Job Description
Job Summary
The Collections Steward coordinates and implements all aspects of museum collections management, with particular focus on supporting Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) consultation and duty of care for ethnographic and/or archaeological collections. Performs a wide range of collections management and administrative duties for assigned collections. Oversees and carries out day-to-day work with the collection. Reports to the Associate Director for Collections Care and Access.
Position Description
- Facilitates access to and use of assigned collections, including responding to internal and external inquiries.
- Communicates workflow and information cross-departmentally to facilitate collections access, working closely with the NAGPRA Department.
- Plans for and coordinates collections management-related activities as they relate to NAGPRA consultations. Participates in NAGPRA consultations providing access to museum collections and support to the NAGPRA Department.
- Documents and carries out duty of care responsibilities for NAGPRA collections including working with the NAGPRA Department and Tribal Nations to obtain required consent and enact care requests.
- Verifies and enters information in the database (TMS) by reviewing pertinent collections documentation, archival materials, and published sources.
- Responsible for the organization, maintenance, and use of specified collections in the Museum; assists with other collections as assigned.
- Reorganizes collections in storage, including any necessary re-housing as needed to enact duty of care and facilitate access.
- May work with/supervise temporary staff, interns, or students on special projects.
- Performs other duties as required.
Basic Qualifications
- B.A. in museum studies, anthropology, archaeology, or a related field;
- Five or more years of demonstrated collections experience required. M.A. in museum studies, anthropology, archaeology, or a related field could be considered in lieu of two years experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- B.A. in museum studies, anthropology, archaeology, or a related field; M.A. preferred.
- Five or more years of demonstrated collections experience required with broad knowledge of museum collection standards and best practices.
- Understanding of and commitment to the ethical stewardship of museum collections in partnership with stakeholder communities.
- Knowledge of NAGPRA and previous experience with community consultation visits helpful but not required.
- Basic knowledge of North American archaeological and ethnographic museum collections.Experience with handling, storage, and preservation of North American museum collections.
- Familiarity with museum cataloging procedures, inventory methods, and documentation.
- Excellent writing and verbal skills to interact with a wide audience range.
- Excellent computer skills and familiarity with collections management databases; knowledge of The Museum System (TMS) preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills with particular ability to multitask, coordinate complex projects, and prioritize work in an environment with competing deadlines.
- Ability to work with sensitive collections and to maintain confidentiality.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a strong departmental team.
Additional Information
This is a term position through December 31, 2028.
We regret that we will not be able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
- Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
- Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
- Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
- Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
- Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
- Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
About Harvard University Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.
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Job Tags
Holiday work, Temporary work, Remote job,