Curator of African Collections

The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University seeks an experienced scholar with expertise in African collections, regional focus open but with expertise on ethnographic collections. We are seeking an individual with strong research and communication skills and ties to African and diaspora communities to care for and interpret an historical collection of African cultural material. This individual will help further develop the current institutional goals of ethical stewardship, including fostering relationship building, collaborative dialogue, and diverse perspectives within museum spaces.  To apply or for additional information, go to https://hr.harvard.edu/jobs 66899BR.

The Curator of African Collections performs curatorial functions and regular assignments as approved by the Senior Curator:

• Responsible for documentation, research, presentation, interpretation, development of the collections;
• Contributes to the integrity of information about collections and database content in keeping with current professional practices and in consultation with African, descendant, and Diaspora communities;
• Promotes access to collections, particularly by African communities and incorporates their viewpoints in interpretation, through collaborative research; curation of exhibits; and contributions to programming (lectures, workshops, conferences);
• Curates and coordinates exhibitions as assigned;
• Conducts and publishes research;
• Contributes to programming (lectures, workshops, conferences);
• Responds to researcher and student requests and consults with visiting researchers, and assists with Harvard teaching and learning activities related to the collections;
• Advises on the intellectual content of proposed accessions and deaccessions, and consults on conservation work and collections storage;
• Assists with raising funds for research, exhibitions, and programs;
• Collaborates with university colleagues, including Harvard Art Museums staff and other Harvard museums as well as faculty and students, and may have teaching duties;
• Develops and maintains professional affiliations with colleagues in similar positions at other institutions; and attends and presents at conferences and professional events on behalf of the Museum;  
• Helps to maintain collection records in keeping with professional practices;
• Performs other duties as required.

Basic Qualification:

• M.A. in a relevant discipline, such as Anthropology or Art History;

Skills and Experience

• M.A. in a relevant discipline, such as Anthropology or Art History; Ph.D. or equivalent experience preferred;
• Expertise in African material culture;
• 7+ years of progressively relevant experience;
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion, preferably in a museum setting;
• Track record of engagement with African communities;
• Demonstrated writing, public speaking, research, and organizational skills;
• Ability to travel as needed

Please note: this position is a full-time staff position with no departmental affiliation. Applicants must be able to work legally in the United States.

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.