Description
Description
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science seeks candidates for the role of Indigenous Affairs Specialist. This role is designed for a strategic advocate and compliance expert who will serve as the primary bridge between the Museum and Indigenous communities. The position oversees legal repatriation mandates underNAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act)while proactively building long-term, reciprocal relationships with both domestic Tribal Nations and international Indigenous communities.
DMNS strives to go beyond the legal requirements of NAGPRA by actively collaborating with communities to honor source community viewpoints and requests outside the federal framework.While much of the NAGPRA and repatriation work is currently within the Anthropology Department and collections, this position will extend its expertise to other museum collections and departments as our decolonization practices continue to evolve.
Job Class: Full Time
Hiring Range: $59,000 - $63,000
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, weekends and evenings as needed
Direct Reports: 0
This position provides high-level support and expertise to the staff throughout the Museum, including the Museum’s leadership team.Expertisemay berequiredin collections and curatorial work, exhibits, programs, and other areas of the Museum. As part of thissupport, thisrole will co-lead the Indigenous Communities Outreach Team, driving institutional strategy and fostering long-term partnerships with Tribal Nations and Indigenous stakeholders. This team provides support to the organization to ensure that Indigenous perspectives and traditional knowledge are integrated into the Museum's exhibitions and programming.
We seek a candidate who recognizes that repatriation is a process built on trust, ethical stewardship, and the cultivation of meaningful, long-term partnerships with Indigenous communities. This role requires a "listening-first" approach to ensure that Indigenous voices areessentialpartnersin collections care, programming, and exhibitions at the Museum.
Application Instructions
Applications must include a single merged PDF that contains: (1) a one- to two-page cover letter stating the rationale for interest in this position, and (2) a resume or curriculum vitae with a list of names and contact information of three references.
Please submit your resume by 6:00 p.m. MT on Friday, June 12th. Applications will not be accepted after this time. DMNS reserves the right to close the position prior to this date. Applications may only be accepted electronically via the Museum's website.
DMNS Core Values
We love science.
We are curious, creative, and playful.
We cultivate relationships with each other, diverse communities, the environment, and for our future.
We think critically and act with empathy.
Perks of Working at DMNS
Click navigate here https://www.dmns.org/about/careers/benefits/ to learn more about the benefits package offered to DMNS staff.Due to the high volume of people who apply, we are not able to respond to specific inquiries regarding your application status.
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is an equal opportunity employer. The Museum is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse staff committed to serving the needs of all our visitors, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’sDegreein Native American Studies, Anthropology, Museum Studies, or a related field. Equivalent lived experience and traditionalknowledgeleadership will beconsidered as an alternative to an advanced degree.
- 5 years of experience in NAGPRA compliance and/or tribal relations, preferably within a museum or tribal government setting.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with museum collection management systems (e.g.,EMu).
- Experience in preserving and caring for sensitive collections, potentially including ancestral remains, funerary objects, or belongings of religious or cultural significance
- Knowledge of Indigenous protocols and the diversity of tribal governance structures.
- Exceptional diplomatic skills, including proven ability tofacilitatesensitive and emotionally complex consultations, and to resolve conflicts.
