IUMAA takes aspects of the former museum and the Laboratory of Archaeology and combines them into 1 cohesive experience. With an impactful long-term vision focusing on purposeful storytelling, stewarding collections, and bringing these items to communities, the IUMAA thoughtfully houses and displays over 5 million artifacts that span across a broad range of the human experience. The IUMAA is accessible for research as well as teaching and is culturally connected to our broader community through partnerships with Indigenous communities, advisory boards, and other IUMAA community members.
Job Summary
This position will work closely with faculty and students and must be skilled at establishing sustainable relationships with diverse communities impacted by the complex colonial legacies of academia and museums, and the IU Bloomington community and beyond. The Curator will also support diverse researchers and process requests focused on archaeological findings in the American Midwest, including the Angel Mounds State Historic Site in southwestern Indiana.
The position is responsible for the intellectual content of the archaeological collections in partnership with collections staff; cultivating opportunities for collections research, engagement, and exhibitions; fostering community partnerships; and working in collaboration with the IU NAGPRA team.
Department-Specific Responsibilities
Works to ensure collections are interpreted inclusively with multiple voices, focused on community authorship and perspectives, and prioritizing descendant communities/Indigenous knowledge and protocols.
Researches, curates, develops, and implements exhibition experiences and research that innovatively engage communities in a thoughtful, creative, and culturally conscious way.
Works with curatorial and exhibition staff, descendent communities, and other collaborators on the planning and curation of exhibits.
Leads archaeological collections cataloging initiatives including the development of artifact description protocols and vocabulary standards in line with contemporary archaeological thought.
Directs the building and reorganization of reference collections to improve access and use.
Writes collection summaries and identify collections for priority research and conservation efforts.
Initiates, develops, and directs original research projects in conjunction with Director of Curatorial Affairs and in partnership with the Associate Director of Research, focused primarily on IUMAA's archaeological collections, to advance understanding of Indiana history and the history of Indigenous cultures, past and present.
Supervises graduate fellows and student support staff with research and curation projects, presentations, honors theses, and exhibits.
Partners with Collection Manager in stewardship of Federal, State, and other reposited collections.
Evaluates gift considerations and steward ethical acquisitions following IUMAA's Collection Policy.
Actively participates in grant-writing and other fund-raising to support archaeological research and curation.
Reviews research requests in collaboration with Associate Director of Research.
Works in coordination with collections staff and IU NAGPRA team on compliance efforts.
Acts as ambassador to academic departments and to the broader IU and Bloomington communities.
Cultivates support for exhibitions, galleries, programs, symposia, acquisitions, research grants, and fellowships through association with professional organizations, foundations, collectors, and donors.
General Responsibilities
Preserves and manages museum artifacts, documents, and/or collections, ensuring adherence to relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Coordinates the moving of works to and from buildings. Plans what artifacts will be displayed and works with departments to make selections based on the environment in the area.
Uses conservation and maintenance techniques to preserve artifacts, documents, and collections.
Researches and writes labels for all displayed works. Prints and installs labels.
Researches and prepares courses, tours, and presentations related to the museum.
Strategizes for continued goal setting and activities to reach goals and assists with the associated budget construction to carry out long-term plans.
Assists other museum services staff with incoming artifacts and database management.
Inventories artifacts in museums and maintains condition reports.
May provide guidance and delegate administrative tasks to other museum services staff.
May make process recommendations for improved operational efficiency.
Qualifications
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION
Required
Bachelor's degree in museum services or other related field
Preferred
Master's degree in anthropology, Indigenous studies, history, or related fields with a focus on Midwest archaeology
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required
2 years in museum services or another related field
Preferred
3 years of experience with research and curatorial work related to archaeology and Indigenous collections.
2 years of experience related to descendent community, NAGPRA consultations, and/or shared-stewardship practices
SKILLS
Required
Proficient communication skills
Maintains a high degree of professionalism
Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty
Highly thorough and dependable
Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure
Preferred
Demonstrates broad knowledge of archaeological materials and understanding of the importance of material culture to people past and present
Ability to listen and deal empathetically with a wide range of people and cultural groups.
Understanding of equity, inclusion, access, and racial/culturally just practices within museums, archives, and libraries.
Demonstrated understanding of the colonial legacy of universities, museums, anthropology and the complexity of colonization's impact on Black, Indigenous, and communities of color (domestic and international).
Demonstrates experience in assisting with culturally complex, sensitive, or confidential projects
Ability to identify and contextualize archaeological materials with an emphasis or desire to focus research on the archaeology of the American Midwest
Ability to obtain Qualified Professional credentials from the state of Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology
Demonstrates working knowledge of cultural resource laws and best practices
Demonstrated experience with materials science microscopy, 3D imaging, or other advanced analytical techniques
Excellent verbal and writing skills with ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and the public across multiple disciplines
Excellent analytical and creative problem-solving skills
Strong organizational skills including project planning and management.
Skills and experience using digital technologies, including internet and media platforms
Working Conditions / Demands
This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. This position is required to be able to lift up to 50 pounds often. This role will require the use of various pieces of equipment. Specialized equipment might include: laboratory and field equipment (various microscopes, pXRF, RTK, magnetic gradiometer, and ground penetrating radar), as well as ArcGIS, TerraSurveyor, Filemaker Pro, and the Adobe Creative Suite. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Work Location
Bloomington, Indiana
This is an in-person position.
Advertised Salary
$70,000 annually
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
Multiple plan options for medical insurance
Dental insurance
Health Savings Account with generous IU contribution
Life insurance, LTD, and AD&D options
Base retirement plan contribution from IU, subject to vesting
Additional supplemental retirement plan options
Tuition benefit for IU classes
10 paid holidays per year
Generous Paid Time Off
Paid Parental Leave
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing our online Benefits Brochure.
Job Classification
Career Level: Career
FLSA: Exempt
Job Function: Educational Resources & Tech
Job Family: Museum Services
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Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
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Equal Employment Opportunity
Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Indiana University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission, as required by Title IX. Questions or complaints regarding Title IX may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the university Title IX Coordinator. See Indiana University's Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.
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