Departmental Overview At the University of California, Berkeley, we recognize that every member of our community has benefited, and continues to benefit, from living, working, and occupying the ancestral territories of California Native Nations. Consistent with our values of community and diversity, the University has a responsibility to acknowledge and make visible its role in the injuries committed against California Native Nations. In this way the University seeks to prioritize respect for both the historic culture and the contemporary presence of Native Americans throughout California and on its campus by striving to hold UC Berkeley more accountable to the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native Nations and Native Hawaiian Organizations.
Given the unique history of the state of California, and UC Berkeley's role as the flagship land grant institution of the UC system, as well as the inherent sovereignty of Native Nations, it is imperative that the university include Tribal needs and perspectives within the fabric of the institution.
The NAGPRA Repatriation Team will report to the Chancellor's Designee, the Assistant Chancellor, Government and Community Relations in the Office of the Chancellor.
The Government and Community Relations (GCR) office builds relationships with community leaders, elected officials, government agencies and third party advocates to further the mission of UC Berkeley in the public sector. The issues of primary focus for the GCR team include student financial aid, admissions, scientific research and other policies at the forefront of higher education and government. GCR also coordinates the University's response to a wide range of political and policy issues, and advises administrators and faculty on strategies to gain constructive dialogue with government and community leaders.
Application Review Date The First Review Date for this job is: April 3, 2026
Responsibilities TRIBAL RELATIONS:
- Conducts NAGPRA tribal outreach involving complex external relations programs, projects and events, including coordinating special programs and overseeing production of audio/visual or written and visual materials.
- Cultivate positive relationships with Native American and Native Hawaiian communities.
- Develop and implement outreach strategies to proactively engage Native American Nations and communities in NAGPRA consultations.
- Works directly with tribes' appointed NAGPRA representatives to locate applicable holdings and associated documentation for repatriation requests, conducts consultation outreach, and drafts repatriation request committee packets and notices.
- Participates in regular meetings with tribal government officials and representatives to consult on NAGPRA repatriation requests and facilitate repatriations.
Travels to semi-annual meetings and conferences, as assigned, to research best practices in the field and/or to publicly present Museum and University NAGPRA activities where appropriate. - Assists Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations in accessing ancestral human remains and cultural items.
- With the Director for Repatriation and NAGPRA Program Manager, manages logistics with appropriate departments in preparation for NAGPRA related consultation visits.
- Assists with preparing applications for grants to support campus and tribes' NAGPRA efforts.
- Assists with repatriation preparations including packing ancestors and belongings for return when needed (accommodations for traditional customs are fully supported).
REVIEW, PREPARATION, and DISTRIBUTION OF CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL & REVIEW OF REPATRIATION REQUESTS & APPEALS:
- Assists prospective claimants or requestors in obtaining cultural affiliation information as required by Policy. Ensures that information is complete and accurate so that requests may proceed.
- Works with the campus Director for Repatriation and NAGPRA Implementation Committee to resolve disputes when disagreements arise.
- Responds to inquiries and, as necessary, drafts correspondence for approval by Director for Repatriation in response to urgent requests specific to NAGPRA.
- Breaks down complex NAGPRA related information into easily digestible details, abstracts basic information for public application, and disseminates it to appropriate recipients.
- Analyzes, summarizes and reviews data and archival information for NAGPRA consultation, reporting findings, interpreting results and/or making recommendations where appropriate and requested by Tribes.
- Quickly and appropriately identifies, addresses/escalates, and mitigates unforeseen and/or rapidly unfolding situations that may impact repatriations or relationships. keeping senior management appropriately advised and notified.
- Using institutional knowledge and awareness of constituency perception, assist with designing, developing, and implementing short and long-term strategic plans, programs, events, and activities as part of the campus NAGPRA department.
- Responds to external constituent inquiries from Native Nations as required.
- Assist with NAGPRA inquiries seeking information about Native American remains and objects falling under NAGPRA regulations.
Required Qualifications - Advanced knowledge of repatriation.
- Advanced knowledge of NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA with experience implementing regulations.
- Demonstrated experience consulting with and repatriating to Native American and/or First Nations government officials, people, and/or communities.
- Knowledge of relevant North American history.
- Experience working for a cultural resources department or collecting institution such as a museum, art gallery, archive, cultural center, or government repository. a strong understanding of archaeological records and navigating provenance documentation to ensure full transparent sharing of information and assisting with their navigation in consultation.
- Confidence with navigating collections databases and be able to accurately input, retrieve, and use available tools to present and analyze structured information to share with, and during consultations with Tribes
- Demonstrated history of working with sensitive cultural materials and information. This position may be requested in consultation to assist with the preparation of ancestral remains and sacred belongings for repatriation, adhering to Tribal mandates. Accommodations for traditional customs are fully supported. Note that this position requires reviewing database records and associated archives that often contain photographs of ancestral remains and sacred belongings.
- Exceptional deep listening skills combined with advanced critical and analytical thinking. This position requires the ability to engage authentically with tribal representatives and partners, to translate needs communicated in consultation into respectful and actionable strategies within the frameworks of NAGPRA and collections care.
- Advanced knowledge of practices and procedures associated with building and maintaining effective working relationships with all levels of internal and external stakeholders.
- Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including skill to produce information that is appropriately presented and effectively received by target constituencies.
- Skill to recognize potential areas of concern and address, resolve and/or mitigate problems or issues.
- Advanced project management skills, including skills to plan and implement successful events and outreach programs.
- Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including skill to produce information that is appropriately presented and effectively received by stakeholders.
- Experience using effective interpersonal communication skills to interact with a diverse group of individuals to secure and/or provide information to clarify situations, and resolve problems; to communicate clearly and professionally; and to develop and sustain collegial working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Experience with computer programs and applications, and database management.
- Experience using analytical and organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and to assist with complex, sensitive or confidential projects.
- At least three years of administrative experience.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Native American Studies, Anthropology, Museum Studies, Law, or a related field / or equivalent experience / training.
Salary & Benefits For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $91,500.00 -$105,000.00.
How to Apply To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
