**Hiring Preference given to SF Internal Applicants**
Working Title
NAGPRA & Tribal Affairs Lead
SF State University
San Francisco State is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager.
Applicants may visit titleix.sfsu.edu for more information on SF State's policy prohibiting discrimination, and how to file an online report using the procedures under Executive Order 1096 Revised. Inquiries can be directed to the campus Title IX Coordinator and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Administrator by calling (415) 338-2032 or emailing vpsaem@sfsu.edu.
San Francisco State is a 100% Smoke/Vapor-Free Campus. Smoking or Vaping of any tobacco/plant-based substance is not permitted on any University properties.
The person holding this position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
This position may be a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position may be required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.
Department
Office of the President
Appointment Type
This is a two year probationary position.
Time Base
Full-Time (1.0)
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Anticipated Hiring Range
$7,917.00 - $8,334.00 Per Month ($95,004.00 - $100,008.00 Annually)
Salary is commensurate with experience.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the NAGPRA & Tribal Affairs Lead provides executive-level leadership, coordination, and confidential administrative support for San Francisco State University’s (SFSU) compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and California NAGPRA (CalNAGPRA), and for all related Tribal, local, state, and federal relations.
The incumbent serves as the University’s principal liaison to Tribal governments and acts as the lead advisor on NAGPRA/CalNAGPRA implementation, consultation, and repatriation matters. This position ensures that the University’s engagement with Tribal Nations is culturally appropriate, legally compliant, and strategically aligned with CSU and federal policies. The officer operates with a high degree of discretion and independent judgment on sensitive matters, representing the Office of the President and Chief of Staff in communications with Tribal leaders, the CSU Chancellor’s Office, and government agencies.
Position Information
Tribal Government and Legislative Relations
• Serve as SFSU’s primary liaison to Tribal governments, state and federal agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the University in official consultations, negotiations, and meetings involving Tribal affairs, repatriation efforts, and cultural stewardship.
• Develop and sustain cooperative relationships with Tribal chairs, councils, and cultural representatives. • Prepare legislative briefings, position statements, and reports for executive leadership.
• Track and interpret relevant federal and state legislation and recommend campus responses or policy adjustments.
• Coordinate intergovernmental communication on behalf of the Office of the President and Chief of Staff.
Program Administration and Compliance
• Lead implementation of NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA across campus departments, ensuring documentation, inventories, summaries, and repatriation processes meet all statutory requirements.
• Direct day-to-day operations of the SFSU NAGPRA Program, including supervision of staff, consultants, and student assistants.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and tracking systems for consultation and cultural care.
• Manage records, reporting, and data integrity for state and federal submissions.
• Oversee respectful care, housing, and repatriation of Ancestors and cultural items, coordinating logistics with Tribes and authorized agencies.
Confidential Executive Support
• Provide high-level administrative and confidential support to the Chief of Staff and Office of the President on Tribal, cultural, and legislative matters.
• Draft confidential reports, correspondence, and communications for internal and external distribution.
• Coordinate meetings, retreats, and events involving senior administrators, Tribal leaders, and government officials.
• Exercise discretion in handling sensitive information, including personnel, policy, and labor-related materials.
• Serve as a resource to campus executives regarding protocols for Tribal consultation and government engagement.
Strategic and Operational Leadership
• Participate in long-range strategic planning related to Tribal relations, compliance, and community partnerships.
• Conduct complex analyses of program effectiveness and recommend improvements to policy and procedure.
• Design and implement work plans, timelines, and performance metrics for the NAGPRA Program.
• Lead cross-departmental initiatives supporting reconciliation, cultural understanding, and ethical stewardship.
• Prepare detailed analytical and fiscal reports to inform executive decision-making.
• Represent SFSU on CSU systemwide committees or working groups as designated by the Chief of Staff.
• Perform additional executive support, reporting, or project work to advance institutional objectives.
Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Anthropology, Native American Studies, History, or a related field.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible administrative or intergovernmental experience involving Tribal relations, cultural compliance, or public affairs.
• Demonstrated experience handling confidential matters at the executive or governmental level.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Advanced knowledge of organizational, administrative, and management principles.
• Deep understanding of NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA statutes, consultation processes, and cultural sensitivity standards.
• Ability to interpret complex legislation, policy, and regulatory guidance.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and experience working directly with Tribal governments.
• Excellent analytical, research, and policy-writing skills.
• Proven ability to plan, coordinate, and lead multiple projects and staff simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal communication, diplomacy, and negotiation skills.
• High degree of discretion, judgment, and tact in managing sensitive issues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, database management, and digital communication platforms.
Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree in Anthropology, Native American Studies, History, Public Administration, or related field.
• Experience in higher education or within the California State University system.
• Record of success developing and implementing intergovernmental or Tribal partnership programs
Pre-Employment Requirements
This position requires the successful completion of a background check.
Eligibility to Work
Applicants must be able to provide proof of US Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States, within three business days from their date of hire.
Benefits
Threaded through our Total Compensation package is a commitment to Bridging Life's Transitions. SF State is committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive program that rewards efforts that are appreciated by your colleagues, students and the customers we serve.
We offer a competitive compensation package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Pension, 401k, Healthcare Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Vacation and Sick Leave as well as State Holidays and a dynamic Fee Waiver program, all geared towards the University's commitment to attract, motivate and retain our employee.
CSUEU Position (For CSUEU Positions Only)
Eligible and qualified on-campus applicants, currently in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9 are given hiring preference.
Additional Information
**Hiring Preference given to SF Internal Applicants**
SF STATE IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (i.e. H1-B VISAS).
Thank you for your interest in employment with California State University (CSU). CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. Because of this, CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California with very limited exception. While this position may be eligible for occasional telework, all work is expected to be performed in the state of California, and this position is assigned to on-campus operations.
CSU strongly encourages faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/.
The Human Resources office is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at (415) 338-1872.
Please note that this position, position requirements, application deadline and/or any other component of this position is subject to change or cancellation at any time.
