Director of Events

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation•Medora, ND

20h•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

7+ years leading large-scale, multi-stakeholder events with tight standards and business-aligned goals.
Demonstrated expertise in financial planning (budgeting, pricing, sponsorship).
Proven ability to lead diverse teams and collaborate across departments.
Experience in cultural institutions, nonprofits, or mission-driven environments.
Experience managing high-stakes visits involving heads of state, government officials, or major donors.
Familiarity with donor and partner engagement through events.
Knowledge of security and protocol standards for high-profile gatherings.
Proficiency in event planning tools, project management software, and CRM systems (e.g., Momentous).

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting speaker series, educational programming, community events, performances, or other public engagement initiatives.
Experience working with executive leadership, boards of directors, elected officials, major donors, or distinguished guests.
Familiarity with executive hosting, protocol, or ceremonial practices associated with high-profile events.
Experience in a museum, presidential library, cultural institution, performing arts venue, or destination attraction.
Training in protocol, etiquette, or diplomatic affairs (e.g., Foreign Service Institute, Protocol School of Washington, or equivalent).
Professional certification in event management, hospitality, project management, or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

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.
Partner with Library Operations leadership to ensure events and public experiences support the Library's strategic priorities, seasonal initiatives, exhibitions, and visitor engagement objectives.
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.
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.
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.
Identify opportunities to enhance visitor engagement through innovative event concepts, speaker engagements, entertainment, strategic partnerships, and special initiatives.
Partner with Development and Marketing to ensure events support fundraising, stewardship, membership growth, community engagement, and brand awareness.
Develop sponsorship opportunities and community partnerships that expand organizational impact and support financial sustainability.
Negotiate vendor contracts and oversee service delivery to ensure exceptional quality, fiscal responsibility, and operational excellence.
Coordinate executive visits, VIP experiences, and high-profile guest engagements, ensuring appropriate hospitality and hosting standards.
Develop and maintain event operations manuals, VIP hosting procedures, planning timelines, and event documentation.
Coordinate cross-functional planning to ensure programming, events, hospitality, visitor services, facilities, security, and operations are aligned to deliver a seamless experience.
Lead, coach, and develop staff, contractors, volunteers, and cross-functional teams in delivering exceptional events and guest experiences.
Represent the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library at planning meetings, community events, and partner engagements.
Collect, analyze, and report attendance, guest feedback, financial performance, operational metrics, and event outcomes to support continuous improvement.