and restore those names to their families and to history. We aim to amplify the voices of people who have been telling their family stories for centuries, to connect researchers and data partners with people seeking answers to family history questions, and to expand access to data, resources, and information about enslaved African Americans.

Function of the Position

Reporting to the Vice President of Research and Library Services the Research Director, 10 Million Names, is responsible for providing oversight and direction to NEHGS staff, volunteers, and contractors who perform genealogical research for members and other clients, assuring that the research experience and output is thorough, accurate, timely, and demonstrates a high regard for customer service. The incumbent will also supervise financial tracking and ensuring that the research process moves forward according to established schedules.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Choose pilot projects, verify and clarify research expectations, determine report type (family trees, databases, charts, travelogues, Register style, ahnentafels, family narratives, etc.) for the 10 Million Names project.
• Assign staff, volunteers, and contractors according to researcher experience, expertise, and availability to one (or several) of the 10 Million Names pilot projects.
• Ensure research process moves forward according to established schedules.
• Review outgoing research to ensure deliverables are well-written, thorough, accurate, and meet the established expectations of the constituent and donors.
• Supervise financial tracking to adhere to budget standards and guidelines.
• Oversee training and support opportunities for Ten Million Names staff to build, maintain, and share historical and genealogical research knowledge and experience.
• Perform research, as time permits.
• Other responsibilities, as assigned.

Skill and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in History, Library Science, Museum Studies, or related subject.
• Proven accuracy in genealogical and historical research, with 5+ years of professional experience focusing on Black, Indigenous, and persons of color (BIPOC) research.
• Demonstration of excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Prior experience with budget management.
• Prior experience in personnel management of teams of 5 or more staff members.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to manage and prioritize several tasks simultaneously.

Salary

$69,000-$74,000

How to Apply

Please send a compelling cover letter and resume to Michelle Major at mmajor@nehgs.org. No phone calls, please.

Multi-tasking in a busy time sensitive office, this position will assist the Director of Research & Library Services and the Research & Library Services Department. Excellent clerical skills are required as well as knowledge of Microsoft Office, CRM software, and PayPal. This position requires excellent communication skills and telephone etiquette in dealing with patrons as well as written communication skills. This position will respond to patron requests via email and telephone in a timely manner. This is a full-time non exempt , hourly position eligible for benefits.

The position is located at our headquarters on beautiful Newbury Street in Boston.

Some of our outstanding benefits include medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, generous paid time off, 12 paid holidays, 403 b retirement plan, and much more!

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinates activities for the Research & Library Services Team
• Assist Library Services with Photocopy and Manuscript requests, along with billing patrons
• Maintain proper, positive, and respectful communication with future prospective clients via email, telephone, and in person meetings.
• Assists with research-for-hire intake for genealogy projects.
• Point of contact for communication with clients regarding research, billing, paperwork, questions, and concerns, which includes email, mail, phone, and voicemail.
• Maintain Tessitura, the Advancement log, and Research Services log in an organized and clear manner.
• Assist with training, time management, and productivity of Research & Library Services Department
• Collaborate, share, and provide status updates with advancement, membership, and other departments to ensure strong communication between departments.
• Oversee the organization, filling, and storing of past archived cases. Assist Collection Services with the archive and scanning process.
• Assist Researchers and Genealogists with ordering vital records.
• Assist Director of Research & Library Services with tasks relating to Lineage Societies reviews and billing

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Skills

• Computer skills; with emphasis in Microsoft Office, Mail-Merge, CRM software, PayPal, Web Content Management Software.
• Familiarity with Shopify.
• Customer service experience a must.
• High level of organizational skills and attention to detail
• Interest in genealogy, history, or related subject matter.

Salary

$22.50 an hour

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Michelle Major, Director of Human Resources at mmajor@nehgs.org. Please include your last name and position title of RS Coordinator in the title of your email. No phone calls, please.

American Ancestors and the New England Historic Genealogical Society seeks a full-time or part-time Researcher. Under the direction of Vice President of Research & Library Services and the Manager 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 or part-time, non-exempt, hourly position located at our beautiful headquarters on Newbury Street in Boston.

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

• Provide accurate genealogical and historical research, using knowledge of genealogical skills, techniques, and sources.
• Efficiently conduct research in an allotted hourly time frame
• If full-time, assist with in-person reference desk visitation at our Library in Boston
• Contribute to the New England Historic Genealogical Society publications including American Ancestors magazine and our online blog, Vita Brevis.
• Attend virtual and in-person genealogical conferences (as needed)

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 NEHGS collection

Education Level

Bachelor’s degree in a history related field or related experience.

Salary

$22 per hour

How To Apply

Please send resume, genealogical sample, and a compelling cover letter to Michelle Major, Director of Human Resources at mmajor@nehgs.org. No phone calls please.

Reporting to the Vice President of Communications & Digital Strategy, the Social Media Coordinator is primarily responsible for collaborating with other members of the Communications and Marketing teams and internal stakeholders to substantially grow the American Ancestors/NEHGS social media audience through successful, on-brand social media campaigns.

The Social Media Coordinator will plan and execute all social media, establish KPIs, plan and execute social media campaigns, create copy (or work with the Digital Content Producer to leverage existing copy), select images analyze results, and adjust campaigns for maximum performance.

