Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Coordinator

Lawrence University; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin seeks a NAGPRA Coordinator to lead the day-to-day implementation of the university's NAGPRA compliance program. You will manage inventories, documentation, consultation, and repatriation for collections, ensuring alignment with federal regulations and best practices.

You will collaborate with faculty, Tribal Nations, and external partners, develop secure records systems, train student workers, and help shape long-term policies for stewardship and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Museum Studies, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree with six or more years in museum, curatorial, NAGPRA, or related work.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate NAGPRA compliance, timelines, reporting, and communications with the National NAGPRA Program.
• Inventory and consult on Ancestors and objects in university collections per federal standards.
• Prepare federal inventories, summaries, notices, and Federal Register submissions.
• Support consultation with Tribal Nations and coordinate meetings and visits.
• Serve as NAGPRA liaison between the University, tribal nations, and federal/state agencies.
• Develop and maintain databases and catalog records for NAGPRA-related collections.
• Provide care and handling of archaeological materials per cultural guidance.
• Collaborate to establish policies for long-term compliance and stewardship.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables to meet deadlines.
• Train and supervise student workers; teaching may be possible.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with regulations and tribal protocols.
• Occasional evening/weekend travel may be required.
• Respond to special projects as assigned.

Skills

NAGPRA experience

Database management

Museum cataloging

Interpersonal skills

Tribal communications

Project management

Collections care

Confidentiality

Education

Master’s degree in Anthropology / Archaeology / Museum Studies

Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years experience

Job description

About Lawrence

Lawrence University is a selective liberal arts college and conservatory of music in Appleton, Wisconsin. Lawrence is engaged in a comprehensive, institution-wide effort to fulfill its obligations under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), grounded in a commitment to ethical stewardship, respectful and ongoing consultation with Tribal Nations, and the timely repatriation of Ancestors and cultural items.

About Lawrence

Lawrence University is a selective liberal arts college and conservatory of music in Appleton, Wisconsin. Lawrence is engaged in a comprehensive, institution-wide effort to fulfill its obligations under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), grounded in a commitment to ethical stewardship, respectful and ongoing consultation with Tribal Nations, and the timely repatriation of Ancestors and cultural items. Lawrence University’s Appleton and Door County campuses are located on the ancestral homelands of the Menominee and Ho-Chunk People. Currently there are 11 federally recognized Native American sovereign nations in Wisconsin. We acknowledge these indigenous communities who have stewarded this land throughout the generations and pay respect to their elders past and present.

Primary Objective

As the NAGPRA Coordinator, you will lead the day-to-day implementation of Lawrence University’s NAGPRA compliance program. Working closely with faculty and administration, you will manage the inventory, documentation, consultation, and repatriation process for collections held by the university, ensuring full compliance with federal NAGPRA regulations—including the updated regulations that took effect in January 2024—and alignment with disciplinary best practices. Your work will build durable institutional infrastructure, records, and relationships that support respectful stewardship and repatriation in partnership with Tribal Nations.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate institutional compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), including regulatory timelines, reporting requirements, and required communications with the National NAGPRA Program.
• Conduct and document the inventory and consultation for Ancestors, associated and unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony in university collections, following federal documentation standards.
• Prepare federal inventories, summaries, notices, and supporting documentation, including submissions for publication in the Federal Register.
• Support and help facilitate consultation with Tribal Nations and Tribal representatives in a culturally informed, respectful, and responsive manner, including coordinating correspondence, meetings, collection visits, and repatriation logistics.
• Serve as NAGPRA liaison between the University, tribal nations, the National NAGPRA program and other federal and state agencies and/or county officials including serving as the primary point of Tribal contact for all NAGPRA inquiries related to LU collections.
• Develop and maintain databases, catalog records, and secure documentation systems for NAGPRA-related collections, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and appropriate access protocols.
• Provide appropriate care and handling of archaeological materials and sensitive collections, including implementing culturally appropriate storage and stewardship practices informed by Tribal guidance.
• Collaborate with faculty, campus offices, and external consultants or advisors, as applicable, to establish sustainable institutional policies, procedures, and infrastructure for long-term compliance and stewardship.
• Manage project timelines, priorities, and deliverables to ensure the university meets all applicable federal deadlines.
• Train and supervise student workers assisting with documentation and collections work, as appropriate.
• Depending on qualifications, interest, and institutional need, there may be an opportunity to teach a course in a related area; teaching is not a required component of the position.
• Maintain confidentiality of culturally sensitive information and comply with all applicable federal regulations and Tribal protocols.
• Respond to special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Occasional evening, weekend, and travel commitments may be required in connection with consultations and repatriation activities.

Working Relationships

The NAGPRA Coordinator reports to the Office of the Provost and will work closely with faculty in the Department of Anthropology. The Coordinator will serve as a primary point of contact for Tribal Nations, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, and Tribal representatives, and must establish and maintain positive, respectful working relationships with these partners as well as with the National NAGPRA Program, campus offices, and external collaborators.

Knowledge And Skills

• Master’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Museum Studies, or a related field with two or more years of museum, curatorial, NAGPRA, or related experience strongly preferred; OR a bachelor’s degree in a related field with six or more years of such experience.
• Recent experience with NAGPRA implementation, including familiarity with the 2024 updated regulations and current best practices in repatriation.
• Experience with the federal inventory and documentation process.
• Demonstrated capacity for culturally sensitive communication and strong interpersonal skills; prior experience coordinating and communicating with Tribal representatives strongly preferred.
• Experience with database management and/or museum cataloging procedures.
• Experience with collections care and the handling of archaeological materials.
• Knowledge of osteology strongly preferred; knowledge of both human and faunal osteology especially valued.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple timelines and priorities with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience supervising or mentoring students a plus.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, exercising sound judgment and discretion.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all aspects of job responsibilities, including culturally sensitive information.

Employment Requirements

Must have successful completion of criminal record check, driving record check (where applicable), and reference checks.