Curator of Collections, Pick Museum of Anthropology

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 ofanthropology, 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.

Reporting to the director of the Pick Museum of Anthropology, the Curator of Collections is 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. This position is also responsible for collections development including provenance research, review and recommendation of potential acquisitions, and accessioning of accepted materials in consultation with the museum director. The Curator of Collections serves as the NAGPRA contact for the Museum and is responsible for conducting review of Native American collections in the care of Pick Museum and the Department of Anthropology. This involves consulting with Native American Nations and preparing documents relating to the Native American Grave and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The Curator of Collections helps promote and facilitate access and use of museum collections, including leading projects to make collections information available online, digitizing records, leading class visits and tours, and producing content to support the museum’s communication efforts. This position supervises and mentors student workers, interns, and volunteers and serves as a representative of the museum at conferences and professional gatherings.

Applications will be accepted through October 8, 2026. For detailed information on essential duties and responsibilities, minimum and preferred qualifications, and instructions for applying, please view the job posting on the NIU employment portal: https://employment.niu.edu/postings/97131