Associate Director of NAGPRA

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Job Summary:

The Peabody Museum seeks an Associate Director of NAGPRA to oversee the programmatic activities in the NAGPRA Department that fulfill the legal and ethical implementation of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The position reports to the Deputy Director for Collections and works closely with the Director’s Office.  The position supervises the staff and activities of the NAGPRA Office, manages competing priorities and federally mandated deadlines, and works in close collaboration and communication with staff across Peabody departments and other departments at Harvard University to achieve the University’s strategic goals around the timely and respectful return of ancestors and cultural items. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Supervise a team of 4 NAGPRA coordinators and 1 NAGPRA assistant.
• Guide and support staff regarding challenging legal requirements, policy changes, and tribal interactions
• Work with team to create sustainable and efficient procedures. Guide team through change management in processes and procedures.
• Provide performance feedback and development opportunities for team
• Responsible for NAGPRA processes and initiatives including the development of project objectives and benchmarks, implementation planning, and general oversight of consultations and physical transfers.
• Compile reports and data to support project planning and recommendations.
• Demonstrate and communicate the Peabody’s commitment to proactive and respectful NAGPRA implementation through meeting with Tribal government officials, attendance and presentation at conferences and workshops, service on advisory panels, and holding office or performing relevant committee assignments in affiliated professional and/or community organizations and/or events.
• Develop and implement outreach strategies to proactively engage Native American communities in NAGPRA consultations.
• Effectively communicate about the work of NAGPRA implementation to the public, Peabody and campus staff, and other internal and external stakeholders.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field 
• Five plus years of related experience, including project/program management
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience working with Tribal and Indigenous communities, including conducting discussions and/or consultations. Appreciation of, and respect for, the variety of traditions and cultural protocols practiced by Tribal Nations 
• Demonstrated experience in successful project management involving multiple stakeholders, meeting deadlines, and working collaboratively as part of a team. 
• Supervisory skills, including coaching, mentoring, and developing staff. 
• Experience working with sensitive collections and information, and database skills a plus. 
• An understanding of historic and contemporary approaches to museum collections and indigeneity and anthropological research practices and methodologies.
• Strong interpersonal skills, advanced written and verbal communication skills. 
• Problem-solving skills to recognize potential areas of stakeholder concern and address, resolve and/or mitigate problems or issues. 

• Other Information: Applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter with their resume.  Please note the majority of work in this position will happen on-campus.
• 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, Education, Criminal,

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. 

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

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

• 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 

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

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