NAGPRA COORDINATOR

Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) seeks a qualified individual to serve as NAGPRA Coordinator in the Department of  Social Work and Anthropology. This 12-month, non-tenurable, position with full benefits is currently approved for one year, with possible renewal as warranted. AUM has been working on Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) initiatives since August 2023. Therefore, the NAGPRA Coordinator will ensure AUM’s continued compliance with the NAGPRA federal regulations through coordinating inventory and curation of Native American ancestral remains and cultural items, consultations, repatriations, and other associated activities.

For full considerations, please include:

• a letter of application highlighting relevant experience
• curriculum vitae
• unofficial graduate transcripts (official transcripts will be required for hiring)
• contact information for three professional references

How to Apply:

Visit https://jobs.aum.edu/aum-careers-home/ and complete an online application. Screening of applications will begin immediately with priority given to applications received by July 15, 2026. While the position will remain open until filled, AUM reserves the right once interviewing begins to stop accepting applications. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Kimberly Pyszka at kpyszka@aum.edu .

Required minimum qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Anthropology, Museum Studies, Native American Studies, or closely related field.
• A minimum of two years’ experience in identifying, analyzing, organizing, and managing Native American ancestral remains and cultural items.
• Must be able to physically raise arms, lift 30 pounds (or more), and have the ability to climb stairs and ladders.

Preferred qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Anthropology, Museum Studies, Native American Studies, or closely related field.
• Prior experience participating in NAGPRA consultation processes.

Duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Update and compile necessary summaries and inventories of Native American ancestral remains and cultural items located on the AUM campus. 
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with Native American Tribal Nations.
• Consult with federally recognized tribal representatives to determine the cultural affiliation of ancestral remains and cultural items.
• Consult on duty-of-care provisions to ensure ancestral remains and cultural items are handled in culturally sensitive ways and prepare them for repatriation and/or short and long-term curation.
• Serve as the institutional point of contact and coordinator for all NAGPRA inquiries.
• Collaborate and consult closely with department chair in matters of compliance and procedure to ensure that regulations are being followed.
• Collaborate and consult closely with other NAGPRA professionals on matters of compliance and procedure for shared collections.
• Prepare and file required documentation with the National NAGPRA Program.
• Explore grant opportunities to further support NAGPRA activities.
• Train and supervise students in best practices associated with collections and curation management.

Located in Alabama’s vibrant state capital, Auburn University at Montgomery is a fast-growing university on the rise. Don’t just take our word for it: The Princeton Review rates us as one of the best colleges in the Southeast, while U.S. News & World Report recently ranked us No. 22 among regional universities in the South for the quality of undergraduate teaching and 38th among all public institutions in the region.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. The Office of Human Resources/ Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) strives to ensure an inclusive and equitable working, living, and learning environment for members of the AUM community.