Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page. Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College. Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com*.

The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President invites applications for the NAGPRA Repatriation Coordinator and Collections Manager (NRCCM). The NRCCM coordinates compliance, consultations, repatriations, and other activities associated with ensuring UM’s compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) federal regulation by coordinating inventory and curation of Native American artifacts and remains. This position will work to strengthen UM’s NAGPRA program and will report directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President. We are seeking applications from individuals with a passion for creating access to educational opportunities for a diverse set of learners and who have experience working with and supporting underserved communities.

This position serves as a liaison between the University, tribal nations, the National NAGPRA program and other federal and state agencies. The NRCCM will be responsible for communicating with these entities to ensure UM complies with NAGPRA legislation.

Key duties and responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement a detailed UM NAGPRA policy, in coordination with UM’s NAGPRA team, Legal Counsel and the Administration, ensuring compliance with NAGPRA and all applicable laws and policies
• Update and manage inventories of ancestral human remains and NAGPRA-eligible objects in UM collections, compile cultural affiliation documents, and prepare Federal notices and communications
• Work closely with Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPO) and/or their designees to coordinate tribal access to as well as repatriation and disposition of human remains and cultural items and archaeological collections in UM’s custody
• Represent UM as lead NAGPRA staff at regular meetings with tribal government officials and representatives to coordinate compliance, address tribal concerns, and when possible, negotiate culturally sensitive resolutions
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all NAGPRA inquiries seeking information about Native American remains and objects falling under NAGPRA regulations
• Advance the UM’s NAGPRA standing through attendance at conferences and workshops, service on advisory panels, and holding office or performing relevant committee assignments in professional organizations
• Participate in promoting and coordinating outreach activities for research and education
• Collaborates and consults closely with the UM NAGPRA team in matters of compliance and procedure
• Develop and submit grant proposals and funding requests to support NAGPRA activities
• Administer NAGPRA-related budgets and purchase all necessary materials and supplies
• Establish work priorities and supervise all employees assigned to them in support of these tasks
• Work with UM’s Legal Counsel on MOUs for non-NAGPRA repatriation
• Manage and maintain remaining collections under UM’s stewardship and work with descent communities to ensure access and inclusion

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action:

• place student success at the center of all we do;
• drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research;
• embody the principle of “mission first, people always";
• partner with place; and
• proudly tell the UM story.

Position Details

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, MUS Contract and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
• Starting salary for this position is $60,000 - $75,000 per year commensurate with qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Anthropology, Museum Studies, or related field that provided experience with cultural collections management and collaborating with tribal nations on repatriation plans; or three years equivalent experience working with American Indian tribes to repatriate NAGPRA related or other items of cultural significance, or working with descent communities and caring for culturally significant objects; and/or equivalent training, education or experience with traditional Tribal Elders, Tribal Cultural Departments and Historians, or Tribal Historic Preservation Officers
• At least one year of experience working with institutions on collections-related ethical and legal commitments, including but not limited to NAGPRA and 36 C.F.R. § 79, “Curation of Federally-Owned and Administered Archeological Collections.”
• Experience working with archaeological methods, archaeological collections, and culturally sensitive artifacts, including experience handling ancestral remains, funerary objects and other cultural objects
• Knowledgeable on the tribes in Montana, especially with tribes affiliated with different categories i.e. coastal, plains, northern plains, basin, etc.
• Tactful, discretionary, and diplomatic verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational management skills
• Knowledge of the principles of government-to-government consultation
• Ability to create inventories and adhere to different tribal requests regarding the care and storage of specific artifacts

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Anthropology, Museum Studies, or related field with specialized practice involving relationships and substantive consultation with Tribal Historic Preservation Officers
• Demonstrated understanding of, and direct experience with: (a) tribal consultation practices and processes, b) building and initiating positive working relationships with tribes and tribal citizens; and (c) NAGPRA
• Experience working with collections management (or other related cultural heritage field) on projects that are informed and/or designed by Indigenous perspectives
• Experience with writing summary and cultural affiliation reports and “Notices of Inventory Completion” and “Notices of Intent to Repatriate” for compliance with NAGPRA
• Strong skills in program and project management, facilitation and collaboration. Ability to effectively represent and coordinate organizational strategy and administrative initiatives with campus senior level management, Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President, and external contacts
• Demonstrated ability in providing leadership in and contributions to committees and workgroups where problems have to be solved efficiently
• Strong ability to build and maintain positive and productive relationships with a broad range of staff, co-workers, tribal citizens and campus stakeholders
• Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential issues that require independent judgment, strict discretion, and confidentiality
• Experience with programmatic agreements
• Ability to evaluate and synthesize various types of information and perspectives
• Skills with Past Perfect or comparable cataloguing software
• Knowledge of North American Archaeology, Indigenous Archaeology, and related ‘Curation Crisis’ History

About UM

UM is a flagship public doctoral research institution that sits in the aboriginal territories of the Salish and Kalispell people. A research-intensive institution that grants associate to doctoral degrees, UM is committed to accessible and inclusive education as the foundation of social and economic prosperity. A viable democracy relies on citizens who are broadly educated and specifically skilled, and is enriched by diversity in thought, background, appearance and beliefs. Ranked sixth nationwide for research growth, UM’s research expenditures nearly doubled between 2014 and 2019 and are expected to reach $125 million this fiscal year. This emphasis provides undergraduate students with the singular opportunity to participate in active research with top researchers and scholars.

UM's long tradition of teaching excellence and experiential learning evidences our commitment to student success. The University ranks fifth among public universities in producing Rhodes Scholars, currently has the highest graduate student enrollment in its history, and, in the fall of 2021, welcomed the largest incoming freshman class in several years. Summer enrollment and out-of-state applications have grown by 40% in recent years. UM’s student retention rate rose from 68.5% in 2018 to 75.4% in 2021. Students have access to a diverse and growing set of work-based and experiential learning opportunities, as part of a strong institutional commitment to creating the best possible set of post-graduate outcomes. UM is investing substantially in the on-campus experience. Over $100 million has been allocated to renovate campus facilities, including sustainability upgrades.

UM is an essential part of Missoula, a culturally vibrant college town characterized by scenic beauty, a socially engaged community, and a healthy economy. Our commitment to place-based, applied experiences ensures our students reap the benefits of a large flagship institution in an intimate setting. This setting attracts talent to the University of Montana community, where arts, culture and academics shape the formative years of a student population that is 40% first-generation. With a deep focus on experiential learning, we believe some of the most profound learning experiences occur beyond the classroom. Experiential learning at UM happens not only in the outdoors but also in community and social settings. UM is part of a global community, and actively recruits and enrolls students from all over the world, as well as provides a range of opportunities for students to study abroad.

About Missoula

UM is located in Missoula, a small, vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains, wilderness and clear, cold rivers. The educational, medical, and cultural hub of the region, Missoula offers a rare blend of outdoor adventure, big-city culture, and exceptional quality of life. The vibrant downtown community embraces the state’s most sophisticated music and art scene and includes a new public library that houses the Families First Learning Lab, UM’s Spectrum science museum, and the UM Living Lab. Just east of Missoula is the KettleHouse Amphitheater, ranking No. 45 out of the top 50 amphitheaters worldwide by Pollstar.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment.

In accordance with university policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

References *References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice will be provided to the applicant.

Employment Eligibility. All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Sunday, October 2, 2022 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. Application review will begin after date above and continue until the position is filled.

Please submit the following application materials via "New Resume/CV" button below.

• Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
• Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references- Names and contact information

The position has an expected starting date of January 1, 2023 or sooner.

Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page. Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College. Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com*.