NAGPRA Coordinator

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University’s Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology seeks a NAGPRA Coordinator to support NAGPRA implementation, fostering collaboration and ethical stewardship. This is a term appointment ending December 31, 2028, reporting to the Associate Director of NAGPRA.

The role involves consultation, inventory research, and data management across museum departments, with strong emphasis on Indigenous engagement and museum practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, Indigenous or American studies, or museum studies with two years professional museum/archaeological/indigenous heritage experience.
• Masters degree will be considered in lieu of experience.

Responsibilities

• Works with sensitive collections and content which requires attentiveness to university and cultural protocols.
• Conducts and coordinates consultation, inventory research, and report production for implementation of NAGPRA work.
• Creates materials required for NAGPRA implementation and committees.
• Facilitates use of the collection for NAGPRA implementation and responds to inquiries about the collection.
• Coordinates with other Museum departments and representatives to facilitate consultation and transfer of collections under NAGPRA.
• Compiles and updates data on NAGPRA implementation, including documenting consultations and correspondence records and outcomes.
• Performs other duties as required.

Skills

Analytical writing

Independent work

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Indigenous engagement

NAGPRA knowledge

Museum systems (TMS)

Education

Bachelor's degree

Masters degree considered

Tools

TMS

Museum cataloguing

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community thatadvances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways,inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills andexpertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcomingenvironment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart ofHarvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduateprogram (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all ofHarvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin GraduateSchool of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athleticsand the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academicdepartments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a communityunparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest rangeof liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeksto foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and sharedcommitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from allmembers of our community and prepares the next generation ofleaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary

The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at HarvardUniversity seeks an individual for the position of NAGPRACoordinator to support the Peabody’s implementation of NAGPRA(Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act). Thisindividual’s responsibilities help to further the Peabody’sinstitutional goals of ethical stewardship, including fosteringrelationship building, collaborative dialogue, and diverseperspectives. This is a term appointment, ending December 31, 2028,reporting to the Associate Director of NAGPRA.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Works with sensitive collections and content which requiresattentiveness to university and cultural protocols.
• Conducts and coordinates consultation, inventory research, andreport production for implementation of NAGPRA work.
• Creates materials required for NAGPRA implementation andcommittees.
• Facilitates use of the collection for NAGPRA implementation andresponds to inquiries about the collection in writing, bytelephone, or during visits and according to NAGPRA implementationrequirements.
• Coordinates with other Museum departments and representativesto facilitate consultation and physical transfer of collectionsunder NAGPRA.
• Compiles and updates data on NAGPRA implementation, includingdocumenting consultations and correspondence records andoutcomes.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline such as anthropology,archaeology, Indigenous or American studies, or museum studies andtwo years professional experience in a museum, archaeological,and/or indigenous heritage or research center. Masters degree willbe considered in lieu of experience requirement.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• The position requires strong analytical writing and researchskills with attention to detail and accuracy and the ability tosynthesize multiple lines of information;
• Ability to work independently as well as within a teamenvironment;
• Discretion and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple project timetables.
• Strong ties to North American Indigenous communitiespreferred.
• Knowledge of The Museum System (TMS) or other museumcollections management systems and museum cataloguing proceduresand descriptive standards preferred.
• An understanding of historic and contemporary approaches tomuseum collections and indigeneity and anthropological researchpractices and methodologies.
• Strong experience with NAGPRA implementation (consultation andinventory/report production) preferred.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University isunable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal,Education
• Other Information: This is a term appointment, endingDecember 31, 2028, reporting to the Associate Director ofNAGPRA.

About the Peabody Museum

The Peabody Museum is situated on the ancestral and traditionalland of the Massachusett people. It cares for over 1.2 millionitems from across the world, including cultural, archaeological,and osteological collections as well as extensive photographic andarchival materials. The Museum is committed to the ethicalstewardship of its collections through implementationofcollaborative and culturally responsive care, interpretation, andengagement. We strive for a diverse, inclusive and equitableworking environment and to act in ways that address the globalchallenges of climate change and environmentalsustainability.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders thatsome of the duties and responsibilities can be effectivelyperformed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and locationwill be set by the department at its discretion and based uponoperational needs. When not working at a Harvard orHarvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions mustwork in a Harvard registered state in compliance with theUniversity’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts .Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location.Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements priorto employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 055. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view thecorresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed tosupport a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental andfinancial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Ourbenefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage startingon day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuitionassistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & WellbeingPage.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination . We seek talentfrom all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensureeveryone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our communityadvance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on thebasis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability,or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in theuniversity's non-discrimination policy . Harvard's equal employment opportunity policyand non-discrimination policy help allcommunity members participate fully in work and campus life freefrom harassment and discrimination.