Applications due: September 23, 2024

The American Philosophical Society’s Library & Museum (APS) in Philadelphia invites applications for a two-year, residential Career Pathways Fellowship for postdoctoral scholars at any stage of their careers who would like to pursue a research project and also develop or advance their professional skills in collections care and best practices surrounding Native American and Indigenous collections in archives, libraries, and museums. This funding opportunity is part of the Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI), supported by the Mellon Foundation. Fellows will be based at the Library & Museum’s Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR), which aims to promote greater collaboration among scholars, archives, and Indigenous communities throughout the Americas.

This 24-month fellowship is intended for a recent doctoral graduate or an independent postdoctoral scholar who is or plans to be working with Native American and Indigenous collections in an archive, library, or museum setting, especially those working closely with an Indigenous community on a project. Fellowship applications are open to scholars in any field and all periods of time. Applications from those who have lived experience or sustained personal engagement with Indigenous communities, including as a member of an Indigenous community, are particularly encouraged. Key criteria for evaluation are the caliber of the project and the articulated goals of professional training in relation to the applicant’s career development. The selection committee will also take into consideration the need for the applicant to make use of collections at the APS’s Library & Museum and/or other research institutions in the Philadelphia area for their project.

The purpose of this fellowship is threefold: 1) to provide scholars with training and experiences that will diversify their skillset and the opportunity to conduct and advance a scholarly research project of significance, 2) to help expand capacity at institutions in Philadelphia with rich resources in Indigenous history and culture through mutually beneficial work with a postdoctoral scholar, and 3) to create a more vibrant community for scholars and researchers focused on Native American and Indigenous Studies and allied fields in the Philadelphia-area region.

During the first year of the fellowship, the Fellow will be in residence at the APS, learning museum and archival best practices through shadowing professional staff and receiving training while also continuing with their own research. In this year, twenty percent of the Fellow’s time will be devoted to training and eighty percent of their time will be devoted to their own independent research, ideally using resources at the APS or kindred regional institutions.

During the second year of the fellowship, the Fellow will be embedded in another local institution on a project that could range from processing collections, updating descriptions to make them more accessible to wider audiences, developing programming that engages with Indigenous communities and others, or working on an exhibition. During this year eighty percent of the Fellow’s time will be devoted to their project-based work at that institution, and twenty percent of their time reserved for their own research.

The Fellow will also be expected to participate in the vibrant intellectual community at the Society, including monthly lunches at the Library with visiting scholars, daytime workshops and programming with other residential fellows, and evening programs with specialists in a wide range of fields.

[In addition, the APS’s Library & Museum offers several short-term fellowships to support research using its collections. For information on the short-term fellowships visit https://www.amphilsoc.org/grants/fellowships.]

Eligibility & Qualifications

• This fellowship is open to applicants anywhere in the world, including those who are not US citizens or residents, but it does not provide visa sponsorship.
• Applicants must have completed their doctoral degree by the beginning of the fellowship term.
• Applicants should have scholarly and/or personal experience with Indigenous topics or issues

Terms
This two-year Fellowship begins no later than January 1, 2025 and ends December 31, 2026. Compensation is $50,000 a year plus benefits, along with additional funds for research support, travel, and relocation. The Fellowship may not be held concurrently with any other fellowship or grant.

• 24 month residential fellowship
• $50,000 annual salary
• $5,000 travel/research fund
• $750 relocation cost

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Pay Range: $54,760 – $87,616 Annually

The Museum of International Folk Art (MOIFA) shapes a humane world by connecting people through creative expression and artistic traditions.  The museum’s holdings represent diverse cultures and constitute the largest international folk art collection in the world. The core collection donated by museum founder Florence Dibell Bartlett and representing 34 countries has grown to a collection of over 160,000 objects from more than 100 countries.  MOIFA offers dynamic exhibitions, programs, and publications that appeal to diverse learning styles and audiences, touch the heart, engage the mind, and inspire action.  We create accessible exhibitions, programming, and resources that serve the global community, including multiple perspectives that encourage further exploration of wide-ranging subjects.

www.InternationalFolkArt.org

 

Why does the job exist?

