Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Coordinator

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

Job summary

Lawrence University is seeking a NAGPRA Coordinator to lead daily compliance, inventory, and repatriation activities for university collections under NAGPRA regulations. The role partners with faculty and tribal nations to ensure ethical stewardship and timely, accurate documentation.

The coordinator will build records, coordinate consultations, and manage sensitive artifacts, balancing institutional needs with Tribal protocols. Travel and occasional after-hours work may be required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field with two or more years of museum/NAGPRA experience preferred.
• Recent experience with NAGPRA implementation and knowledge of 2024 regulations.
• Experience with federal inventory and documentation processes.
• Demonstrated capacity for culturally sensitive communication and collaboration with Tribal representatives preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate NAGPRA compliance timelines, reporting, and communications.
• Inventory and document Ancestors, funerary and cultural objects per federal standards.
• Prepare federal inventories, summaries, and Federal Register submissions.
• Facilitate respectful consultation with Tribal Nations and coordinate visits.
• Serve as liaison between the University, tribal nations, and regulatory bodies.
• Develop and maintain NAGPRA databases and secure records.
• Ensure proper handling and storage of sensitive materials.
• Collaborate to establish long-term compliance infrastructure.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables; train student workers.
• Possibility to teach a related course; not required.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to regulatory protocols.
• Occasional travel and after-hours commitments may be required.

Skills

NAGPRA implementation

Tribal consultation

Database management

Museum cataloging

Cultural sensitivity

Project management

Student supervision

Communication

Confidentiality

Education

Master's degree in Anthropology/Archaeology/Museum Studies

Bachelor's degree + 6+ years related experience

Tools

Database software

Museum cataloging systems

Job description

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Coordinator

Position Title Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Coordinator

Location Appleton

Department Dean of Faculty Office

Position Type Staff

Position Description & Qualifications

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.

Required documents: (1) CV; (2) Cover Letter. Candidates are encouraged to address their experience with NAGPRA implementation and Tribal consultation in their cover letter.

Review of applications begins October 15.

Anticipated Number of Hours per Week 40

Supplemental Questions

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Lawrence University
711 East Boldt Way
Appleton, WI 54911