The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University seeks an experienced scholar with expertise in African collections, regional focus open but with expertise on ethnographic collections. We are seeking an individual with strong research and communication skills and ties to African and diaspora communities to care for and interpret an historical collection of African cultural material. This individual will help further develop the current institutional goals of ethical stewardship, including fostering relationship building, collaborative dialogue, and diverse perspectives within museum spaces.
Position Description
The Curator of African Collections performs curatorial functions and regular assignments as approved by the Senior Curator:
Responsible for documentation, research, presentation, interpretation, development of the collections;
Contributes to the integrity of information about collections and database content in keeping with current professional practices and in consultation with African, descendant, and Diaspora communities;
Promotes access to collections, particularly by African communities and incorporates their viewpoints in interpretation, through collaborative research; curation of exhibits; and contributions to programming (lectures, workshops, conferences);
Curates and coordinates exhibitions as assigned;
Conducts and publishes research;
Contributes to programming (lectures, workshops, conferences);
Responds to researcher and student requests and consults with visiting researchers, and assists with Harvard teaching and learning activities related to the collections;
Advises on the intellectual content of proposed accessions and deaccessions, and consults on conservation work and collections storage;
Assists with raising funds for research, exhibitions, and programs;
Collaborates with university colleagues, including Harvard Art Museums staff and other Harvard museums as well as faculty and students, and may have teaching duties;
Develops and maintains professional affiliations with colleagues in similar positions at other institutions; and attends and presents at conferences and professional events on behalf of the Museum;
Helps to maintain collection records in keeping with professional practices;
Performs other duties as required.
Basic Qualifications
M.A. in a relevant discipline, such as Anthropology or Art History.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Skills and Experience
M.A. in a relevant discipline, such as Anthropology or Art History; Ph.D. or equivalent experience preferred;
Expertise in African material culture;
7+ years of progressively relevant experience;
Demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion, preferably in a museum setting;
Track record of engagement with African communities;
Demonstrated writing, public speaking, research, and organizational skills;
Ability to travel as needed
Additional Information
Please note: this position is a full-time staff position with no departmental affiliation. Applicants must be able to work legally in the United States.
We regret that we will not be able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
About Us
About the Peabody Museum
The Peabody Museum is situated on the ancestral and traditional land of the Massachusett people. It cares for over 1.2 million items from across the world, including cultural, archaeological, and osteological collections as well as extensive photographic and archival materials. The Museum is committed to the ethical stewardship of its collections through implementation of collaborative and culturally responsive care, interpretation, and engagement. We strive for a diverse, inclusive and equitable working environment and to act in ways that address the global challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: 388058 Museum Professional
Job Function: Museum
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub Unit: Social Sciences
Salary Grade: 058
Department: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