The Curator of Latin American and New Mexican Heritage Folk Art works with, represents, and develops the museum’s Latin American, New Mexican Hispano, and Spanish heritage collections; develops high-quality exhibitions, collaborative programming, and online content; conducts exhibition-related research; and contributes to community engagement and statewide outreach.  The Curator of Latin American and New Mexican Heritage Folk Art works to connect the museum with a broad range of constituents including collaborators, artists, supporters, and community partners including local, national, and international audiences through exhibitions, relationship building, programming, and outreach.  As a member of a curatorial team of regional and content area specialists, this position will report to MOIFA’s Director of Curatorial Affairs.

The Curator will work to mobilize the Museum’s extensive Latin American, New Mexican Hispano, and Spanish heritage folk art collections, including developing statewide outlets to highlight this important collection through changing exhibits, traveling, and pop-up exhibits.  This position will also aid in proactive and strategic programming of MOIFA’s Hispanic Heritage Wing gallery, including developing a plan for community-driven exhibits and related programs.

 

How does it get done?

Exhibitions: Responsible for developing public exhibitions, online content, and related programming at the Museum of International Folk Art (MOIFA) based on collections, content expertise, research, as well as ensuring their public accessibility and a community-centered approach.

Collections: Responsible for researching, vetting, and proposing new acquisitions, interpreting collections items, evaluating loan requests, and, in collaboration with the collections management team, care of collections to ensure their preservation and sustainable growth in accordance with MOIFA collecting policy and overall MOIFA strategic goals.

Education & Programming: In conjunction with education and program/outreach team, responsible for developing and planning public programs and exhibition interactives; providing resources and
educational training for museum colleagues and docents; preparing and presenting lectures relating to the curator’s exhibitions and/or area of specialization.

Administration: Participate in MOIFA administrative activities and teamwork, including attendance at museum staff meetings, collections committee meetings, curator meetings, and other committees as requested by the Director of Curatorial Affairs and the Executive Director.  Write and oversee project-based contracts and grant proposals. Develop and maintain program-based budget for collections, exhibitions, and related projects.  Assist with museum public relations, marketing, traveling exhibit coordination, social media, and resource development efforts relating to the curator’s exhibitions and/or area of specialization.

 

Who are the customers?

Museum visitors, museum staff, members and friends, citizens of the state of New Mexico, with particular attention to underserved communities within our state, to help them connect with folk art traditions including their own, as well as our national and international community of artists and community collaborators.

 

Ideal Candidate

Masters Degree/Doctoral Degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Anthropology, Latin American Studies, Anthropology, Curatorial Studies, History, Humanities, Interdisciplinary Studies, Liberal Arts, Folklore, Public History or related fields.  Expertise in Latin American and New Mexican Heritage folk art. Proficiency in Spanish.

Five to Seven years of curatorial museum experience with an established track record of exhibition project development, management, and implementation.  Experience in exhibit development, collections management, curation, creative writing and writing for general and specialized audiences, conducting original research in specialty area of museum.  Experience in fundraising and grant writing, cultivating relationships with donors and supporters, working with artists and community partners.

Knowledge of contemporary issues and opportunities in the museum field, repatriation, ethics, and provenance, as well as in the curatorial area of focus (Latin America/ New Mexico Heritage folk art).  Creative and collaborative approach in working with colleagues, partners, and collaborators.

Bilingual English and Spanish skills a plus for community engagement, relationship building, and partnerships with organizations and institutions statewide.

 

Apply through the NM State Personnel Office website (job posting #4515):

https://careers.share.nm.gov/psp/hprdcg/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=147437&PostingSeq=1

The Center for Southwest Research (CSWR) & Special Collections specializes in interdisciplinary subjects relating to New Mexico, the Greater Southwest, Mexico, and Latin America and includes the University Archives. Its collection strengths include Native American, Chicano/Hispano, Spanish Colonial, and environmental design history.

The pictorial archivist is responsible for the processing, accessioning, management, preservation, and accessibility of the Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections extensive collection of visual materials, including photographs, illustrations, prints, and other pictorial documents. This role involves a combination of hands-on preservation work, digital archiving, metadata management, and providing research assistance. The Pictorial Archivist will ensure that the visual collections are well-maintained and accessible to students, researchers, faculty, and the public.

The University Environment

Founded in 1889, the University of New Mexico sits on the traditional homelands of the Pueblo of Sandia. The original peoples of New Mexico – Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache – since time immemorial, have deep connections to the land and have made significant contributions to the broader community statewide. We honor the land itself and those who remain stewards of this land throughout the generations and also acknowledge our committed relationship to Indigenous peoples. We gratefully recognize our history.

