Repatriation and Ethical Return Specialist, IS-1001-11

Smithsonian Institution•Suitland, MD

5d•$85,447 - $91,145•Onsite

About The Position

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) seeks experienced and highly motivated candidates to fill the position of Repatriation and Ethical Return Specialist for an initial term of three years. The initial term may or may not be extended. The purpose of the position is to increase the pace of both repatriation and ethical return efforts at the NMAI through independent conduct of research analysis, submission of assessment recommendations to the NMAI Board of Trustees, and preparation of reports that meet the standards established by current legislation and institutional policy. The position also supports outreach and communication efforts, facilitates repatriation consultations, coordinates physical returns, and contributes to initiatives that support the overall function of the Repatriation Department and the Four Pathways Program. The Four Pathways of Return is the methodology that NMAI utilizes to work with communities and/or individuals to facilitate the return or appropriate care of cultural heritage items in order to: address lasting harm caused by past collecting practices, implement new standards for ethical stewardship of museum collections, and support the well-being of communities relations with their cultural belongings. It embraces the NMAI Act, NMAI’s Repatriation Policy, and SI’s Shared Stewardship and Ethical Returns policy to find the best pathway (or combination of pathways) of Community Loan, Shared Stewardship, Repatriation, and Ethical Returns to provide communities with more authority and/or ownership over their cultural heritage. The NMAI is responsible for affirming to Native communities and the non-Native public, the historical and contemporary culture and cultural achievements of the Indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere by advancing, in consultation, collaboration and cooperation with them, a knowledge and understanding of their cultures, including art, history, and language, and by recognizing the Museum's special responsibility, through innovative public programming, research, and collections, to protect, support, and enhance the development, maintenance, and perpetuation of Indigenous culture and community. This position is located at the National Museum of the American Indian’s Cultural Resource Center in Suitland, MD.

Requirements

Knowledge of and experience in applying a broad knowledge of Indigenous cultures, histories, and traditions across the Western Hemisphere. Exercises the highest degree of legal, ethical, and cultural sensitivity when working with cultural materials or ancestral remains related to Indigenous communities of the Western Hemisphere.
Knowledge of and experience working with collections database systems; skill in current and emerging technology to conduct research, track actions, generate inventories, and prepare reports; and experience and skill in Microsoft office software including Excel, Word, Power Point, and virtual meeting platforms with the ability to learn new automated systems.
Demonstrated proficiency in written communication, including the ability to draft clear and effective administrative correspondence, logistical documentation, and related materials necessary to support the repatriation and ethical return process.
Ability to apply knowledge, experience, and diplomacy using oral and interpersonal communication skills to conduct outreach communication and consultation, and to deal effectively with tribal representatives and museum professionals when conducting consultations with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities to better understand their culture, customs, history and protocols as it relates to human remains and certain cultural object eligible for repatriation under the NMAIA or relevant institutional policies.
Working knowledge of regulations, procedures, methods and systems and ability to complete and submit required documents for travel, procurement, and budget development; serves as Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) with the responsibility for generating contracts and monitoring contractors’ adherence to the statement of work; and oversees timelines and deliverables as the lead for repatriation casework.
Ability to direct the work activity and training of interns, fellows, and volunteers.

Responsibilities

Performs repatriation activities at the Smithsonian that are governed by the National Museum of the American Indian Act (NMAIA), 20 U.S.C. §80q (Public Law 101–185), as amended by the NMAIA Amendment of 1996 (Public Law 104–278). The NMAIA requires the Smithsonian to return, upon request, Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony to culturally affiliated federally recognized Indian tribes.
Conducts research on repatriation and ethical return requests submitted by Tribes/First Nations/Indigenous communities, and proactive research for the return of ancestral remains under the museum’s stewardship.
Independently researches and prepares reports in alignment with directives from the museum’s Board of Trustees, the NMAI Repatriation Policy, the Shared Stewardship and Ethical Returns Policy, and the department’s casework chronology.
Works closely with the repatriation staff as part of a collaborative team. The incumbent establishes and maintains their schedule to ensure timely completion of casework, using the department’s case management and collections databases to track progress and maintain accurate records.
Leads, facilitates and/or participates in consultations with tribal nations, Indigenous communities, tribal representatives, and Native individuals. Demonstrates diplomacy, cultural sensitivity, and a consistently high level of service throughout all stages of the repatriation process.
Serves as the primary tribal liaison for repatriation and ethical returns cases, fostering respectful relationships with tribal representatives and Indigenous communities.
Provides critical support for the department’s programmatic functions, including the coordination of administrative and logistical arrangements for tribal repatriations, ethical returns, consultations, or other special projects related to Four Pathways activities.
Assists with reviewing and editing board reports, congressional reports, and other communique related to Four Pathways activities.