Repatriation and Curation Program Manager at San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
Job Title: Repatriation and Curation Program Manager
Job Status: Full-time
Location: Highland, CA
About the job
The Repatriation and Curation Program Manager assists the Cultural Resources Management (CRM) department’s efforts to support the mission, vision, and values of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians as they relate to the repatriation and curation of archaeological and ethnographic collections. The Repatriation and Curation Program Manager is also responsible for the acquisition, management, and accessibility of the archaeological and ethnographic artifact collections currently housed in the San Manuel Archive. The Repatriation and Curation Program Manager will work with multiple stakeholders within the tribal government to refine and implement protocols associated with these tasks.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Consults with museums, curation facilities, auction houses, estates, etc., regarding the presence of archaeological and ethnographic artifacts originating within the Tribe’s ancestral territory. Evaluates artifacts for the purposes of acquisition via donation, purchase, loan, or repatriation under applicable laws and policies. Creates and presents status reports regarding the availability, consultation status, acquisition, and disposition of materials to applicable tribal stakeholders.
- Assesses current policies and procedures to determine their effectiveness as it relates to archaeological and ethnographic artifact acquisition, management, and emergency response/disaster recovery. Develops and implements policies and procedures to resolve process gaps in the cataloging, arrangement, storage, and creation of container lists, finding aids, and collections catalogs. Oversees archaeological and ethnographic artifact purchases, donations, repatriation, loan acceptance, accession, de-accessioning, access, and use in accordance with current laws, best practices and cultural protocols.
- Coordinates and facilitates access to and use of archaeological and ethnographic artifacts by staff and Tribal Community Members in accordance with all applicable policies and procedures. Partners with the Outreach Program Manager to promote curation and repatriation-based programs to the tribal community in the form of internships, facility tours, open houses, displays and/or exhibits, etc.
- Provides for the care, maintenance, and conservation of archaeological and ethnographic materials and the physical space in which they are housed. Documents curation activities and inspections via condition reports and documentary photographic evidence. Works with the Tribal Archive Supervisor to develop space management strategies, as well as the purchase and allocation and use of supplies and equipment.
- Works closely with the Cultural Lands Manager to conduct collections-based research to identify culturally appropriate disposition options for sensitive materials under the guidance of the CRM Director and/or applicable Tribal stakeholders.
- Prepares and submits proposals, reports, work plans, and other documents associated with the management of the archaeological and ethnographic artifacts to approval-based parties, including grant-based deliverables, supply orders, and research- or conference-based travel requests.
- Coordinates with the CRM Sr. Manager, Tribal Archive Supervisor, and the Finance Department to develop and manage yearly budgets for the curation sector of the Archive that anticipates needs with regard to supplies, equipment, staffing, and opportunities for continuing education and professional growth.
- Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.
Education/Experience/Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field required.
- Minimum five (5) years of curation experience, with formal training in curation management and preservation is required.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience working under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) consulting with affiliated tribes, completing inventories/summaries, submitting to the Federal Register, and executing repatriations is required.
- Related, relevant, and/or direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements indicated above.
- Verifiable experience in archaeological and ethnographic collections management, curation, and conservation.
- Must possess current knowledge of governmental regulations, legal requirements, professional standards, and trends within the fields of curation and museum science focused on indigenous-based collections management.
- Research experience using records produced by governments and indigenous communities (both past and contemporary), as well as those professions that often research native peoples (ethnographers, archaeologists, anthropologists, linguists, historians) is preferred.
- Must have experience in working within and honoring tribal protocols related to access to and use of archaeological and ethnographic materials.
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity in all matters.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate expertly and tactfully, orally and in writing, with various audiences.
- Must have proficiency in Microsoft Office the use of curation or museum management software, such as PastPerfect, Microsoft Office suite and Adobe Acrobat.
- Must have outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail, as well as the ability to meet deadlines, and apply policies and protocols consistently.
Certificates/Licenses/Registrations
- At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you may be required to obtain and maintain a gaming license.
- A qualified candidate/employee must have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record as determined by the company’s insurance carrier.
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with applicable law. As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well-being of its employees. Join our team today!