UNM is a Tier I Research Institution, a Hispanic-serving institution, and the flagship university in a majority-minority state. To support UNM’s diverse campus constituents and colleagues, the College affirms its commitment to honor diversity, ensure fairness and access, and create an environment where all employees are treated respectfully. These commitments include the support of the CULLS IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility) Committee and the College’s Anti-Racism statement.

See the Position Description for additional information.

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The Center for American Archeology, Kampsville, IL invites applications for Director of Education. Successful applicants will hold, at minimum, an M.A./M.S. degree in archeology, anthropology, museum studies, or a closely related field. Experience in archeology, development and implementation of educational programs, experience with museum interpretation and/or visitor engagement in interpretative center, science center or heritage site contexts, and teaching in informal learning environments strongly encouraged. A self-motivated, outgoing, and energetic person will do well in this position.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Developing archeological curriculum and informal learning experiences aligned with educational standards
• Directing museum operations and educational exhibits
• Grant-writing for STEM-based educational and museum programs
• Teaching in an immersive environment to students of all ages
• Assisting in public outreach and community collaborations
• Supervising staff and volunteers

Salary level is commensurate with experience and education; benefits include paid sick leave, time off for vacation, and holidays; health insurance plan is available.

Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Please send a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, CV, and names and contact information of three references to: caa@caa-archeology.org or CAA, PO Box 366, Kampsville, IL 62053.

Questions may be addressed to: 618-653-4316 or caa@caa-archeology.org. Information about the CAA and our programs can be found at www.caa-archeology.org. The CAA is an equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

Intern must be enrolled in an Art History, History, Museum Studies, and/or Studio Program with an interest in museum collections management and registration.

 

Duties

The Program Manager of the Human Dignity Office (HDO) has the responsibility for overseeing all aspects of the operation and administration of the program in return of non-Native American human remains presently held in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution (SI).

In this position, you will:

• Serve in a general supervisory role for the Human Dignity Office staff and as the HDO Program Manager oversee the research and outreach efforts of the Human Dignity program.
• Prepare yearly budgets, fund management, personnel administration, correspondence, and office record keeping.
• Plan, implement, coordinate, and manage the documentation, research, deaccession, and return or shared stewardship of non-Native American human remains.
• Plan work to be accomplished by subordinates, set and adjust short-term priorities, and prepare schedules for completion of work.
• Initiate direct contact with relatives, descendant communities, and other stakeholder groups over issues concerning the treatment and return of non-Native American remains.
  

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
• May need to complete a Probationary Period
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
• May be required to serve an 18-month probationary period for supervisors.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions on OPM website.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Experience GS-13: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal Service.  For this position, specialized experience is defined as applying a variety of disciplines and skills to manage staff and evaluate programs related to repatriation and return of human remains.

Experience GS-14: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal Service.  For this position, specialized experience is defined as supervising or leading a program that involves processes of repatriation, return, or shared stewardship of human remains, including identifying, contacting, and building relationships with descendants or descendant communities. 

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.

 

More here. 

Lead by the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Germany, the Digital Provenance and Collection Research Science Space (Wissenschaftsraum Provenienz- und Sammlungsforschung Digital) is funded by the state of Lower Saxony and the Volkswagen Foundation with around 3 million euros. The institutions participating in this joint research project are situated in Oldenburg, Hanover, Lüneburg, Göttingen and Bremerhaven, and they are advertising ten positions of research associates over the funding period of a total of four years. The Institute of English and American Studies at the University of Oldenburg is seeking to fill the position of a Doctoral Candidate (m/f/d) (Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin / Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter) for a fixed term of three years commencing on 1 November 2024 or as soon as possible. The position will be part-time (65 %) with working hours of currently 25.87 hours per week, and the salary will be based on the German public service pay scale 13 TV-L. The Digital Provenance and Collection Research Science Space consists of several sub-projects designed to jointly develop new digital methods for processing and analysing information about museum objects which were – under the circumstances of colonialism, war, looting, persecution and market dynamics – removed from their contexts of origin and brought to Europe where they are currently kept in museums, recorded in databases and presented in exhibitions. In two case studies, provenance and collection research will be expanded to include IT- and AI-supported methods and, together with international partners, the production of knowledge about the collection items and the handling of unreliable data as well as of epistemic and algorithmic bias will be researched. The position at the Institute of English and American Studies is part of the case study on collection research which focuses on cowry shells. The successful candidate is supposed to analyse representations and reframings of cowry shells in post- and decolonial texts and contexts (such as postcolonial literatures, pop-cultural phenomena, digital and social media, restitution debates); building on this, the candidate’s research project is meant to contribute to the theorisation of postcolonial epistemologies in times of digitisation as well as to post- and decolonial criticisms of the nature – culture divide. The position provides the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree (PhD).

