What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bray School Genealogist position at William & Mary?
Position Information
Present Position Number
FP392W
Role Code Title
Laboratory & Research Spec II
Position Title
Bray School Genealogist
Unit Mission Statement
The Office of Strategic Cultural Partnerships at William & Mary builds new and enhances existing cultural assets and collaborations. Through effective coordination and communication, this unit identifies and promotes opportunities to sustain and reinterpret William & Mary’s historical and cultural resources, increase the visibility and impact of the university’s cultural projects and programs, and advance the priorities of these initiatives at the local, state, national, and international levels.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of the William & Mary Bray School Lab, the Bray School Genealogist will lead efforts to identify and document—from the 18th through the 21st centuries—the genealogical lines of all known Williamsburg Bray School students. Founded by The Associates of Dr. Bray, the Williamsburg Bray School (1760-1774) is estimated to have educated as many as 400 African American children who ranged in age from 3 to 10 years. Some were free, but most were enslaved. Based on three surviving lists, close to 90 students are known by a combination of first and last names.
The Bray School Genealogist will:
- Join a dynamic team of professionals in the Bray School Lab and the broader Office of Strategic Cultural Partnerships
- Identify and employ best practices in genealogical research
- Research, trace, and document the genealogical lines of those associated with the Williamsburg Bray School—with an emphasis on students—from the 18th century to the present
- Engage and partner with known and potential descendants of Williamsburg Bray School students
- Work collaboratively and equitably with staff, faculty, students, university and community partners engaged in the work of the Bray School Lab
- Share genealogical findings broadly—via class lectures, public presentations, symposia, blogs, etc.—in ways that are accessible and meaningful for their respective audiences
- Convene genealogical workshops and presentations with students, Bray School descendants, and the general public
- Represent the Bray School Lab at various institutional and public programs and events
- Demonstrate William & Mary’s core values of Belonging, Curiosity, Excellence, Flourishing, Integrity, Respect, and Service
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in American Studies, African American Studies, History, Public History, or related field
- In-depth knowledge of and experience with primary documents to include birth, death, and marriage records; letters and newspapers; wills and property records; church, military, education, and other institutional records; written and digital census records; and ancestry databases including Ancestry and Family Search.
- Demonstrated experience with American colonial-era records
- Demonstrated experience in African American genealogical research, particularly as it relates to the 18th and 19th centuries and both free and enslaved populations
- Excellence in oral and written communication
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in genealogical research and information dissemination
- Training in genealogical research
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in American Studies, African American Studies, History, Public History, or related field—or equivalent combination of bachelor’s degree and professional experience
- Proven success in documenting colonial-era individuals and their descendants, both inside and outside the African American community, from the 18th to the 21st centuries
- Certificate in genealogical research
- Membership in one or more state, regional, or national genealogy organizations
Advertised Pay Range
Up to $64,000 commensurate with experience
Department
1C0000 Strategic Cultural Partnerships
Location
William & Mary
Is the position remote work eligible?
Hybrid (works remotely at least 1 day per week but not full-time)
Remote Work Disclaimer
Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.
University Salary Range
U09
Job Open Date
09/08/2022
Review Begin Date
Job Close Date
10/28/2022
Open Until Filled
No
Employment Category
Full Time Professional
FLSA
Exempt
Position Term
12 Month - Restricted
Special Application Instructions
Conditions of Employment
This position will require hours beyond the typical work week, to include occasional evenings and weekends as needed for public-facing events and community engagement. This position may require in-state and out-of-state travel for research.
This is a grant-funded, term position. However, the position may be extended depending on available funding and university needs.
EEO Statement
William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Background Check Statement
William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
Benefits Summary Statement
William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/hr/currentemployees/benefits/index.php
Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/hr/currentemployees/benefits/index.php
Salary : $64,000 - $0
Middle School Science Teacher (2025-2026 school year)
Lancaster Elementary School -
Kilmarnock, VA
Middle School Science Teacher (2025-2026 school year)
Lancaster County School District -
Kilmarnock, VA
Elementary School Counselor 2025-2026 school year
Lancaster Elementary School -
Kilmarnock, VA
