Mellon Collections Education and Research Fellow

Location: Fort Lewis College, Durango Colorado

Position Summary:

The Mellon Collections Education and Research Fellow plays an important role in advancing the Laboratory for the Humanistic Study of a More-than-Human World at Fort Lewis College. This interdisciplinary project, which is funded through a grant from the Mellon Foundation, integrates humanistic methods and Indigenous knowledge systems to foster greater understanding of the relationships among humans, non-humans, and their environments.

Working collaboratively with the grant PIs, faculty, and Center of Southwest Studies (CSWS) staff, the Fellow will prioritize the development and implementation of object-based learning (OBL) projects that are grounded in a relational understanding of objects as embodiments of interconnected relationships among people, places, history, and knowledge systems. Specific Mellon-funded projects will be identified annually in consultation with the grant leadership team to ensure alignment with evolving program needs.

In addition to these primary responsibilities, the Fellow will contribute to various CSWS outreach and curatorial initiatives, including exhibitions, collections research, and educational programming, leveraging the Center's resources to enhance teaching and interdisciplinary scholarship.

This position offers an early-career professional the opportunity to engage in innovative, community-informed, and interdisciplinary work while gaining hands-on experience in collections-based research, pedagogy, and public humanities. The role also requires participation in monthly Mellon grant meetings and active collaboration with campus and community partners.

Job Description:

Job Summary

The Mellon Collections Education and Research Fellow plays an important role in advancing the Laboratory for the Humanistic Study of a More-than-Human World at Fort Lewis College. This interdisciplinary project, which is funded through a grant from the Mellon Foundation, integrates humanistic methods and Indigenous knowledge systems to foster greater understanding of the relationships among humans, non-humans, and their environments.

Working collaboratively with the grant PIs, faculty, and Center of Southwest Studies (CSWS) staff, the Fellow will prioritize the development and implementation of object-based learning (OBL) projects that are grounded in a relational understanding of objects as embodiments of interconnected relationships among people, places, history, and knowledge systems. Specific Mellon-funded projects will be identified annually in consultation with the grant leadership team to ensure alignment with evolving program needs.

In addition to these primary responsibilities, the Fellow will contribute to various CSWS outreach and curatorial initiatives, including exhibitions, collections research, and educational programming, leveraging the Center's resources to enhance teaching and interdisciplinary scholarship.

This position offers an early-career professional the opportunity to engage in innovative, community-informed, and interdisciplinary work while gaining hands-on experience in collections-based research, pedagogy, and public humanities. The role also requires participation in monthly Mellon grant meetings and active collaboration with campus and community partners.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities: Mellon Project

1. Object-Based Learning (OBL) Initiatives & Resources

• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator, Co-PIs, and faculty to design and implement object-based learning (OBL) initiatives.

• Assist faculty in identifying and incorporating CSWS collections into grant-related curricula and research projects.

• Develop pedagogical resources such as lesson plans, assignments, and interpretive materials for inclusion in the project's open educational resource, Tirakuna: The FLC Hub for Humanistic Engagement.

• Lead and support specific Mellon-funded projects identified annually in consultation with the grant leadership team.

2. Laboratory for the Humanistic Study of a More-than-Human World

• Support undergraduate research and collaboration within the laboratory, including workshops, consultations, and mentorship activities.

• Assist with the coordination of laboratory programming, including workshops, speaker events, and student engagement activities.

• Hold a minimum of three office hours per week in the laboratory.

3. Collaboration, Outreach, and Grant Reporting

• Participate in monthly Mellon team meetings.

• Serve as a liaison among the grant team, faculty, students, project partners, and CSWS staff to ensure effective communication and collaboration.

• Represent the initiative in campus-wide and community engagement efforts related to object-based learning and humanistic inquiry.

• Document project activities and outcomes to support assessment, reporting, and long-term sustainability of grant initiatives.

Secondary Responsibilities: Center of Southwest Studies

• Contribute to the conceptualization, planning, and implementation of exhibitions.

• Conduct research related to the museum's collection and potential exhibitions.

• Collaborate with Center staff on the installation and deinstallation of exhibitions, ensuring objects are handled safely and with care.

• Support the Center by contributing to educational and interpretive initiatives across various platforms.

• Develop and deliver educational programs, workshops, guided tours, and public presentations that promote engagement with CSWS collections.

• Create interpretive material related to the Center's collections and exhibitions, such as educational guides, gallery labels, audio guides, and catalog essays.

• Track attendance figures and collect feedback from outreach and educational programs.

• Serve as an active member of the CSWS team and participate in regular staff meetings.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Mellon grant and the mission of the Center

Required Education, Specialized Skills, and Experience

• BA or MA in Anthropology, Art, Art History, Education, History, Museum Studies, Native American and Indigenous Studies, or related field.

• One year of experience working with museum or institutional collections.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as working with broadly diverse communities.

• Evidence of excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

• Ability and desire to contribute to the missions of the Center of Southwest Studies and Fort Lewis College.

Preferred Education, Specialized Skills and Experience

• Two or more years of experience working with museum or institutional collections.