More here.

NAGPRA Coordinator –

Job Number:

 241639

Organization

: Okla Museum of Natural History

Job Location

: United States-Oklahoma-Norman

Schedule

: Full-time

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday

Work Type: Onsite

Salary Range: Targeted salary $60,000 based on experience

Benefits Provided: Yes

Required Attachments: Resume, Cover Letter

Job Description

—

The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (SNM) NAGPRA Coordinator will oversee compliance, consultations, repatriations, and other activities associated with ensuring the museum’s compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and fulfilling its NAGPRA legal and ethical obligations. The position will play a key role in managing, tracking, and evaluating the progress of core projects and initiatives relating to NAGPRA compliance, specifically related to the archaeology and ethnology collections, assisting with inventories and summaries, publication of notices, facilitating NAGPRA communications, including tribal consultation and physical repatriations of Native American ancestors and cultural items, and conducting provenance research. This staff member will collaborate with appropriate museum curators and collection managers and work closely with the University of Oklahoma’s NAGPRA Oversight Committee. This full-time, 12-month, annually renewable professional staff position will supervise temporary full- and part-time staff, students, and volunteers and report to the Director.

Essential Duties: 

• Serves as the SNM’s primary point of contact for all NAGPRA-related inquiries seeking information about the SNM collections with Native American ancestral remains and NAGPRA-eligible cultural objects, and serves as the liaison between the SNM, Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, and the National NAGPRA program. 
• Develops the museum’s goals and objectives for NAGPRA compliance with timelines and benchmarks.
• Responsible for management and day-to-day oversight of the NAGPRA program at the museum, including managing and completing inventories and summaries, conducting provenance research, and organizing and facilitating physical repatriations.
• Supervises NAGPRA staff, including hiring, training, and carrying out performance evaluations. In collaboration with curators and collections managers, establishes work priorities and supports NAGPRA staff in daily tasks.
• Interfaces and communicates with the SNM Director and the OU NAPGRA Oversight Committee, providing updates and routine reports on progress, successes, and barriers to support program goals and compliance.
• Assesses program effectiveness and identifies and addresses areas in need of improvement.
• Manages program documentation and records, data collection, correspondence, consultations, and reporting (oral and written), including the drafting and submission of NAGPRA documents (summaries, inventories, notices, and communications); develops SNM NAGPRA-related procedural manuals, policies, procedures, and curation plans.
• Develops proposals and funding requests to support NAGPRA activities and administers grants and contracts.
• Interfaces with university departments, funding sources, outside organizations and state/government agencies.
• Plans and conducts tribal consultations, responds to information requests and maintains communication with Tribal representatives; schedules site visits and facilitates access to collections by stakeholders.
• Manages the program budget and allocates and coordinates resources to attain objectives.

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NMAfA is seeking a Provenance Researcher to work collaboratively across departments, including registration, curatorial, and conservation, to ensure the museum’s collections are managed ethically and inclusively; the contractor will report to the Head Registrar. The researcher will develop a comprehensive methodology for methodical and inclusive provenance research and create a workplan focused on high priority objects to prevent future acquisitions with problematic histories.

Objectives: Contractor(s) will develop a comprehensive methodology for research and create a prioritized list for reviewing collections’ provenance, and processes and procedures to prevent future acquisitions with problematic histories. Work will include researching the circumstances of collections’ acquisition through archival and museum records research, oral histories, reviewing relevant literature and providing reports on objects in question.

Period of Performance: This one-year contract continues the museum’s response to the Smithsonian’s mandate as well as its own Collections Management Policy amendment on Shared Stewardship and Ethical Returns. In fulfilling this contract, NMAFA will therefore contribute to one of the Smithsonian’s top priorities.

