NAGPRA Regional Coordinator

NAGPRA Regional Coordinator

Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology/Harvard University

Gr. 55, salary $61,000

The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University seeks an individual for the position of NAGPRA Regional Coordinator to support the Peabody’s implementation of NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act).  This individual’s responsibilities help to further the Peabody’s institutional goals of ethical stewardship, including fostering relationship building, collaborative dialogue, and diverse perspectives. To apply go to: https://hr.harvard.edu/search-jobs position: 55880BR

This position reports to the Director of NAGPRA and:

• Works with sensitive collections and content which requires attentiveness to university and cultural protocols.
• Conducts and coordinates consultation, inventory research, and report production for a designated geographic region.
• Synthesizes and generates written summaries using a broad range of sources.
• Defines and plans projects, priorities, and procedures in consultation with Director of NAPGRA.
• Creates materials required for NAGPRA implementation and committees.  
• Facilitates use of the collection by visitors and responds to inquiries about the collection in writing, by telephone, or during visits and according to NAGPRA implementation requirements.
• Coordinates with other Museum departments and representatives to facilitate consultation and physical transfer of collections under NAGPRA.
• Compiles and updates data on NAGPRA implementation, including documenting consultations and correspondence records and outcomes.
• May be assigned other duties as required.

Skills and Experience

The position requires strong analytical writing and research skills with attention to detail and accuracy and the ability to synthesize multiple lines of information; the ability to work independently as well as within a team environment; discretion and interpersonal skills and the ability to manage multiple project timetables.  Strong ties to North American Indigenous communities preferred.  Knowledge of The Museum System (TMS) or other museum collections management systems and museum cataloguing procedures and descriptive standards preferred. Should have an understanding of historic and contemporary approaches to museum collections and indigeneity and anthropological research practices and methodologies. Some previous experience with NAGPRA implementation (consultation and inventory/report production) preferred.

Basic Qualifications       

BA in a relevant discipline such as anthropology, archaeology, Indigenous or American studies, or museum studies and two years professional experience in a museum, archaeological, and/or indigenous heritage or research center.  Masters degree will be considered in lieu of experience requirement.

About the Peabody Museum

The Peabody Museum is situated on the ancestral and traditional land of the Massachusett people. It cares for over 1.2 million items from across the world, including cultural, archaeological, and osteological collections as well as extensive photographic and archival materials. The Museum is committed to the ethical stewardship of its collections through implementation of collaborative and culturally responsive care, interpretation, and engagement. We strive for a diverse, inclusive and equitable working environment and to act in ways that address the global challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability.