Coordinator, Digitize New York

Coordinator, Digitize New York

The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society (NYG&B) seeks a dedicated and proactive Coordinator to oversee Digitize New York’s operations in Central and Western New York. This full-time position offers an exciting opportunity for a detailed-oriented project manager passionate about historic preservation and digital content.

About the NYG&B

Founded in 1869, the NYG&B is the oldest and largest genealogical organization in the state of New York and actively works to preserve, record, and share the stories of New York families. The NYG&B serves thousands of members across the United States through its website, newyorkfamilyhistory.org, publications, and programs. Digitize New York is a key initiative of the NYG&B and includes three Digitization Centers across the state: New York City (opened 2022), Syracuse (opened 2024), and Buffalo (opening 2025).

Position Overview

The Coordinator, Digitize New York will oversee all aspects of digitization projects in Central and Western New York, ensuring the preservation and accessibility of historical materials. This role involves:

• Managing digitization workflows in the Syracuse and Buffalo Digitization Centers. (40%)
• Identifying and acquiring new projects across Upstate New York. (30%)
• Overseeing and training volunteers. (20%)
• Collaborating with NYG&B colleagues to publish collections online. (10%)

The position works with a core element of the NYG&B’s mission: to preserve and make accessible physical collections of historical material from across New York state.

This hybrid, full-time position requires the physical presence of the Coordinator in one of the Digitization Centers at least two days each week.

Key Responsibilities

Project Development and Outreach

• Research and identify organizations and individuals with materials suitable for Digitize New York.
• Build and maintain relationships with prospective and current project partners, including site visits and collection evaluations.
• Collaborate with NYG&B leadership and partners to retrieve, assess, and transport materials.

Digitization Center Coordination

• Oversee all day-to-day digitization activities in Syracuse and Buffalo.
• Manage the full digitization process, from project planning and image capture to online publication.
• Train and supervise volunteers, interns, and staff, ensuring quality and efficiency.
• Recruit new volunteers and coordinate schedules in collaboration with the NYG&B Chief of Staff.
• Maintain and manage digitization software and equipment, including Scantheus and LIMB Processing software.
• Track project progress, compile reports, and occasionally present updates to partners, donors, and the NYG&B Board of Trustees.
• Create written content to describe digitized materials, guiding researchers in their use.
• Represent the NYG&B and Digitize New York within local communities and historical organizations.

Qualifications 

• Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle required.
• Strong project management skills and experience with Trello preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Experience in digital content creation, archives, or digital librarianship (2+ years preferred).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
• Familiarity with NeonCRM, Drupal, and Elastic Search (preferred).
• Experience with Scantheus and LIMB Processing software (preferred).
• Interest in genealogy and historical preservation (recommended).

Compensation

• $55,000–$60,000 annually.
• Participation in the NYG&B’s health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• Participation in the NYG&B’s 403(b) plan (including a 2% annual salary match).
• Two weeks of paid vacation each year, 14 holidays, and 3 personal days.

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to email. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.