Assistant Curator

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Institution: Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Contract: Fixed-term, Full-time (2 years)
Salary: USD 78,000–83,000 per year
Application Deadline: Priority deadline: 2 August 2026 (applications accepted until position is filled)

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco is seeking an Assistant Curator, NAGPRA, to support compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and California NAGPRA legislation. Working closely with curators, registrars, Tribal representatives, and museum staff, the successful candidate will conduct provenance research, documentation, consultation, and collections management to facilitate responsible stewardship and repatriation of Native American cultural heritage.

Key Responsibilities

Research and complete collection records for objects subject to NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA.
Compile provenance, cultural affiliation, exhibition history, and archival documentation.
Prepare legally required inventories, summaries, database records, and Federal Register notices.
Assist with collection inventories and maintain accurate records in TMS and related databases.
Coordinate documentation and communications with Tribal governments and NAGPRA officials.
Support consultation meetings, repatriation activities, and logistics for Tribal delegations.
Conduct archival and community-based research to determine cultural affiliation.
Collaborate with curators, registrars, legal counsel, and other museum departments.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Native American Studies, Art History, Museum Studies, Visual Studies, or a related field preferred.
Specialised knowledge of Native American art and visual culture.
At least two years of NAGPRA, curatorial, or related museum experience.
Experience working with Tribal governments and Indigenous communities.
Strong research, analytical, organisational, and communication skills.
Experience with collections management software, particularly TMS, is highly desirable.
Knowledge of CalNAGPRA, NAGPRA databases, and current NAGPRA regulations is preferred.
Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines and collaborating across departments.