Associate Curator

The Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology is Brown University’s teaching and research museum. A resource across the university, we inspire creative and critical thinking about culture by fostering interdisciplinary understanding of the material world. 

Education and Experience:

• MA in a relevant discipline such as anthropology, archaeology, history, Indigenous or American studies or comparable work experience
• Minimum 3–5 years related experience
• PhD preferred

Competencies:

• Previous experience with NAGPRA implementation required and knowledge of recent updates to federal repatriation legislation; other restitution work welcome
• Experience working in North America and with sovereign tribal nations and tribal government representatives (exp., Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, designated NAGPRA representatives, tribal leadership); experience in multiple regions is preferred
• Established relationships with North American Indigenous communities, other communities related to collections, or other groups historically underrepresented in museum or university settings welcome
• Respect for sensitive and restricted knowledge, requiring attentiveness to university, legal, and cultural protocols and discretion
• Knowledge of museum operations and critical debates in the field
• Excellent research, writing, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of museum information standards, including relational collections databases
• Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills; ability to manage time and meet deadlines
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Ability to travel as needed
• Management experience preferred
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team environment
• Initiative and judgment to independently problem solve and, when needed, collaborate and seek guidance

The Associate Curator is based in the Curatorial Department and reports to and assists the Head Curator and Associate Director, focused on topics of repatriation, restitution, provenance research, and community connections. They are expected to provide subject matter expertise in one or more areas of HMA’s holdings, with a preference for North America, and work collaboratively with staff across departments to meet shared goals.

The main priority is to assist the museum's legal responsibility to comply with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (PL 101-601). This work involves documenting repatriation efforts, sending out summaries and other reports, consulting with tribal nations, helping evaluate claims, and facilitating physical repatriations. The Associate Curator serves on the museum's NAGPRA committee. The role's additional purpose is to advance provenance research and restitution response across all collections. The position works with collections, records, and the museum database to improve the accuracy and completeness of museum documentation. It generates and shares new knowledge about holdings and their significance through external research, collaboration, and consultation.

The role assists with inquiries related to its operational focus. This function includes responding to requests for information, consultation, and/or repatriation of ancestral human remains and cultural materials from the United States and around the world, requiring long-term relationship and trust-building. The role will respond to inquiries and help host visits, as well as coordinate work as needed across museum departments.

The Associate Curator contributes to Brown’s curricular resources in decolonial scholarship and professional practice through exhibition, teaching, and other modes of public engagement related to their operational focus and expertise. They will bring best practices and debates in the field to the museum and university community, including by fostering diverse perspectives within university spaces. The role will support—and may propose and lead—physical and digital exhibition and other modes of engagement.

The Associate Curator will advise senior leadership in their areas of expertise and also contribute to programming and special initiatives, such as grants. The position will manage and supervise Curatorial Assistants, students, and interns. The role undertakes other duties as required.