Repatriation Operations & Tribal Engagement Lead

University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Berkeley seeks a Repatriation Program Officer to coordinate NAGPRA-related repatriation activities, tribal engagement, and logistical operations across campus units. The role requires discretion, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder needs while upholding tribal sovereignty and university protocols.

The position oversees end-to-end events, budget coordination, and communications, supporting repatriation efforts with careful adherence to

Qualifications

• Specialized planning experience delivering sensitive consultations and repatriation events.
• Project management across visits, consultations, and repatriation events.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication with high political acumen.
• Critical thinking to identify problems and offer strategic resolutions under pressure.
• Expert understanding of tribal political structures and protocols.
• Knowledge of operational and administrative procedures and common software.

Responsibilities

• Directs end-to-end execution of complex repatriation events—travel, accessibility, ceremonies—aligning tribal mandates, vendors, and campus stakeholders.
• Translates tribal mandates into institutional processes, ensuring spaces and staff workflows meet cultural and privacy standards.
• Manages budget allocations for repatriation events; processes reimbursements and stipends; forecasts daily operations costs.
• Facilitates internal briefings, communicates tribal needs, and aligns resources within the university.
• Assists with repatriation preparation and transfer of ancestors and belongings; liaises with tribal partners on plans and procedures.
• Connects Native communities with campus units; explains tribal sovereignty and university resources.
• Maintains campus website content and drafts briefing documents for tribal leadership and committees; supports audits and strategic planning.

Skills

Specialized Planning

Project Management

Communication

Analytical Thinking

Tribal Protocols

Operations Management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

University of California, Berkeley seeks a Repatriation Program Officer to coordinate NAGPRA-related repatriation activities, tribal engagement, and logistical operations across campus units. The role requires discretion, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder needs while upholding tribal sovereignty and university protocols.

The position oversees end-to-end events, budget coordination, and communications, supporting repatriation efforts with careful adherence to