Archaeology Center – Academic Curator, Academic Program Professional (APP 2) Position- Hybrid Opportunity

🔍 School of Humanities and Sciences, Stanford, California, United States

New

📁: Administration

📅   : 3 days ago Post Date

📅   : 107880 Requisition #

This position has been deemed critical by the School of Humanities and Sciences Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring freeze.

Archaeology Center – Academic Curator, Academic Program Professional (APP 2) Position - Hybrid Opportunity

The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 24 departments and 24 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university’s largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.

Department/Program Description:
The Stanford Archaeology Center is an inter-disciplinary hub focused on innovative research and education in archaeology and heritage. As a separate inter-disciplinary and inter-departmental program, we value the way that the Center has the independence to bring together diverse interests across the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities.

The Stanford University Archaeology Collections (SUAC) is a museum-style collection of over 100,000 archaeological, ethnographic, and contemporary folk art objects from around the world. The collection’s origins predate the university itself, reflecting cultural encounters and broad intellectual trends from the mid-19th century to the present day. SUAC is a privileged steward of diverse cultural legacies, and recognizes its special responsibilities to the local Muwekma Ohlone tribe and to other Indigenous peoples and people of color communities, both locally and around the world, whose heritage is represented in the collections.

Through its mission of “connections through collections,” SUAC models best practices in the ethical stewardship of cultural heritage collections and celebrates the power of material culture to bring people together and inspire innovative thinking. Through exhibits (both physical and digital), stand-alone courses, pedagogical partnerships, and research programs, SUAC is an established resource for teaching, research, and public engagement on campus and beyond.

SUAC contributes to the Stanford Archaeology Center's mission to understand the past and its contribution to contemporary and future worlds, to redress the colonial foundations of archaeology through an enduring commitment to ethics and to support excellence in archaeological research and foster dynamic links between scholars in disparate fields.

Position Summary:

The Archaeology Academic Curator reports to the Director of the Stanford Archaeology Center and additionally collaborates with the SUAC Curator of Collections, the Archaeology Center Administrative Director, and SAC staff to advance and develop SUAC operations, education, research, and outreach, serving both the Stanford community and the broader public audience. The Curator supervises student interns, teaching and research assistants while structuring their contributions to SUAC’s mission. The candidate should understand and work with the team to embrace the opportunities and challenges for a mid-sized museum-like collection. Ideally the candidate should also have robust professional experience in a museum setting, with a preference for 5-10 years of experience specifically in Museum Anthropology. Additionally, the candidate should have teaching and curriculum development experience.

The candidate also must be able to thrive in an academic environment, developing partnerships with Stanford faculty members and engaging students across disciplines as well as the general public. The candidate should possess demonstrable museum experience, as well as subject expertise in anthropology, archaeology, indigenous studies, or related fields. Because SUAC is located on the campus of one of the world’s premier research universities, the Curator has a unique opportunity to develop diverse and innovative programs that respond to contemporary moments and also connect the past to the present.

An ideal candidate for the role will demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, strong written and verbal communication, ability to track and meet frequent deadlines, and reliable attention to detail. The Academic Curator must be able to manage time well, juggling many tasks at once, and enjoy liaising frequently with faculty and students. We strongly value initiative and integrity, as well as a customer service mindset when supporting our student constituents. Good professional judgment is essential, as the job entails a great deal of outward engagement with students, and the person who fills this role must be able to represent the Center well as a first point of contact for the Archaeology program.

A resume and cover letter describing your qualifications are required to be considered for this position. If you believe that this opportunity is a match for your knowledge, skills and abilities, we encourage you to apply. Thank you for considering this employment opportunity with the Stanford Archaeology Center.

This is a 100% FTE, continuing exempt position. This position will be based on the Stanford campus and will be considered for an option of telecommuting (hybrid of working on-site and off-site one day per week), subject to operational need.

If you believe that this opportunity is a match for your knowledge, skills and abilities, we encourage you to apply. Thank you for considering employment opportunities with the School of Humanities and Sciences.

CORE DUTIES:

Develop and manage research programs by conducting research activities, including outreach to varied stakeholders within the program, assigning resources and making program improvement recommendations that impact policies and programs.
Identify, recommend and implement opportunities for new research.
Source, collect and analyze data, create reports, review and explain trends; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions and/or recommendations to achieve the goals of the program or function.
Teach and/or assist in the teaching and administration of courses. Develop curriculum. Develop curriculum-rating survey, detailed feedback on courses and make recommendations for preliminary overview and changes.
Write and/or edit complex content for proposals, research grants, peer-reviewed publications, and other program activities.
Contribute to and inform on strategic program/entity planning and related funding and financial sustainability.
May advise students and/or coach/mentor clients.
Develop or contribute to outreach strategy.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience or combination of education, training, and relevant experience. Advanced degree may be required for some programs. For jobs with financial responsibilities, experience managing a budget and developing financial plans. Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in anthropology, archaeology, museum studies, indigenous studies, or related fields is preferred
Professional experience in a museum setting, with a preference for 5-10 years of experience specifically in Museum Anthropology.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to develop program partnerships and funding sources.
Excellent oral, written, and analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in area of specialization.
Ability to oversee and direct staff.
Basic knowledge of managing budgets and developing financial plans.

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Excellent oral, written, and analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in area of specialization. Develop publications (i.e., without necessarily guidance from an external PI). Producing referred and non-refereed publications related to the SUAC collections, projects, and public outreach.
Ability to oversee and direct teaching & research assistants, & student interns. Manages and oversees student independent study student projects.
Teaching archaeology museum/exhibition courses. Liaison with faculty for class visits, and lead class visits in some cases. Guides students through Capstone projects related to the SUAC collections. Lead the SUAC program's academic goals.
Conducts research on SUAC collections and collections-based pedagogy.
Leads curation of SUAC exhibits.
Works with SAC Administrative Director & Curator or Collections on SUAC budget, sponsorships & donations for academic curator areas, projects, and programs.
Ability to develop program partnerships and work with the SAC Administrative Director to identify and secure funding sources.
Demonstrated experience & knowledge in collection’s care and management; museum and archival data management and records; exhibitions development and installation; museum safety and security standards.
Develops and implements strategic planning for SUAC in collaboration with SAC Director and Collections Curator. Necessary to further legitimize SUAC on campus as the place at Stanford for decolonial, culturally-informed care and display.
Knowledge of regulatory and legal requirements pertaining to cultural materials, including the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and related statutes. Collaborates with Collections Curator to ensure legal compliance for the collection, at the management level and develop curriculum in compliance with NAGPRA.
Familiarity with the academic environment and ability to work cross-departmentally with distinguished faculty and staff.
Demonstrated creativity and innovation in developing and leading programs or exhibitions engaging a broad public, including university faculty, students, and K-12 students/teachers.
Demonstrated experience working independently and as part of a team.
Ability to accomplish goals working through formal and informal channels, with diplomacy and tactfulness. A proven ability to work collaboratively with others.
Demonstrated solid planning and organizational skills. Ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time-sensitive projects with multiple deadlines.
Demonstrated creativity, problem solving, critical analysis, initiative, judgment and decision-making skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

Frequently stand/walk, sitting, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, perform desk-based computer tasks.
Occasionally use a telephone, writing by hand, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds.
Rarely sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.
Ability to use voice to present information/communicate with others.
On-campus mobility.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May work extended hours, evenings or weekends.
May travel locally.
Occasional overnight travel.

WORK STANDARDS:

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

The expected pay range for this position is $116,966.00 to $150,114 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at stanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and 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, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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