NAGPRA Manager and Registrar

The University of Denver Department of Anthropology within the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate programs (MA) in archaeology, cultural anthropology, and museum and heritage studies that draw on a spectrum of research practices. The department focuses on public anthropology, applying the discipline’s concepts, methods, and insights to addressing problems and issues of contemporary relevance.

The Anthropology Department manages the University of Denver Museum of Anthropology (DUMA) which is dedicated to increasing knowledge and understanding of world cultures and human diversity. The Museum emphasizes the ethical stewardship of collections, research, teaching, educational programming, and responsible community engagement. The Museum acknowledges that colonial legacies are embedded in anthropological collections. It strives to address historical wrongs by building collaborative, reciprocal relationships and respecting the rights and cultural protocol of communities represented in the collection.

Position Summary

The NAGPRA Manager and Registrar is responsible for the University of Denver’s compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), as well as all local, state, and federal laws pertaining to the ethical care of museum collections. The NAGPRA Manager oversees registration of DUMA’s collection, including documentation of all acquisitions, deaccessions, and loans, as well as other collections across the University. The position serves as a resource and mentor to Department of Anthropology and DU faculty, students and community members on professional museology and NAGPRA compliance, speaking in courses and supervising student workers and volunteers. In collaboration with other DUMA staff, the NAGPRA Manager and Registrar develops, designs and executes exhibits in the DUMA gallery as well as associated programming. The NAGPRA Manager plays an integral role in the overall functioning of DUMA, including the education and training of students. This position is located with the Anthropology Department, but also serves in a campus wide capacity to facilitate the University’s compliance with NAGPRA.

Essential Functions

• Promote awareness of and education about NAGPRA within the University and the broader community.
• In consultation with DU’s Office of Enterprise Risk Management, Office of General Counsel, and Office of the Provost, oversee legal aspects of collections across campus, including:
  • Create and maintain campus wide inventory of human remains and sacred and ceremonial items subject to NAGPRA
  • Accessioning and deaccessioning of collections
  • Monitoring loans
• Manages DUMA’s compliance with NAGPRA, including:
  • Cultivate and maintain positive and productive relationships with tribes
  • Proactively carry out ongoing NAGPRA responsibilities for DUMA collections
  • Work with the National NAGPRA Program on documenting compliance activities including updating inventories and summaries, publishing Notices of Inventory Completion and Intended Repatriation, and submitting repatriation statements.
  • Notify tribes of DUMA NAGPRA actions, including Federal Register publications.
  • Respond to tribal inquires for DUMA collections information and consultation requests.
  • Manage NAGPRA budget, including grant funds, research funding opportunities and write grant proposals for NAGPRA activities.
  • Review and revise DUMA NAGPRA policies.
  • Ensure the ethical stewardship of collections in accordance with specific tribal cultural protocol related to the storage and care of NAGPRA collections.
  • Maintain NAGPRA museum records.
• In collaboration with DUMA staff:
  • Oversee museum collection database and permanent files.
  • Assist with museum collection management.
  • Help manage and execute the installation of exhibits in the DUMA gallery as well as traveling exhibits with DU staff and students.
  • Help manage and instruct student workers and volunteers on exhibit installation techniques.
  • Help supervise, teach and mentor students in museum activities and professional practice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to read and analyze NAGPRA documents and interpret and implement NAGPRA policies.
• Commitment to keeping abreast of NAGPRA related literature and developments within anthropology, museum studies and related fields.
• Strong analytical writing and research skills with attention to detail and accuracy and the ability to synthesize multiple lines of information.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple project timetables.
• Knowledge