Indigenous Affairs Specialist
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on1900, Curtis Street, Central Business District, Denver, Colorado, 80225, United States
About the Role
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science seeks an Indigenous Affairs Specialist to serve as the primary strategic bridge between the Museum and Indigenous communities. This role is designed for a compliance expert and advocate who will oversee legal repatriation mandates under NAGPRA while proactively building long-term, reciprocal relationships with 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 decolonization practices continue to evolve.
This position provides high-level support and expertise to staff throughout the Museum, including the leadership team. As part of this support, the role will co-lead the Indigenous Communities Outreach Team, driving institutional strategy and fostering long-term partnerships with Tribal Nations and Indigenous stakeholders. This team ensures 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 are essential partners in collections care, programming, and exhibitions at the Museum.
Application Instructions
Applications must include a single merged PDF containing a one- to two-page cover letter stating the rationale for interest in this position, and a resume or curriculum vitae with a list of names and contact information for 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.
Our Culture and Values
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a culturally diverse staff committed to serving the needs of all visitors. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
Our core values guide our work:
- 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.
Work location
Similar Job Opportunities
Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Nagpra, Native American Studies, Anthropology, Museum Studies, Museum Collection Management Systems, Emu, Indigenous Protocols, Tribal Governance Structures.
Education: Master's Degree in Native American Studies, Anthropology, Museum Studies, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Frequently asked questions about Indigenous Affairs Specialist at Denver Museum of Nature & Science
What does a Indigenous Affairs Specialist at Denver Museum of Nature & Science do?expand_more
In this Indigenous Affairs Specialist at Denver Museum of Nature & Science role, you will oversee legal repatriation mandates under nagpra; build long-term reciprocal relationships with tribal nations and indigenous communities; integrate indigenous perspectives and traditional knowledge into exhibitions and programming; and provide high-level support and expertise to museum leadership and staff.
What are the requirements for this Indigenous Affairs Specialist role?expand_more
To qualify for the Indigenous Affairs Specialist at Denver Museum of Nature & Science position, applicants should have: Master's Degree in Native American Studies, Anthropology, Museum Studies, or related field (or equivalent lived experience and traditional knowledge leadership); 5 years of experience in NAGPRA compliance and/or tribal relations; Experience with museum collection management systems (e.g., EMu); Experience in preserving and caring for sensitive collections; and Knowledge of Indigenous protocols and tribal governance structures.