Director of Events
Medora, ND
THE THEODORE ROOSEVELT PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY FOUNDATION
“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” -Theodore Roosevelt
Since 2014, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation (TRPLF) has been planning and building a new, ambitious kind of presidential library and museum. Other presidential libraries tell the story of a single individual, but the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (TRPL) – being built more than a century after T.R.’s death – will do more than preserve history. The TRPL will be a people’s library, bringing Roosevelt’s values and relentless spirit to life at a critical time in our nation and world, while simultaneously championing the stories of all who “dare greatly, think boldly, care deeply, and live passionately.”
Set in Medora, North Dakota, the library is surrounded by the breathtaking Badlands landscape. Participants at the TRPL will learn from – not just about – Roosevelt’s story, being transformed into the same stunning Badlands that served as the fulcrum in T.R.’s incredible life story.
Guided by the pillar principles of leadership, citizenship, and conservation, the Foundation has partnered with innovative partners – like the award-winning architecture firm, Snøhetta, and the best-in-class story crafters, the Future of Storytelling – to build an institution like no other. With plans to be the most sustainable presidential library and campus ever, a revolutionary approach to interpretive design, and programming that will spread the library’s message into neighboring Theodore Roosevelt National Park and beyond across the globe, the opportunity to join a talented team in building and opening this institution is truly unique.
About the Role
The Director of Events is responsible for designing, planning, and executing exceptional events and experiences that advance the mission, visibility, and impact of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
Reporting to the VP of Library Operations, this role leads the planning and execution of the Library's signature events while supporting public programs and experiences that extend the Library's reach locally and nationally. Working collaboratively with Library Operations, Education, Hospitality, Development, Marketing, Visitor Experience, and Executive Leadership, the Director helps bring the Library's mission to life through speaker engagements, donor events, educational experiences, community gatherings, entertainment, official ceremonies, and other mission-driven experiences.
Equal parts strategist and operator, this leader oversees the full lifecycle of events—from concept development and budgeting to logistics, guest experience, execution, and evaluation—ensuring every experience reflects the Library's values, exceptional hospitality, and commitment to excellence.
The Director also coordinates executive and VIP visits, ensuring distinguished guests, elected officials, major donors, trustees, and partner organizations receive an exceptional and welcoming experience while supporting appropriate ceremonial and hosting practices.
Core Competencies
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Strategic Leadership– Aligns events and public experiences with organizational priorities, advancing the Library's mission while creating meaningful and memorable participant experiences.
- Business Acumen– Applies sound financial judgment through budgeting, pricing strategies, sponsorship development, contract negotiation, and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
- Project & Operational Excellence– Effectively manages multiple complex projects simultaneously, balancing strategic priorities with flawless execution, attention to detail, and operational efficiency.
- Relationship Building– Cultivates strong partnerships with speakers, performers, sponsors, vendors, community organizations, and internal stakeholders to achieve shared goals and exceptional outcomes.
- Leadership & Team Development– Inspires, coaches, and develops high-performing, collaborative teams while fostering accountability, inclusion, and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Communication & Influence– Communicates with clarity, professionalism, and confidence, building trust and credibility with diverse audiences at all levels of the organization and community.
- Executive Presence & Diplomacy– Demonstrates professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment when representing the Library and engaging with executive leadership, trustees, elected officials, donors, distinguished guests, and strategic partners.
- Innovation & Experience Design– Creates engaging, mission-driven experiences by combining creativity with operational excellence to deliver distinctive events that inspire participants and strengthen the Library's impact.
- Collaboration–Influences and partners effectively across all levels of the organization, building consensus and fostering a culture of teamwork, trust, and shared success.
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Adaptability & Resilience– Thrives in a dynamic environment by remaining flexible, solutions-oriented, and composed while managing changing priorities and complex operational challenges.
Responsibilities
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Lead the planning and execution of the Library's signature events, public experiences, and official ceremonies, with the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora serving as the cornerstone while extending the Library's presence through thoughtfully executed engagements nationwide.
