Genealogy Specialist
The Center for Jewish History seeks a Genealogy Specialist to assist patrons of the Ackman & Ziff Family Genealogy Institute in person and remotely.
The Ackman & Ziff Family Genealogy Institute stands out as a unique destination for those passionate about family history because of its openness, expertise, innovative programs, and access to archival collections. The Genealogy Institute has been connecting researchers with their history and heritage for over 15 years at the Center for Jewish History, which provides a collaborative home for five partner organizations: American Jewish Historical Society, American Sephardi Federation, Leo Baeck Institute, Yeshiva University Museum, and YIVO Institute for Jewish Research. The partners’ archives, which researchers access in the Lillian Goldman Reading Room adjacent to the Genealogy Institute, comprise the world’s largest and most comprehensive archive of the modern Jewish experience outside of Israel. The successful applicant will join a dynamic team of forward-thinking and professionally engaged Center librarians.
Reporting to the Senior Manager for Public Services and working closely with the Senior Genealogy Librarian, the Genealogy Specialist will oversee and cooperate with genealogy volunteers to instruct researchers in the use of online genealogy databases, as well as direct researchers to resources located in the collections of the onsite partner organizations at the Center for Jewish History. The Genealogy Specialist will undertake special projects related to genealogy in order to advance institutional and departmental goals and increase public and donor engagement with the Genealogy Institute.
As needed, the Genealogy Specialist will provide online classes and workshops, social media tutorials, and guidance to patrons concerning research at the Genealogy Institute.
The Genealogy Specialist will provide assistance with database research and document-based queries for participants in the DNA Reunion Project at the Center for Jewish History.
This is a full-time position requiring 4 days per week onsite, with a work-from-home option on Fridays.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Responding to genealogy inquiries via in-person interviews, phone, email, and Zoom.
• Facilitating genealogy group workshops.
• Creating genealogy-related social media content.
• Training and supervision of genealogy volunteers and interns.
• Updating and expanding genealogy-related research guides.
• Helping patrons and troubleshooting usage of Genealogy Institute technologies, such as microfilm readers, public computers, and printers.
• Participating in special projects, including the creation of family history portfolios for donors or potential donors.
• Coordinating community outreach opportunities.
Required Qualifications:
• Deep knowledge of genealogy research and resources, with an emphasis on Jewish genealogy.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a collaborative setting.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school.
• Knowledge of Hebrew, Yiddish, and/or Russian.
Company Benefits:
• 15-21 federal and religious holidays off each year in addition to generous vacation, sick and personal days.
• Full health benefits (medical, dental and vision) with minimal employee contributions.
• Free life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible spending account and commuter benefits.
• Generous 403b retirement benefits.
Salary: $55,000
The Center for Jewish History is committed to diversity and inclusion. Qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives to the workplace are especially encouraged to apply.
Please submit cover letter and resume to Lauren Gilbert, Senior Manager for Public Services, at lgilbert@cjh.org. No phone calls, please.