• Demonstrated knowledge of professional practices in object handling, preservation, documentation, and exhibition of 2-D and 3-D objects.

• Strong community engagement skills and a desire and ability to collaborate with diverse groups.

• Excellent problem solving, organizational, and project management skills. Adept at managing multiple priorities and stakeholders to effectively meet objectives and competing deadlines.

• Proficiency with collections management software.

• Ability to foster a collaborative and positive working environment.

Reports To / Supervisory Responsibility

Center of Southwest Studies Director

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee can expect while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).

• Ability to work in a confined area, including basement spaces.

• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time.

• Most work is performed in a museum environment of exhibit and storage areas, workroom/ laboratory, and offices. Occasional work with materials that are dusty may require the use of dust mask, gloves, or other protective devices.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone keyboard, and work with archival collections.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work and collections care.

• Light to moderate lifting is required, and heavy items (e.g., boxes and collection items up to 50 pounds) must be lifted and moved on a frequent basis.

• Ability to stand on a ladder or stoop and kneel for periods of time to access collections items.

Travel

Variable local and out-of-state travel related to:

• Collections acquisition and donor relations

• Tribal consultation and collaboration

• Exhibition and collections loans

• Professional development

FLSA Status/ Position Type/Expected Hours of Work/ and Salary Range:

• Exempt

• Full Time, 1.0 FTE

• Temporary - Three Year Position

• Typical work hours: 40-hours/week, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Occasional evenings and weekends required..

The salary range is $50,000 to $52,000 , plus a comprehensive benefits package.

Application Process
A complete application packet includes:

• Cover letter addressing interest and qualifications for the position
• Resume
• Names and contact information for three current, professional references

Application materials received by 11:59 PM on June 8, 2026, will receive full consideration.

The successful candidate will be required to submit official transcripts

and pass a background check.

About Fort Lewis College:

On a sage-brushed mesa overlooking downtown Durango and the La Plata Mountains, Fort Lewis College is Southwest Colorado's premier public undergraduate research institution. With more than half of the 3,300 students identifying as people of color, FLC's academic programming and campus life thrive on nurturing safe, diverse spaces for intellectual exploration and helping people achieve their career goals. A Native American-serving, Non-Tribal Institution, FLC is committed to promoting economic development in neighboring tribal communities and connecting students with the education they need to be the change in the world they want to see. Degree programs span the arts, business, education, health sciences, humanities, and social and natural sciences. Coursework builds on the natural, cultural, and historical resources found around the Four Corners region. Students work closely with faculty on research projects with real-world implications. Like the mountain town it resides in, FLC promotes a culture of work-life balance for students, faculty, and staff. Skyhawks enjoy unparalleled access to a healthy outdoor lifestyle thanks to 300 days of sunshine a year and more than 300 miles of hiking and biking trails in and around Durango

Notice to Prospective Employees:
The Fort Lewis College is required by the Clery Act of 1990 to notify prospective employees, current employees, students and applicants where to access our Campus Security Report. The report is updated and published annually in accordance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, Federal Student Right-to-Know, the Federal Drug-free Schools and Campuses Act of 1989. This report contains information about:

• Fort Lewis College's alcohol and other drug policy
• Sexual assault policy
• Campus security policies
• Campus/community resources
• The Colorado Riot Offense Statute restriction on enrollment
• Where to find registered sex offender information
• Crime statistics for the previous three calendar years
• Reporting crimes

The Campus Security Report can be accessed in two ways:
By going to the internet website at: www.fortlewis.edu/AnnualSecurityReport Fort Lewis College Student Affairs Office will also provide a paper copy of the annual security report upon request. You can reach them at (970) 247-7331.

Equal Opportunity
Fort Lewis College does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, sex*, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, family or domestic status, political beliefs, veteran status, pregnancy, or genetic information. Accordingly, equal opportunity for employment shall be extended to all persons. The College shall promote equal opportunity, equal treatment, and affirmative action efforts to increase the diversity of students, faculty, and staff. The College is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. To file a report, get resources, read policies, or make an appointment, See www.fortlewis.edu/CARE.

Discrimination Questions?

Office of Compliance and Community Standards
David Pirrone, Director of Compliance
210 Berndt Hall
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, Colorado 81301
(970) 247-7182 djpirrone@fortlewis.edu

Questions about Title IX sex discrimination?
Office of the Title IX Coordinator
Madeleine Gillman, Assistant Director of Compliance and Title IX Coordinator
210 Berndt Hall
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, Colorado 81301
(970) 247-7049 mgillman@fortlewis.edu

Information about Fort Lewis College's alcohol and drug policy, sexual assault policy, campus security policies, campus crime statistics, fire safety procedures and fire statistics, and campus/community resources can be found in the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. Hard copies are available upon request.

* Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Part 106 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and CFR 106 to Fort Lewis College may be directed to FLC's Title IX Coordinator and/or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education.

ADAA Accommodations
Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact Kristin Polens by phone 970-247-7459 or email kpolens@fortlewis.edu at least five business days before the assessment date to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.