Duties
The Museum is seeking a motivated and experienced professional to lead the establishment of a new Repatriation and Community Engagement Business Unit.
The Manager, Repatriation and Community Engagement will work directly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, report directly to the Assistant Director of the Discovery and Collections Division and hold responsibility for the delivery of the Museum’s repatriation effort.
Key responsibilities include:
- facilitating Indigenous community participation and involvement in the repatriation of ancestral remains and secret sacred objects held by the Museum;
- ensuring the return of remains or objects takes place in line with repatriation policies and the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (this includes enabling culturally appropriate storage and access if desired);
- managing relationships and facilitating collaboration with external stakeholders;
- progressing provenance research to identify and validate the origins of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestral remains and secret sacred objects held by the Museum;
- ensuring the culturally appropriate and safe storage of ancestral remains and secret sacred objects (this includes the maintenance and management of records);
- contributing to the review and update of repatriation processes and policies;
- managing agreements, the preparation of reports and funding submissions;
- promoting the importance of repatriation and maintaining and strengthening the reputation of the Museum; and
- managing a small team to achieve the necessary outcomes.
The repatriation of ancestral remains and secret sacred objects to their communities of origin is a sensitive and complex practice that promotes healing, justice and reconciliation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The establishment of the new Repatriation and Community Engagement Business Unit is integral to the role the Museum undertakes in this area. The Manager will hold responsibility for driving and strengthening the profile of this important and highly valued restorative work.
The role involves short periods of domestic travel.
For more information or to apply visit: APSJobs.
