Date Posted: 09/21/2026
Req ID: 50252
Faculty/Division: UofT Mississauga
Department: UTM: Anthropology
Campus: University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM)
Position Number:
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

Your opportunity:

The Department of Anthropology and Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII) at UTM is seeking an Indigenous-Centred Collections Officer to play a pivotal role in transforming the stewardship of archaeological and cultural collections through Indigenous direction, collaboration, and relationship-building. The role of the Collections Officer reports to both the Department Manager in the Department of Anthropology and the Director of Indigenous Initiatives in the OII. This position is for a five-year term, with the possibility of renewal. The successful candidate will help guide consultation, repatriation, rematriation, or long-term stewardship processes for archaeological belongings originating from Indigenous territories across what is now known as Ontario. This position offers a unique opportunity to build meaningful partnerships with Indigenous Nations, support reconciliation commitments, and helps shape community-directed approaches to belongings and collections stewardship and coordination that honours Indigenous rights, knowledge, and governance.

This is a Term role for five (5) years with the possibility of extension.

Working Hours: Monday-Friday 8:45am- 5:00pm. This role is four (4) days on-site.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Oversee the organization, documentation, and curation of Indigenous ancestral archaeological belongings
• Coordinate Indigenous-directed consultation and relationship-building with Indigenous Nations through UTM OII
• Support the Department's Collections & Data Committee in developing Indigenous-directed standard operating procedures
• Liaise with Indigenous communities, Anthropology department at U of T St. George campus, government partners, and other institutions
• Coordinate repatriation, rematriation, and collaborative stewardship processes
• Plan for the long-term stewardship of existing and future collections
• Manage logistical aspects of stewardship and repatriation processes, including packaging, shipping coordination, and preparation of materials for transfer in collaboration with relevant institutional units
• Occasional travel within Canada may be required to support consultation and repatriation or rematriation processes

Essential Qualifications:

• Master's Degree or acceptable combination of equivalent education and experience.
• Six to seven years of progressive experience in collections management, archaeological or cultural heritage stewardship
• Demonstrated experience in indigenous engagement and/or consultation
• Demonstrated experience navigating repatriation/rematriation processes, preferrably working directly with or within indigenous communities
• Indigenous membership or citizenship, and/or lived experience with Indigenous communities, demonstrated commitment as an Indigenous ally, and strong cultural competency.
• Familiarity with Indigenous protocols and practices of community engagement and respect forIndigenous governance structures and data sovereignty in Canada
• Understanding of Canadian legislative frameworks related to archaeological stewardship and repatriation
• Training or experience in museum studies, collections management, or archaeological practice, including those licensed to practice archaeology in Ontario

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Adaptable
• Communicator
• Cooperative
• Diplomatic
• Problem solver
• Responsible
• Tactful

Closing Date: 10/16/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 14 -- $91,677. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $117,242. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Student Services

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.

Job descriptions are available upon request for internal applicants.