Indigenous Affairs Specialist

Denver Museum of Nature & Science•Denver, CO

14h

About The Position

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 under NAGPRA (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. This position provides high-level support and expertise to the staff throughout the Museum, including the Museum’s leadership team. Expertise may be required in collections and curatorial work, exhibits, programs, and other areas of the Museum. As part of this support, this 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 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 are essential partners in collections care, programming, and exhibitions at the Museum.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Native American Studies, Anthropology, Museum Studies, or a related field. Equivalent lived experience and traditional knowledge leadership will be considered 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.

Nice To Haves

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 to facilitate sensitive and emotionally complex consultations, and to resolve conflicts.

Responsibilities

Oversees legal repatriation mandates under NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act).
Proactively builds long-term, reciprocal relationships with both domestic Tribal Nations and international Indigenous communities.
Collaborates with communities to honor source community viewpoints and requests outside the federal framework.
Extends expertise to other museum collections and departments as decolonization practices evolve.
Provides high-level support and expertise to staff throughout the Museum, including the leadership team.
Co-leads the Indigenous Communities Outreach Team, driving institutional strategy and fostering long-term partnerships with Tribal Nations and Indigenous stakeholders.
Ensures Indigenous perspectives and traditional knowledge are integrated into the Museum's exhibitions and programming.