Native American Graves Protection And Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Coordinator at the University of Connecticut

Job Title: Native American Graves Protection And Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Coordinator 

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Storrs, CT

Salary: $70,000 – $80,000

JOB SUMMARY

Develops tribal relationships that acknowledge and respect a Tribe’s sovereignty, cultural protocols, and cultural and religious practices and knowledge. Works across the University of Connecticut’s departments and units to achieve the University’s goals around the timely and respectful return of Native American ancestors and cultural items. Ensures the University is compliant with all aspects of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and state-level policy and is responsible for the implementation of NAGPRA and related repatriation activities at UConn. The coordinator will lead and be responsible for implementing NAGPRA and related repatriation activities at UConn. This includes working with departments and other units to compile and maintain inventories of collections that fall under NAGPRA. Identify Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony, prepare reports of findings, and present findings to tribal representatives for consultation as required by the NAGPRA regulatory process. Submit collections summaries and inventories to the National NAGPRA. Works with existing Curators and Collections managers of Archeological and Cultural Collections to review Native American Collections across departments and units to meet NAGPRA compliance requirements. Seeks grant funds to support repatriation and collaborative community projects.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • NAGPRA Coordinator Actions (70%):
    • The coordinator will provide leadership on implementing NAGPRA and related repatriation activities at UConn.
    • Work with University departments and other units to inventory and create summaries of all human remains and associated/unassociated funerary objects on campus and complete a regular campus-wide audit.
    • Develop and implement outreach strategies to proactively engage Native American, Native Alaskan, and Native Hawaiian communities in NAGPRA consultations.
    • Oversee all aspects of NAGPRA tribal outreach involving complex external relations programs, projects, and events, including coordinating special programs, and overseeing the production of audio/visual or written and visual materials with Native American, Native Alaskan, and Native Hawaiian communities.
    • Advise, educate, and train the University and its counterparts in the procedures of NAGPRA repatriations as applicable.
    • Advise University personnel about repatriation best practices.
    • Address all repatriation requests made to the University.
    • Using institutional knowledge and awareness of constituency perception, assist with designing, developing, and implementing short and long-term strategic plans, programs, events, and activities.
    • Travel to relevant semi-annual meetings and conferences to research best practices in the field and/or to publicly present University NAGPRA activities where appropriate.
    • Identify and assist with preparing applications for grants to support campus and tribal NAGPRA efforts.
    • Quickly and appropriately identify, address/escalate, and mitigate unforeseen and/or rapidly unfolding events that may negatively impact relationships between the campus and tribal constituencies, keeping senior management appropriately advised and notified.
    • Support and coordinate regular meetings with the UConn Repatriation Committee.
  • Curatorial (20%)
    • Collaborate with Native American Tribes and community members to create exhibitions and educational opportunities that support contemporary Native American interests.
    • Coordinate with the Office of State Archaeology (OSA) and the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History (CSMNH) to conduct collections rehabilitation and curation work with descendent communities and tribes to care for Native American collections at UConn.
    • Coordinate with the CSMNH and other relevant entities in the design, evaluation, and implementation of educational programs related to Native American cultures.
    • Carry out repatriation preparations including packing ancestors and belongings for return as needed.
  • Administrative Work (10%)
    • Develop a curation plan for the University regarding Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony.
    • Meet regularly with the Provost’s Office to ensure campus compliance with state and federal regulations as well as adequate funding and staffing.
    • Represent the University to the campus community and public in matters related to the Native American collections and UConn repatriation efforts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s and/or advanced degree in Anthropology, Archeology, Native American Studies, Law, Museum Studies, or related field, or in lieu of degree, 2-4 years of comparable related experience. 
  • Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, especially regarding sensitive cultural issues. 
  • Demonstrated experience in writing, editing, and proofreading documents to accurately compose and produce correct collections documentation, accession documents, and research reports. 
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of the fields of Anthropology, Archeology, Museum Studies, Native American Studies, American Indian Law, or a related field. 
  • Experience in collections management. 
  • Experience performing curatorial duties such as inventory, accessioning, cataloging, and processing loans. 
  • Experience working with NAGPRA regulations, which may include: a) familiarity with the requirements of compliance and procedures for completing NAGPRA inventories and summaries b) submitting notices to tribes and the Federal Register c) tribal consultation, collaboration, and the repatriation process.
  • Knowledge of precolonial, colonial history, and ethnography.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience managing numerous projects at once, including the ability to create and implement both short- and long-term plans and budgets.
  • Experience working with Native American communities in Connecticut. 
  • Experience writing and submitting grant applications, managing NAGPRA-related projects, and assisting with the identification of NAGPRA grant-eligible projects. 
  • Knowledge and understanding of university management principles and philosophies. 
  • Knowledge of precolonial and colonial history and ethnography of Northeastern North America. 
  • Supervisory experience with both staff and volunteers. 
  • Working knowledge of collections management software.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, annually renewable position with the possibility of multi-year contracts. The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $80,000 depending on education, qualifications, and experience. The University offers outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497983 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on June 14, 2024. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

 The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.

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