American Ancestors 99-101 Newbury Street Boston, MA 02116

Website Email Date Posted:

September 17, 2026

Region:

Eastern Massachusetts Category:

Executive Type:

Full-Time Executive Director of The Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center (JHC)

Description:

The Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center (JHC) at American Ancestors seeks an experienced and strategic professional to serve as Executive Director. The JHC is a premier history center dedicated to preserving, illuminating, and sharing the history of Jewish families, institutions, and communities in New England while connecting that history to the broader American Jewish experience. Through its extensive archives, educational programs and resources, public events, and support of scholarship, the JHC engages historians, genealogists, students, and the general public in the study and understanding of Jewish history and heritage. About the Role Reporting to the CEO of American Ancestors, the Executive Director provides the strategic, operational, and public leadership for the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center. This position serves as the JHC's chief ambassador, fundraiser, and organizational leader, guiding its continued growth, visibility, and impact. The Executive Director oversees all aspects of the Center's operations, including strategic planning, fundraising, financial management, public and educational programming, external partnerships, communications, and staff leadership. Working closely with an Advisory Board, staff, and colleagues across American Ancestors, the Executive Director builds meaningful relationships with donors, scholars, educators, community leaders, and partner organizations to advance the Center's mission and ensure its long-term sustainability. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who believes that history is a powerful tool for understanding—and that learning about Jewish community and family history enables people to discover their place within a larger American Jewish story, strengthening identity and community. The successful candidate will combine strategic thinking with hands-on leadership, cultivate philanthropy and partnerships, lead with warmth and conviction, and guide a respected institution through its next chapter of growth. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership In partnership with key internal and external stakeholders, develop and implement a compelling strategic vision for the Jewish Heritage Center that advances its mission, strengthens its long-term sustainability, and increases its visibility and impact. Identify opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and growth while ensuring the JHC remains responsive to the needs of the communities it serves. Establish priorities, measure outcomes, and lead organizational planning in partnership with American Ancestors leadership and the JHC Advisory Board. Organizational Leadership and Operations Lead, mentor, and inspire a talented staff, fostering a collaborative, mission-driven culture grounded in excellence, dedication, and mutual respect. Oversee the Center's daily operations, ensuring effective management of personnel, budgets, projects, and organizational resources. Develop and manage the JHC's annual operating budget. Ensure that programs, initiatives, and organizational practices reflect the highest standards of professionalism and quality. Fundraising and External Relations Serve as the Center's chief representative and principal relationship builder with donors, foundations, partner organizations, and community stakeholders. Articulate a compelling case for investment in the JHC's mission, and partner with American Ancestors development staff to cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic support from individuals and institutions. Represent the organization at fundraising and community events. Build and strengthen strategic partnerships that expand the JHC's reach, enhance programming, and create new opportunities for collaboration. Board and Institutional Collaboration Partner effectively with the Advisory Council, supporting its engagement in strategic planning, fundraising, and community advocacy. Collaborate closely with colleagues across American Ancestors to advance shared organizational goals and integrate the Center's work into broader institutional initiatives. Represent the Center with professionalism, diplomacy, and integrity, building consensus across diverse constituencies and perspectives. Collections, Scholarship, and Mission Champion the preservation, accessibility, and responsible stewardship of the Center's archival collections. Support scholarship, historical research, and educational initiatives that illuminate the richness and diversity of Jewish life in New England and beyond. Foster meaningful connections between historical collections and contemporary audiences, so that the JHC's work is both rigorous and broadly accessible. Public Engagement and Communications Serve as the primary public spokesperson for the Jewish Heritage Center, communicating its mission and impact through public speaking, writing, programming, and community outreach. Guide the development of communications that inspire broad public engagement and demonstrate the relevance of Jewish history to contemporary audiences. Ensure the continued growth of educational initiatives, public programs, exhibitions, digital resources, and scholarly activities that advance the Center's mission and expand its reach.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree; graduate degree in related discipline. Experience in non­profit governance or operations or equivalent business experience; working knowledge of non-profit fiscal management; and experience working with a board or advisory council. Demonstrated success in working with other cultural-organization and Jewish-community leaders, performing outreach, and developing partnerships. Expertise in areas of Jewish cultural or local history. Experience or strong interest in Jewish genealogy. Knowledge of Jewish traditions, holidays, and observance; and a history of community involvement. Strong leadership skills. Demonstrated success in grant applications and fundraising. Demonstrated ability in public speaking. Excellent interpersonal communication skills.

How To Apply:

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! 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 Executive Director in the subject of your email. No phone calls please.

Apply by:

October 16, 2026

Salary:

$130,000 - $136,000 / Per year About this

Organization:

American Ancestors / New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) is America's founding genealogical organization and the most respected name in family history. Established in 1845, American Ancestors is the nation's leading resource for family history research. American Ancestors provides comprehensive family history services through an expert staff, original scholarship, educational opportunities, world-class research center, and award-winning website, AmericanAncestors.org, to help family historians of all levels explore their past and understand their families' unique place in history. American Ancestors is a member-based nonprofit corporation dedicated to advancing the study of family history in America and beyond, by educating, inspiring, and connecting people through our scholarship, collections, and expertise. As the flagship genealogical society in the nation, American Ancestors serves more than 260,000 members and millions of online users with more than a billion searchable records on AmericanAncestors.org, and through the assistance of a full-time staff of more than 100 genealogical experts and nonprofit professionals. Back to Search Results Other listings by this Org Home