NAGPRA Program Lead

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26406

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Alison Harmon

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Classification Title Program/Project Lead

Working Title NAGPRA Program Lead

Brief Position Overview

The NAGPRA Program Leadcoordinates compliance, consultations, repatriations, and other activities associated with ensuring MSU’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 MSU’s NAGPRA program and will report directly to the Associate Vice President of Research Compliance.

Position Number 4C0105

Department Research Integrity and Compliance

Division Office of Research and Economic Development

Appointment Type Professional

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible Eligible

Salary Salary starting at $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

The Office of Research Compliance ( ORC ) oversees University programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations for research. ORC creates and supports an environment that furthers the ethical and responsible conduct of research.

Duties and Responsibilities

Primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement a detailed MSU NAGPRA policy, in coordination with the MSU NAGPRA team (team includes representatives from the Museum of the Rockies, the academic departments of Native American Studies, Sociology and Anthropology, History and Philosophy, Earth Sciences, and other units as appropriate), Legal Counsel, and Administration, ensuring compliance with NAGPRA and all applicable laws and policies.

• Update and manage inventories of ancestral human remains and NAGPRA -eligible objects in MSU 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 MSU’s custody.

• Represent MSU 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 MSU’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.

• Collaborate and consult closely with the MSU NAGPRA team representatives 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 MSU’s Legal Counsel on MOUs for non- NAGPRA repatriation.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Master’s degree in Indigenous Studies, 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 about the Indigenous communities of Montana, especially with tribes affiliated with different geographical categories i.e. coastal, plains, northern plains, basin, etc.

• Knowledge of the principles of government-to-government consultation.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Doctoral degree in Indigenous Studies, 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 © 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 .

• Experience with programmatic agreements.

• Knowledge of North American Indigenous History, Archaeology, and related ‘Curation Crisis’ History.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Tactful and diplomatic verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent organizational management skills.

• Ability to create inventories and adhere to different tribal requests regarding the care and storage of specific artifacts.

• 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 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.

• Ability to evaluate and synthesize various types of information and perspectives.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties? Yes

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on May 28, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.