The Adams Papers editorial project at the Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston seeks a full-time
assistant editor to begin work in fall 2021. Since its establishment in 1954, the Adams Papers has
published 55 volumes of the diaries, letters, and other writings of the Adams family of Massachusetts;
currently, we publish two letterpress series (Adams Family Correspondence and the Papers of John
Adams) and two digital editions (Adams Papers Digital Edition and John Quincy Adams Digital Diary).
Work on the Adams Papers provides a unique opportunity to explore the history of the early American
republic through the multigenerational lens of one family.
The assistant editor’s primary responsibility is to contribute editorial and production support to the Adams
Family Correspondence (AFC). The series is currently focused on the social and political history of the
early nineteenth century. Duties include the selection and preparation of documents for publication,
proofreading of manuscript transcriptions, research and annotation of historical documents and
illustrations, along with indexing and book production tasks. The assistant editor also contributes to the
production of other Adams Papers publications as needed. Ideal qualifications for the position include a
graduate degree in history or a closely related field, demonstrable knowledge of the early federal period,
and some documentary editing experience. Applicants must be committed to learning and implementing
Adams Papers styles and practices to create a final product that meets the high standards set by the
project. The work requires extreme attention to detail and a desire to collaborate with coworkers on
planning and problem solving.
Job applicants invited for an interview may be asked to take a transcription test.
In-person work at the MHS is preferred, but remote or hybrid options may be considered. Position to start
fall 2021; salary range, $55,000–$63,000 plus competitive benefits.
To apply, please email a cover letter and a résumé of no more than 2 pages to ap_job@masshist.org
Address materials to Dr. Sara Martin, Editor in Chief, The Adams Papers, Massachusetts Historical
Society. Review of applications will begin immediately
The Opportunity
The Annual Fund Manager (AFM) is an integral member of a Development Department consisting of five full time staff. They are responsible for the logistical and tactical operations needed to implement a successful annual fund, donor stewardship events, and related projects.
Reporting: This position reports directly to the Associate Director of Development (ADD).
Supervisory Responsibility: Volunteers and interns, as assigned
Key Contacts:
Internal: All MHS Staff, especially within the Development, Communications & Marketing, Facilities and Visitor Services teams
External: Donors, Members, Trustees, Advisors, committee members, vendors, etc.
Scope
This role has two main areas of focus:
1.) ANNUAL FUND: In partnership with the ADD, the AFM will coordinate annual fund appeals via email and direct mail, proposals, and personal solicitations.
2.) DONOR EVENTS: They will coordinate logistics, guest lists, and other tactical aspects of donor-facing events.
Key Responsibilities:
Key Qualifications:
Of Added Value:
Note: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Travel: Minimal, within Boston if necessary
Please email your cover letter and resume in confidence to Associate Director of Development, Victoria McKay at vmckay@masshist.org.
The Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) seeks a part-time library assistant (up to 28 hours per week) to greet visitors and provide services to researchers who make use of the Society’s collections in the MHS library.
The MHS is an independent research library that collects, preserves, and makes accessible manuscripts and other materials that promote the study of the history of our nation—a mission that has remained constant since 1791. The MHS holds more than 3,600 manuscript collections, as well as extensive collections of early American imprints, newspapers, maps, printed ephemera, photographs, engravings, and other research materials.
The library is currently staffed Monday–Friday 8:45 AM to 4:45 PM. We hope to resume providing services on Tuesday evenings (to 7:45PM) and Saturday (10:00AM-4:00PM) in the near future. The ideal candidate would have a flexible schedule including Saturday availability.
Duties: The library assistant works as part of the reference team and reports to the Reference Librarian. Duties include monitoring the reading room, paging materials from the closed stacks, responding to reference questions via e-mail, telephone, and online chat, and assisting the reference staff with various library tasks. The majority of the library assistant’s time is spent interacting directly with the public. This position is essential in promoting the Society’s public image and in maintaining the security of the collection.
All library assistants are cross-trained on Visitor Services functions and are called on to cover the Society’s reception desk. The Visitor Services position entails greeting, authorizing, and directing all visitors entering the Society; including explaining MHS library policies and procedures; and directing incoming telephone calls for the MHS as a whole.
Requirements: The successful candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree; possess a demonstrated interest in American history, with strong interest in Early American or Massachusetts/New England history; and have experience working with a diverse public in a customer service or similar position; be proficient with Microsoft Office applications; have strong research skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and strong planning and organization skills; and possess the ability to work well in a team environment;.
Completion of some coursework in Library and Information Science, American history, American studies, public history, or an archives program strongly preferred; familiarity with user-end functions of an integrated library system (Voyager), Aeon or similar circulation module, and providing reference assistance, as well as previous experience working with archival materials in a library, museum, or other historical organization are preferred.
This position requires the ability to lift boxes weighing up to fifty pounds and to transport materials loaded onto wheeled carts.
Salary: $15.00/hour.
Application procedure: Please send an application by email (preferred) or postal mail, including a cover letter, brief resume, and list of three references to Anna Clutterbuck-Cook, at acook@masshist.org, or Massachusetts Historical Society, 1154 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215
Applications received before September 13 will be given preference; open until filled.
We aim to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. Candidates of all backgrounds are welcomed and encouraged to apply. We are committed to creating a work place free from harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class"). We offer a competitive benefits package and salary commensurate with experience.