NAGPRA Liaison (6300U) Government & Community Affairs 65010
About Berkeley
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.
The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.
We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.
At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.
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: February 29, 2024
Responsibilities
TRIBAL RELATIONS:
Oversees all aspects of 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 communities in NAGPRA consultations. Works directly with tribes' appointed NAGPRA representatives to locate applicable holdings and associated documentation for claims, conducts consultation outreach, and drafts claim committee packets and notices.
Participates in regular meetings with tribal government officials and representatives to consult on NAGPRA claims and 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.
In collaboration with the RC, manages logistics with appropriate scholars, labs, administrators, and across departments in preparation for NAGPRA related consultation visits.
Assists tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations in initiating and implementing the repatriation or negotiating other mutually acceptable short-term care agreements.
Identify and assist 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.
REVIEW, PREPARATION, and DISTRIBUTION OF CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL & REVIEW OF CLAIMS & 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 RC and NAGPRA Implementation Committee to resolve disputes when disagreements arise.
Responds to inquiries and, as necessary, drafts correspondence for approval by relevant campus authority 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/or reviews data, reporting findings, interpreting results and/or making recommendations. Supports the Office of Government and Community Relations to implement systems for managing/tracking communications between the campus NAGPRA Official (Chancellor's Designee), Repatriation Coordinator, NAGPRA Implementation Committee, NAGPRA team, Museums/Departments, and Tribes.
Quickly and appropriately identifies, addresses/escalates, and mitigates unforeseen and/or rapidly unfolding events that may negatively impact relationships between the campus and tribal constituencies, 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 team.
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 issues of concern in higher education.
Advanced knowledge of practices and procedures associated with building and maintaining effective working relationships with all levels of internal and external constituencies.
Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including skill to produce information that is appropriately presented and effectively received by target constituencies.
Active listening skills, including advanced critical thinking and analytical skills.
Skill to recognize potential areas of constituency concern and address, resolve and/or mitigate problems or issues.
Advanced project management skills, including skills to plan and implement successful events.
Advanced knowledge of practices and procedures associated with building and maintaining effective working relationships with all levels of internal and external constituencies.
Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including skill to produce information that is appropriately presented and effectively received by target constituencies.
Active listening skills, including advanced critical thinking and analytical skills.
Skill to recognize potential areas of constituency concern and address, resolve and/or mitigate problems or issues.
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.
Advanced project management skills, including skills to plan and implement successful events and outreach programs.
Knowledge of NAGPRA with experience implementing regulations.
Experience working with Native American communities, preferably in California Native American Communities.
Knowledge of relevant North American history and pre-history.
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.
Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, Native American 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 $77,600.00-$105,000.00
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Conviction History Background
This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.