This position requires a creative, experimental approach to copy and images, a deep familiarity with social media platforms and trends, and a passion for family history, along with a mastery of American Ancestors/NEHGS’s services, products, and mission – and thorough knowledge of our brand guidelines. The person in this role will need to be an independent multitasker who can proactively work with others to keep projects moving along so deadlines are met.

Experience with Hubspot is a plus.

This is an hourly, non-exempt position eligible for benefits. Some of our amazing benefits include; very generous paid time off plus 12 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays, medical from Harvard Pilgrim, dental from Blue Cross, EyeMed vision, 403 (b) retirement plan with a 7% contribution after 2 years of service, Employee Assistance program, AFLAC, and much more!

Duties and Responsibilities

• Write or leverage existing clear, concise, on-brand copy for social media channels (Currently Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linked In, and YouTube)
• Establish and benchmark against ambitious KPIs to grow social media audience, and use data to test, iterate and enhance copy for optimal effectiveness. Familiarity with digital analytics and experience applying data to optimize content performance.
• Collaborate strategically with communications, marketing, internal staff, and external vendors
• Interpret creative, strategic and technical concepts and translate them into persuasive messaging for the target audience
• Embody the voice of the brand across channels and touchpoints, collaborating closely with communications on brand principles
• Proofread and self-edit to deliver work that meets the highest standards
• Work with co-branding partners, cross team members, and vendors to leverage brand messages through internal and external channels to suggest cross-promotional opportunities
• Help maintain accessibility standards and procedures across digital platforms

Education Level

Bachelor's degree or related experience in Web Development, Digital Communications, Communications, Marketing, Journalism or related field

Skill and Qualifications

• At least three years of experience as a social media coordinator or similar role, and proven experience expanding a social media audience through original campaigns
• Proficient in posting on a variety of social media platforms
• Understanding of SEO and web traffic data
• Highly developed written communication skills and a portfolio that highlights your range of experiences
• Experience creating creative, visually engaging content with proven success
• A love of fast-paced, collaborative environments, where high-volume and short turnaround times are the norm
• The ability to self-edit and deliver high quality copy
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects at once
• A positive, team focused attitude and passion for working in fast-paced environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills: Demonstrated ability to cooperate and communicate with others
• Flexibility to handle changing priorities and the ability to thrive and work efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment required

Salary

$52,000-$55,000

How to Apply

Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is hired. Please submit cover letter and resume to Michelle Major, Director of Human Resources at mmajor@nehgs.org.

American Ancestors is seeking a Volunteer Coordinator for our 10 Million Names project. This is a full-time, hourly position that can be hybrid at our beautiful Newbury Street, Boston location or, for the well matched person, fully remote.

Some of our outstanding benefits include medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, generous paid time off, 12 paid holidays, 403 b retirement plan, and much more!

Project Description

Between 1565 and 1865, ten million men, women, and children were enslaved on American soil. Four million of these individuals survived the Civil War and became U.S. citizens in 1865. These women, men, and children have at least 40 million descendants living in America today, but slavery separated families, erased names, and obscured facts.

As a result, more than 40 million Americans encounter a “brick wall” when attempting to trace their ancestors before 1870, the date of the first census to record previously enslaved people. This lasting legacy of slavery—the erasure of family history—is still with us today.

Through genealogical research, the 10 Million Names project proposes to recover the names of the ten million people enslaved in America and restore those names to their families and to history. We aim to amplify the voices of people who have been telling their family stories for centuries, to connect researchers and data partners with people seeking answers to family history questions, and to expand access to data, resources, and information about enslaved African Americans.

Function of the Position

Reporting to the Research Director, the Volunteer Coordinator, 10 Million Names , coordinates the activities of the volunteers and other external contributors to the 10 Million Names project, assuring that the research and output is thorough, accurate, and timely. It will be vital for this position to maintain an active and collegial relationship with each 10 Million Names volunteer and create a happy and collaborative community of interested participants.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Recruit, train, and schedule volunteers to fill the needs of 10 Million Names project.
• Maintain contact information of 10 Million Names volunteers.
• Monitor and track the activities and hours of the volunteers.
• Communicate with 10 Million Names Director to assess the performance and use of volunteers.
• Organize events and benefits to recognize volunteer efforts.
• Ensure research moves forward according to established schedules.
• Review research to ensure deliverables are well-written, thorough, accurate, and meet the established expectations.
• Oversee training and support opportunities for Ten Million Names volunteers to build, maintain, and share historical and genealogical research knowledge and experience.
• Assist patrons with general inquiries
• Other responsibilities, as assigned.

Skill and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in History, Library Science, Museum Studies, or related subject
• 3+ years of professional experience with a focus on African American historical research or persons of color (BIPOC)
• Demonstration of excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Prior experience in personnel management of teams of 5 or more staff members
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
• Ability to manage and prioritize several tasks simultaneously.

Salary

$24.00- $26.50 per hour 35 hours per week

How to Apply

Please send a compelling cover letter and resume, with your last name and position tile of Volunteer Coordinator, to Michelle Major at mmajor@nehgs.org. No phone calls, please.