Registrar at the Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology/Harvard University

Description

The Registrar (Repatriation) will primarily coordinate the Peabody Museum’s deaccessioning program, with a focus on processing collections repatriated under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), as well as providing ongoing support for repatriations of international cultural heritage and other returns. Reports to the Senior Registrar.  For more information or to apply, go to https://hr.harvard.edu/search-jobs 60358BR.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with the Peabody’s NAGPRA department, facilitating the legal documentation and physical transfer of deaccessioned collections to stakeholder communities.
• Support the Senior Registrar with requests and facilitation of the repatriation of international cultural heritage and other returns.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and rules, and museum standards and guidelines on repatriation.
• Advise on provenance legalities and identify areas in need of review by the Harvard Office of the General Counsel, as applicable.
• Track and process deaccession documentation and repatriation activities in the museum’s database, The Museum System (TMS). Serve as the Registration Department point of contact for inquiries related to past deaccessions under NAGPRA.
• Continuously improve collections documentation including digital and paper files and the museum database.
• Work with stakeholder communities to facilitate the packing, shipping, and, as required, export/import of repatriated collections.
• Negotiate packing and transport with outside vendors, working with customs brokers for international returns, addressing permitting requirements, and serving as courier when required.
• Process and document the acquisition of items received from stakeholder community gifting and other consultation activities.
• May work with/supervise temporary staff as needed.
• Supports Registration Department’s mission and responsibilities and performs other duties as required.

Position Requirements:

• B.A. in anthropology, art history, museum studies or related field; M.A. preferred.
• Five or more years of museum registration experience required; experience with deaccessioning and NAGPRA strongly preferred.
• Understanding of and commitment to the ethical stewardship of museum collections in partnership with stakeholder communities; experience working with Indigenous communities preferred.
• Experience with registration best practices and ability to handle collections with sensitivity and in keeping with both museum standards and Indigenous perspectives.
• Knowledge of legal issues in museums, including repatriation and provenance concerns.
• Substantial experience with packing and shipping fragile collections; working knowledge of fish and wildlife laws and permitting requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills with particular ability to multitask, manage complex projects, and prioritize work in an environment with competing deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to use tact and judgment in resolving sensitive situations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

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.