Tribal Liaison (Administrator I), University Advancement

Job Summary

This position is responsible for ensuring the University's compliance with federal and state Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) legislation, including California Assembly Bills 275 and 389. The position leads a multi-phase process of inventory, consultation, correspondence, visitation, and repatriation of curated collections to Native American Tribes. Responsibilities include managing the development and maintenance of records and supporting documentation to support campus compliance with NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA. Additionally, this position advances Tribal Relations initiatives on behalf of the University.

Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance and Records Management

Coordinate institutional compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and California Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (CalNAGPRA), including timelines, reporting requirements, and communications with the California Native American Heritage Commission.

Serve as CSUSB's primary NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA representative in consultations and meetings with Tribal Nations, tribal government officials, and regulatory agencies to address compliance matters and facilitate culturally appropriate resolutions.

Manage and collaborate with Tribal representatives to identify, document, label, and ensure the appropriate care and stewardship of Native American cultural items and Ancestors housed at the University.

Compile, maintain, and organize sensitive NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA records, inventories, correspondence, and compliance documentation related to consultation, repatriation, and collections stewardship activities. Prepare summaries, status updates, and required materials to support regulatory compliance, consultation processes, and communications with Tribal Nations and regulatory agencies.

Coordinate with appropriate campus departments to ensure information related to NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA compliance activities, consultation processes, and available resources is communicated accurately and maintained on the CSUSB NAGPRA website.

Partner with campus departments and collections managers to support the curation, documentation, and stewardship of collections in compliance with NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA requirements.

Ensure University compliance with CSU systemwide NAGPRA policy and applicable federal and state regulations related to teaching, research, collections management, and field school activities.

Consultation and Outreach

Lead and facilitate consultation processes with Tribal Nations, tribal representatives, Local, State, and Federal Agencies, and other stakeholders in accordance with NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA requirements, including preparation of Federal Register notices as applicable.

Direct and manage NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA inquiries regarding Native American Ancestors and cultural items.

Convene and facilitate the CSUSB NAGPRA Coordination Group to support institutional compliance efforts and cross-campus collaboration.

Develop and implement culturally responsive processes that support Tribal community access to and visitation of cultural items and collections in accordance with Tribal preferences and guidance.

Coordinate access to collections for educational, ceremonial, and exhibition purposes in alignment with Tribal preferences, guidance, and cultural protocols.

Manage all phases of the consultation process, including coordination and communication with claimants, requestors, Tribal representatives, and affiliated communities regarding repatriation and related matters.

Manage and coordinate travel and logistical support associated with Tribal consultations, repatriation activities, and related meetings, as appropriate.

Tribal Relations

Support the Director of Tribal Relations with Tribal engagement initiatives, events, and meetings.

Serve as a liaison between CSUSB and Tribal Nations in the absence of the Director of Tribal Relations.

Support and strengthen partnerships between Tribal Relations and campus departments advancing Native American and Indigenous initiatives.

Perform other job-related responsibilities and special assignments in support of departmental operations, compliance activities, Tribal engagement efforts, and institutional priorities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related area: Archaeology, Anthropology, Environmental Studies, Ethnic Studies, History (with a focus in California), Law, Native American Studies, Social Science, Sociology.

2-5 years of professional and supervisory experience.

Required Qualifications

Three years of experience coordinating repatriation work.

One year of experience with collections management best practices and storage facilities.

One year of experience working with Native American communities.

An understanding of federal and state Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA) regulations, read and analyze NAGPRA documents.

Two years of experience working with tribal nations on NAGPRA consultation or other projects, experience with respectfully handling ancestral remains and cultural items.

Knowledge of Tribal history, Tribal sovereignty, and consultation protocols with Native American Tribes and affiliated communities.

Highly skilled communications and interpersonal skills to coordinate with various communities to build and sustain collegial relationships.

Knowledge of Federally Recognized Tribes, Non-Federally Recognized Tribes and California Recognized Tribes.

Knowledge of Native American Tribal protocols, cultures, histories, sovereignty, and governmental relations, particularly for California Native Nations.

Knowledge of NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA federal and state legislation and compliance implementation requirements.

Knowledge of standard office policies and procedures.

Knowledge and skill using personal computers and business office software packages such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point) or other data management systems.

Comprehensive knowledge of English composition, grammar, spelling, and punctuation, with demonstrated proficiency.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of AB 275 and AB 389.

Demonstrated ability to apply an extensive understanding of federal and state NAGPRA regulations and NAGPRA work.

Understanding of CSU policies and procedures.

Project management experience.