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Partner with Library Operations leadership to ensure events and public experiences support the Library's strategic priorities, seasonal initiatives, exhibitions, and visitor engagement objectives.
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Develop, maintain, and oversee the Library's annual events calendar, balancing institutional priorities, operational capacity, seasonal demand, fundraising initiatives, public programs, facility rentals, and signature experiences.
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Own the complete lifecycle of assigned events and experiences, including concept development, budgeting, pricing strategy, sponsorship integration, vendor management, logistics, execution, and post-event evaluation.
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Builds strong cross-functional partnerships across Library Operations, Education, Development, Marketing, Participant Experience, Facilities, Protective Services, and other teams to ensure seamless execution and exceptional guest experiences.
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Identify opportunities to enhance visitor engagement through innovative event concepts, speaker engagements, entertainment, strategic partnerships, and special initiatives.
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Partner with Development and Marketing to ensure events support fundraising, stewardship, membership growth, community engagement, and brand awareness.
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Develop sponsorship opportunities and community partnerships that expand organizational impact and support financial sustainability.
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Negotiate vendor contracts and oversee service delivery to ensure exceptional quality, fiscal responsibility, and operational excellence.
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Coordinate executive visits, VIP experiences, and high-profile guest engagements, ensuring appropriate hospitality and hosting standards.
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Develop and maintain event operations manuals, VIP hosting procedures, planning timelines, and event documentation.
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Coordinate cross-functional planning to ensure programming, events, hospitality, visitor services, facilities, security, and operations are aligned to deliver a seamless experience.
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Lead, coach, and develop staff, contractors, volunteers, and cross-functional teams in delivering exceptional events and guest experiences.
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Represent the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library at planning meetings, community events, and partner engagements.
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Collect, analyze, and report attendance, guest feedback, financial performance, operational metrics, and event outcomes to support continuous improvement.
Experience & Education
Required
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7+ years leading large-scale, multi-stakeholder events with tight standards and business-aligned goals.
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Demonstrated expertise in financial planning (budgeting, pricing, sponsorship).
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Proven ability to lead diverse teams and collaborate across departments.
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Experience in cultural institutions, nonprofits, or mission-driven environments.
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Experience managing high-stakes visits involving heads of state, government officials, or major donors.
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Familiarity with donor and partner engagement through events.
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Knowledge of security and protocol standards for high-profile gatherings.
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Proficiency in event planning tools, project management software, and CRM systems (e.g.,Momentous).
Preferred
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Experience supporting speaker series, educational programming, community events, performances, or other public engagement initiatives.
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Experience working with executive leadership, boards of directors, elected officials, major donors, or distinguished guests.
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Familiarity with executive hosting, protocol, or ceremonial practices associated with high-profile events.
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Experience in a museum, presidential library, cultural institution, performing arts venue, or destination attraction.
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Training in protocol, etiquette, or diplomatic affairs (e.g., Foreign Service Institute, Protocol School of Washington, or equivalent).
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Professional certification in event management, hospitality, project management, ora relateddiscipline.
Physical and Environmental Requirements
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Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the campus and event venues.
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Ability to lift up to 15 pounds and assist with event setup and guest service activities as needed.
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Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional travel based on event schedules.
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Full-time, exempt position based onsite in Medora, North Dakota.
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Ability to relocate within 1 month of starting role.
Benefits
Annual salary is commensurate with experience. A relocation assistance package is available for qualified candidates.
Employees receive discounts on food & beverage, retail purchases, and free museum tickets.
Full-time employees also earns 20 days of paid time off per year, 10 holidays per year, 100% paid health coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability benefits and your choice of medical flex spending accounts (HSA or FSA).
EEO Statement
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation (TRPLF) is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. TRPLF does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other reason prohibited by law as a provision of employment opportunities and benefits.
Reasonable Accommodation
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete your application, participate in an interview, or otherwise navigate our hiring process, please email careers at trlibrary.com. Our team will connect with you to explore the best way to support your experience.
