Assistant Curator, NAGPRA

Job Description

Job Description

Under the supervision of the Curator in Charge, Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas (AOA) department and Curator, Arts of the Americas, and in close collaboration with Registration staff, the Fixed-Term Assistant Curator, NAGPRA, will assist the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF) with documentation and consultation to comply with CalNAGPRA and the federal NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act). This position has a fixed-term of 2 years.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received by Sunday, August 2, 2026. We plan to launch the interview process within the month.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. As directed, complete object records for FAMSF collections subject to CalNAGPRA and NAGPRA. Compile object name, artist information (if applicable), place of creation, provenance, tribal affiliation or cultural affiliation, exhibition and publication history, materials and technique. Deliverables include a TMS record and research files including data sheets for each item (as applicable). Information might include archival and library research findings, transcribed interviews with artists and community members, oral histories, Federal Register research, consultation with CaNAGPRA and NAGPRA program staff, etc.

2. As directed and in collaboration with other staff, complete reporting required by law on program websites and databases such as the CA Native American Heritage Commission Tribal Resource Collections Database for inventories and summaries and the NAGPRA database including inventories, summaries, etc. and assisting with publishing notices in the Federal Register.

3. Participate in collections inventory as requested, reconcile inventory records and other tasks related to physical inventory of items and associated record keeping in TMS and other applications.

4. Maintain standardized records of all communications with tribes and NAGPRA officials as appropriate and coordinate this work with curators.

5. Duties may include helping to organize and participate in NAGPRA consultation meetings in-person or virtual. Prepare information for Tribal delegations/participants and FAMSF staff. Assist with logistics and hosting. Assist with record keeping related to consultations and repatriation events. Can include coordination with Registration and other departments such as Technical services and the Executive Office.

6. Assist curators with archival and community-based research to help determine cultural affiliation for items subject to CalNAGPRA and NAGPRA.

7. Participate in meetings with curators, registrars and City Attorney, as requested.

8. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s Degree in Native American Studies, Visual Studies, Art History, Museum Studies or related field preferred.

• Work Experience:

  • Specialized knowledge of Native American art and visual culture required

  • At least two years of NAGPRA experience, curatorial experience, or similar (including curatorial fellowships) ideally in an art museum or cultural heritage setting.

Skills and Abilities:

• Experience working with Tribal governments and Indigenous communities and following best practices for community engagement.

• A desire to function in a team and customer service oriented environment.

• Ability to host virtual and in-person events.

• Ability to collaborate across departments to achieve collective goal(s).

• Thorough knowledge in administrative procedures and processes including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, active listening, critical thinking, multi-tasking and time management skills.

• Highly organized with attention to detail and accuracy.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze, research and synthesize large amounts of data with strong attention to detail.

• Adherence to deadlines.

• Strong follow through.

• Flexibility in meeting shifting demands and priorities.

• Knowledge of collections management software, particularly TMS, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the CalNAGPRA Tribal Resource Collections Database and NAGPRA database is highly desirable.

• Art handling skills

• Familiarity with updated NAGPRA regulations preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Environmental Factors: Close office setting.

• Work Location: This role will mainly be working onsite at the de Young Museum. After training, this position may be eligible for a hybrid onsite/remote work schedule working remotely one or two days per week.

Additional:

Schedule: This is a two-year fixed-term position eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Hybrid schedules are a minimum of 4 days a week onsite, with the understanding that schedules may change based on operational needs. The workweek is Monday - Friday, 8 hours a day, 40 hours per week.

Compensation: The benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k), and paid time off. The annual salary range for this position is $78,000-$83,000. The final offer amount within this range will be based on experience and internal equity.