Historical Research Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has several full-time Genealogist positions available. This position would be ideal for someone with a strong interest in American history and who has an eye for details.

A key step for an individual becoming a member of the DAR is to prove their lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. Our Genealogists are responsible for examining and evaluating applications and supporting genealogical documentation submitted for consideration by prospective members.

This position requires experience with historical research and the ability to interpret such varied materials as vital, church, international, military, and estate records.

A successful Genealogist will be able to make the connections between generations using their knowledge of American history, both on a national and local level. Candidates with interest, education, and training in history or genealogy, or work experience as a historian, researcher, or generalist are highly desirable.

Essential Functions:

• Evaluates and verifies new member applications for entry into the Daughters of the American Revolution.
• Performs and conducts research as part of the application evaluation process using multiple resources such as the DAR Library, internet resources, and/or the Genealogical Research System (GRS) as necessary.
• Prepares correspondence for prospective members and state and chapter officers requesting additional documentation as needed.
• Demonstrates a high level of quality customer service to members, applicants, and the public related to the application process, and answers general questions to assist in completing the application process.

Reports to: Director, Genealogy

Work Schedule: This position can be considered for limited hybrid remote work-after onboarding and training. Flexible work hours and compressed work week options are also available.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrates a genuine passion and interest in genealogy work.
• Experience in conducting genealogical research, particularly in 18th & 19th century original records, including a familiarity and use of federal, state, and county repositories and online sources.
• Demonstrated ability to research, analyze, and evaluate documentary evidence.
• Highly detail oriented and shows ability to resolve issues from conflicting data quickly.
• Experience writing professional correspondence is highly desired, as this position will need to explain difficult research problems to applicants.
• Strong proficiency in using databases and Microsoft Office suite products.
• Must be able to focus on a computer screen for long periods and read microfilm and microfiche. Use of a keyboard requires manual dexterity.

Perks and Pay:

• Hiring salary range is between $53,000 and $60,000 with the final determination based upon the candidate's overall experience.
• We offer both paid vacation and paid sick leave, up to 12 days each for the 1st year of employment and observe 14 holidays.
• Medical/Rx, dental, and vision benefits.
• Employer-paid life insurance/AD&D and Long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts (health and dependent care)
• HSA with employer contribution if enrolled in the HDHP option.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a full-vested employer match.
• Free tickets to Constitution Hall events.

Submission Requirements:

To be considered further, candidates must include, along with a cover letter and resume, the following:

• A sample analysis of genealogy or family research performed, consisting of at least 3 generations, submitted in narrative form.
• The narrative must include appropriate source citations based on own research in original records as well as research findings and supporting documentation.
• Printouts from genealogical software; online family trees, lineage society applications will not be considered appropriate sample analysis.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. The DAR will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.