Scope of Work: The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art (NMAFA) Office of the Registrar issues this statement of work for provenance research services for current collections and new acquisitions. These services will be carried out at the National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C. within the period of performance stipulated in this statement of work. Work for the duration of this contract will closely involve the following NMAFA staff: Museum Registrar and staff Collections and Archives staff Curatorial staff The contractor shall provide professional, technical, and non-personal services to the National Museum of African Art.

TASKS: The contractor shall perform the following tasks:

The contractor will undertake an in-depth review of museum collections at the National Museum of African Art and develop a research approach for reviewing provenance for the Museum:

• Review and revise the museum’s overall provenance standards and create a comprehensive methodology for consistent, inclusive provenance research across the collection.
• Establish clear procedures and protocols for researching current collections and for vetting new acquisitions to avoid acquiring works with problematic histories or legal and ethical issues; Work will initially focus on objects from the Kingdom of Benin, Southeast Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Develop an “objects of concern” inventory list for the NMAfA collections, including objects that may be spiritual or ritual in nature, originate from archaeological sites, have a colonial-era provenance, or may have left the country of origin during periods of conflict.
• Make us of 1) museum records including, but not limited to, departmental ledger books, accession and loan files, catalogue cards, and the collections database (TMS), 2) SI archival collections, including fieldnotes and correspondence, 3) relevant literature and 4) oral histories and other nontraditional lines of evidence.
• Consult with curatorial and collections staff as needed, may be required to participate in ethical returns consultation meetings and other related meetings as required by Head Registrar. Attend quarterly pan-institutional Provenance Group meetings, providing minutes/notes to NMAfA staff.
• Write concise and well-researched reports summarizing the collections information and the circumstances under which the item(s) entered the museum, including any information about the circumstances under which the item(s) were removed from their original cultural context, if known.
• Receive assignments from the Head Registrar, typically via email or team meetings
• Prepare and distribute bi-weekly updates on ongoing projects, timelines and tasks
• Organize and manage correspondence utilizing preferred naming and archiving protocols.
• Build a resource list of colleagues, institutions, and communities in both Africa and in the global north working on provenance research.
• Create and maintain internal document management system using OneDrive and Sharepoint.

The majority of the collections are located on the National Mall at the National Museum of African art, but some may be located at the Museum Support Center (MSC) in Suitland, Maryland. Archival resources are located at NMAfA and also potentially at Smithsonian Libraries and Archives facilities in the area of the National Mall. Registration materials are located primarily at the museum.

Deliverables

The contractor shall provide the following deliverables:

• Provide written status reports every two (2) weeks on the progress of work
• Revise provenance standards and provide a comprehensive methodology for provenance research.
• Provide a work plan focused on high-priority objects.
• Provide two resource lists: a network of colleagues, institutions, and communities, and a bibliography of provenance resources.
• A final presentation to staff on project findings and the primary ways the NMAfA collection left the continent.
• For any specific collection objects reviewed for provenance, provide a completed research report.

Place of Performance

Work related to this contract may take place in a variety of locations, including the following:

• The Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center (MSC) in Suitland, Maryland;
• The Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African Art, building at 950 Independence Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20560;
• Other Smithsonian facilities in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

Travel

The contractor is responsible for all contractor transportation to and from the NMAFA, MSC, or other local Washington, D.C., metropolitan assignment sites, including costs related to driving and parking or mass transit. With their Smithsonian credentials, the contractor may make use of the free shuttle service that operates between NMAFA and MSC when required to complete assignments at MSC. The contractor is also responsible for any re-location costs if the contractor is not local to the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

NMAFA-FURNISHED ITEMS

NMAFA Collections Program and any required museum departments will provide the following for the duration of this contract:

• Access to relevant facilities (MSC, NMAFA, etc.) and collections, whether objects, archival and/or other collections or information as needed.
• Office space to work

Work requirements and considerations

The workplaces the usual demands involved in an office, lab and collections situation, including long periods of standing or sitting, recurring bending, some use of ladders, reaching and lifting of up to 25 lbs. in handling objects or storage units.

Special Material Requirements and Sensitive and Restricted Subjects

• Assignments completed during this contract may involve content that is culturally sensitive or restricted for conservation, security, cultural, research, or legal reasons. This content may include, but not be limited to, any of the following:
  • certain cultural objects and knowledge
  • materials and activities that are the subject of ongoing and unpublished research

More here.