NAGPRA Coordinator

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision health insurance

Retirement plans with university contributions

Professional development opportunities

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University seeks a NAGPRA Coordinator for the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology to support NAGPRA's implementation related to Indigenous stewardship. The role includes consultation, inventory research, and facilitating collaboration with diverse communities.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and two years of professional experience, with strong writing, interpersonal skills, and knowledge of NAGPRA implementation preferred. This is a term appointment ending December 31, 2028.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with two years of professional experience.
• Strong analytical writing and research skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple project timetables and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Works with sensitive collections and content requiring attentive protocol.
• Conducts consultation, inventory research, and report production.
• Facilitates use of the collection for NAGPRA implementation.

Skills

Analytical writing and research skills

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Knowledge of NAGPRA

Knowledge of museum collections management systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, Indigenous studies, or museum studies

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world‑changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary

The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University seeks an individual for the position of NAGPRA 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. 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 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 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.
• 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 and two years professional experience in a museum, archaeological, and/or indigenous heritage or research center. A master’s degree will be considered in lieu of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong analytical writing and research skills with attention to detail and accuracy and the ability to synthesize multiple lines of information.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team environment.
• Discretion and interpersonal skills.
• 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.
• An understanding of historic and contemporary approaches to museum collections and indigeneity and anthropological research practices and methodologies.
• Strong experience with NAGPRA implementation (consultation and inventory/report production) preferred.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Education
• This is a term appointment, ending December 31, 2028, reporting to the Associate Director of NAGPRA.
• Work can be performed at a non‑Harvard location as determined by department, with employees in hybrid positions required to work in a Harvard‑registered state in compliance with University policy on employment outside Massachusetts. Work location information will be discussed during the interview process.
• Salary grade 055. See Harvard’s salary range for corresponding salary range.

Benefits

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

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.

EEO/Non‑Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non‑discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.