NAGPRA & Tribal Affairs Lead (Confidential Administrative Support III, Range III) - Office of the President

California State University System • San Francisco, CA

43d • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the NAGPRA & Tribal Affairs Lead provides executive-level leadership, coordination, and confidential administrative support for San Francisco State University's (SFSU) compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and California NAGPRA (CalNAGPRA), and for all related Tribal, local, state, and federal relations. The incumbent serves as the University's principal liaison to Tribal governments and acts as the lead advisor on NAGPRA/CalNAGPRA implementation, consultation, and repatriation matters. This position ensures that the University's engagement with Tribal Nations is culturally appropriate, legally compliant, and strategically aligned with CSU and federal policies. The officer operates with a high degree of discretion and independent judgment on sensitive matters, representing the Office of the President and Chief of Staff in communications with Tribal leaders, the CSU Chancellor's Office, and government agencies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Anthropology, Native American Studies, History, or a related field.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible administrative or intergovernmental experience involving Tribal relations, cultural compliance, or public affairs.
• Demonstrated experience handling confidential matters at the executive or governmental level.
• Advanced knowledge of organizational, administrative, and management principles.
• Deep understanding of NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA statutes, consultation processes, and cultural sensitivity standards.
• Ability to interpret complex legislation, policy, and regulatory guidance.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and experience working directly with Tribal governments.
• Excellent analytical, research, and policy-writing skills.
• Proven ability to plan, coordinate, and lead multiple projects and staff simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal communication, diplomacy, and negotiation skills.
• High degree of discretion, judgment, and tact in managing sensitive issues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, database management, and digital communication platforms.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Anthropology, Native American Studies, History, Public Administration, or related field.
• Experience in higher education or within the California State University system.
• Record of success developing and implementing intergovernmental or Tribal partnership programs

Responsibilities

• Serve as SFSU's primary liaison to Tribal governments, state and federal agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the University in official consultations, negotiations, and meetings involving Tribal affairs, repatriation efforts, and cultural stewardship.
• Develop and sustain cooperative relationships with Tribal chairs, councils, and cultural representatives.
• Prepare legislative briefings, position statements, and reports for executive leadership.
• Track and interpret relevant federal and state legislation and recommend campus responses or policy adjustments.
• Coordinate intergovernmental communication on behalf of the Office of the President and Chief of Staff.
• Lead implementation of NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA across campus departments, ensuring documentation, inventories, summaries, and repatriation processes meet all statutory requirements.
• Direct day-to-day operations of the SFSU NAGPRA Program, including supervision of staff, consultants, and student assistants.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and tracking systems for consultation and cultural care.
• Manage records, reporting, and data integrity for state and federal submissions.
• Oversee respectful care, housing, and repatriation of Ancestors and cultural items, coordinating logistics with Tribes and authorized agencies.
• Provide high-level administrative and confidential support to the Chief of Staff and Office of the President on Tribal, cultural, and legislative matters.
• Draft confidential reports, correspondence, and communications for internal and external distribution.
• Coordinate meetings, retreats, and events involving senior administrators, Tribal leaders, and government officials.
• Exercise discretion in handling sensitive information, including personnel, policy, and labor-related materials.
• Serve as a resource to campus executives regarding protocols for Tribal consultation and government engagement.
• Participate in long-range strategic planning related to Tribal relations, compliance, and community partnerships.
• Conduct complex analyses of program effectiveness and recommend improvements to policy and procedure.
• Design and implement work plans, timelines, and performance metrics for the NAGPRA Program.
• Lead cross-departmental initiatives supporting reconciliation, cultural understanding, and ethical stewardship.
• Prepare detailed analytical and fiscal reports to inform executive decision-making.
• Represent SFSU on CSU systemwide committees or working groups as designated by the Chief of Staff.
• Perform additional executive support, reporting, or project work to advance institutional objectives.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Pension
• 401k
• Healthcare Savings Account
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Vacation and Sick Leave as well as State Holidays and a dynamic Fee Waiver program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees