Curator of Collections (4702)

Position Information

Posting Detail Information

Working Position Title Curator of Collections (4702) Classification Curator of Anthropology II Position Number 00004702 Open Date 09/18/2026 Close Date 10/08/2026 Priority Review Date Employee Class Staff Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time FTE 1.00 Position Status Regular FLSA Exempt Job code 4676 Union Representation Non-Union Union Code N/A Unit/Department Anthropology College/Unit College of LA&S Dean Division Academic Division Location SB 102 Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page https://www.niu.edu/clas/anthropology/

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

The Department of Anthropology at Northern Illinois University is a community of scholars devoted to research, teaching, learning and service. We are a relatively small and student-oriented department. Our goal is to provide students with a broad education across all aspects of anthropology, while also making the student an engaged learner through hands-on research and learning experiences. We prepare students for entry level jobs in fields as diverse as NGOs, government, museums and archaeology, or for advance study through master's or doctoral programs.

The Pick Museum of Anthropology serves as a teaching museum for the university, providing opportunities for students and faculty to conduct collections research, co-curate exhibitions and enrich curriculum with object-based learning. The Museum cares for a collection of around 30,000 cultural heritage items from around the world, with strengths in Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Indigenous Americas as well as smaller collections representing communities in Africa and Europe. Rooted in a mission to promote deeper appreciation for human diversity, the museum collection's greatest strength is in its ability to tell stories about everyday life.

Position Summary

Responsible for the care and protection of museum collections, including assisting with the development and implementation of collections policies, maintaining safe storage and gallery facilities, and providing appropriate care of collections. Responsible for collections development including provenance research, review and recommendation of potential acquisitions, and accessioning of accepted materials in consultation with Museum Director. Responsible for conducting review of Native American collections in the care of the Department of Anthropology and Pick Museum of Anthropology, consulting with Tribes, and preparing documents relating to the Native American Grave and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Responsible for promoting and facilitating access and use of museum collections.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Collections Care

• Maintain the care, access, and security of all items in the Pick Museum of Anthropology collections, including archaeological, ethnological, and archival materials
• Assist with development of policies and procedures related to collections management in consultation with Collections Committee, with emphasis on culturally appropriate care
• Maintain and update the record keeping and registration for all museum collections, using physical and digital filing systems and relational databases (currently using Past Perfect Web Edition)
• Implement culturally appropriate data management practices in consultation with descendant communities
• Conduct research on museum collections and manage projects addressing collection issues (found in collection items, unclear provenance, conservation needs)
• Conduct provenance research, review and make recommendations for potential acquisitions, and accession accepted materials in consultation with Museum Director. Work with Museum Director to develop a collection plan, including making recommendations on deaccessioning and identifying collections for community consultation and potential repatriation
• Oversee the ongoing care of the collection facilities including monitoring and addressing environmental conditions and pest management

NAGPRA Consultations and Compliance

• Review collection objects and accession groups potentially connected to Native American tribes and subject to the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and identify areas requiring additional consultation
• Reach out to Tribal representatives to reopen or initiate consultations as needed
• Lead consultations with Tribal representatives, including responding to requests for additional information, coordinating consultations with multiple parties, and conducting meetings via phone, video call or in person
• Prepare and submit updated or new NAGPRA summaries or inventories as needed
• Assist with review of repatriation requests including preparing reports for NIU NAGPRA Committee and drafting and submission of Notices of Intent to Repatriate
• Coordinate and oversee all aspects of repatriations, including making travel arrangements, scheduling meetings, and preparing paperwork

Access and Use of Collection

• Lead efforts to make collections information accessible online, including digitizing records, photographing collection items, and updating records as needed and appropriate.
• Respond to and facilitate requests for access to collections
• Assist with educational use of collections, including selecting appropriate objects, developing activities or lesson plans, and leading class visits
• Promote access and use of museum collections by producing content for social media, newsletters, and website, as well as, representing museum at events on and off campus.
• Consult regarding use of collection items in exhibitions and prepare condition reports and recommendations regarding display conditions
• Lead collection tours

Miscellaneous

• Supervise Museum student workers, graduate assistants, interns, and volunteers working in the museum collection
• Assist with the writing and preparation of grant applications as relevant to areas of responsibility
• Actively build network with other museum professionals and relevant academic organizations to consult regarding museum practices, develop new skills, and stay up to date with current issues in museums
• Network with other museum and collection personnel on campus to facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

1. Any one or any combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the following categories:

a. college course work in anthropology, museum studies or a closely related field as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:

• 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
• Associate's Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
• 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
• Bachelor's Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)

b. work experience that provided knowledge of anthropology or museum studies and techniques used in the preservation, restoration, and/or exhibition of museum collections.

2. Two (2) years (24 months) of work experience in the profession of anthropology curation including the development, storage, security, and exhibition of anthropological artifacts.

Note: A Master's Degree in Anthropology, Museum Studies, or closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

• Knowledge of anthropology.
• Skill in applying techniques used in the evaluation, preservation, restoration, and exhibition of anthropological artifacts.
• Skill in applying techniques used in cataloging/classifying anthropological artifacts.
• Skill in applying methods used in collection development.
• Skill in interpreting collections and communicating knowledge and information regarding them.
• Skill in maintaining records of anthropological artifacts and collections.
• Skill in identifying security, storage, and shipping needs.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to supervise.
• Ability to develop exhibit programs.

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

None

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

• MA in anthropology or related field.
• Experience with the history and ethical issues of museum collecting practices and museum relations with Native American tribes.
• Experience or demonstrated knowledge of NAGPRA regulations
• Experience working with Native American tribes

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

NA

Additional Requirements (SPS)

NA

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

NA

Physical demands/requirements

• Must be able to conduct archival research using original paper files.
• Must be able to work at computer for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to work in collections to conduct close examination of objects.
• Must be able to communicate via email and phone. Requires occasional light lifting.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 11/1/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Working Hours M-F 8:00 - 4:30pm, one-hour lunch Salary $46,236.00 - $48,388.80 annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $1,926.50 - $2,016.20 semi-monthly Earn Type Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure:

1. Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Important: Please upload any unofficial transcript(s) and/or documentation that verifies any education, experience, and/or training you have received.

• If eligible for Veteran's Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256 paperwork reflecting an Honorable Discharge MUST be uploaded to this application to receive the maximum eligible points on the Civil Service examination.

2. After the posting has closed, your submission will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, including any specialty factors associated with this position. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register.

3. Please monitor your e-mail for further information regarding your application. Emails will be generated from jobs@niu.edu and CivilServiceTesting@niu.edu. Please add these emails to your address book to ensure timely delivery of any future communication.

4. Illinois residency required within 180 days of the hire date.

Credentials Assessment Examination:

• The examination for this position is a Credentials Assessment and is based on your application materials as submitted for this posting. A Credential Assessment is a rating by the Human Resources Office of an applicant's/employee's education, experience, and special credentials/qualifications (licenses, etc.). Applicants are required to upload documentation to verify the minimum qualifications for this position has been met.
• Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver's license, licensures, or certifications MUST be uploaded with your application materials.
• After assessment of all qualified applicants has been completed for this position, the names with the top three (3) scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview.

Additional Details:

• Click on Curator of Anthropology II for more information including salary ranges, typical duties, minimum acceptable qualifications, and testing requirements.
• Please click on Human Resource Services - Benefits for detailed information about Northern Illinois University's benefits package.
• Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Special Instructions

https://www.niu.edu/clas/anthropology/

Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/97131 Is Background Check Required? Yes EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Director of Civil Rights Office, Title IX Coordinator

Health Services 2nd floor

CivilRights@niu.edu

815-753-0455

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• List of at least 3 Professional References

Optional Documents

• Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
• Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Are you currently a citizen or resident of the State of Illinois?

• Yes

• No

• • What is the highest level of education attained?

• GED

• High School Diploma

• Associates Degree

• Bachelors Degree

• Masters Degree

• PHD

• Have you attached transcripts to support the degree(s) you are submitting for consideration with this posting?

• Yes

• No

• Not Applicable

• • How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?

• 0-1

• 1-3

• 3-5

• 5-7

• 7+

• • Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. ("See Résumé" is not an acceptable response.)

(Open Ended Question)

• • If applicable, have you attached a copy of your DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 for consideration of Veterans Preference Points? The copy submitted should reflect the status of discharge in order to be considered.
• Yes
• No
• Not Applicable