Protective Services Lead

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.”

The library is currently being constructed in Medora, North Dakota, with a milestone planned for July 4, 2026 – America’s 250th anniversary. 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 Lead of Protective Services is responsible for delivering consistent, high-quality safety and security operations across the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. This role provides shift-level leadership for TRPL’s in-house protective services team, implements protocols, oversees daily security activity, and responds to incidents and emergencies with calm, clear judgment.

The Lead plays a key role in shaping the culture of safety at TRPL, ensuring the environment remains secure, welcoming, and aligned with the Library’s mission and values. This position is hands-on and essential to maintaining readiness during day-to-day operations and high-profile events involving dignitaries, federal partners, and large public audiences.

This role reports to the Manager of Protective Services.

Core Competencies

• Emergency Preparedness & Response
  Understands emergency protocols and leads initial actions during incidents, drills, and real-time events.
• Security Technology & Systems
  Competent with surveillance platforms, access control, intrusion detection, and radio communication systems.
• Shift Leadership & Coordination
  Provides clear direction, maintains standards, and ensures productive communication across shifts.
• Crisis Management & De-escalation
  Stays composed under pressure; manages conflicts, disturbances, and medical incidents with steady judgment.
• Risk Awareness & Mitigation
  Identifies vulnerabilities and supports timely corrective actions that reduce operational risk.
• Policy Execution
  Applies and enforces protective services standards for access control, visitor safety, and incident handling.
• Collaboration & Communication
  Works effectively with Visitor Experience, Facilities, Exhibits, Programs, and Events teams as well as external public safety partners.
• Cultural Institution Awareness
  Understands the operational realities of museums and public institutions balancing public access, artifact protection, and guest experience.
• Discretion & Integrity
  Handles sensitive information, emergencies, and security concerns with professionalism and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Support daily protective services operations across buildings, trails, exhibitions, and public spaces.
• Provide shift leadership to Protective Services Officers, ensuring smooth coordination and clear expectations.
• Monitor control room activity, including CCTV, radios, alarms, and access control systems.
• Conduct patrols, safety checks, and vulnerability assessments; respond to incidents and emergencies until relieved.
• Implement protective services protocols, including access control, incident reporting, and visitor safety standards.
• Assist with training, drills, and emergency preparedness activities.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, fire/EMS, and federal partners during high-profile events as needed.
• Maintain documentation of incidents and follow-up actions.
• Support credentialing, access permissions, and key control processes.
• Maintain a visible, calm, visitor-centered presence that reinforces TRPL’s mission.

Supervisory Assistance

• Provides day-to-day guidance, coaching, and shift leadership to in-house Protective Services Officers.
• Supports onboarding, training, and performance development in coordination with the Manager of Protective Services.

Education & Experience

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3–5 years of experience in security, protective services, law enforcement, military service, emergency response, or a related field.
• Experience monitoring and operating security systems (CCTV, access control, alarm systems, radio communications).
• Demonstrated experience responding to incidents, emergencies, and public-facing safety situations.

Preferred:

• Experience working in a museum, cultural institution, park, or public-facing environment with high visitor engagement.
• Prior lead or shift-supervisory experience, especially in security or public safety settings.
• Training or certification in first aid/CPR/AED, incident command (ICS/NIMS), de-escalation, or conflict resolution.
• Experience supporting VIP or high-profile event security alongside law enforcement or federal partners.

Requirements

• Daily standing, walking, and patrols across both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and respond physically to emergencies or medical situations.
• Work in varied weather conditions, including rugged Badlands terrain.
• On-call availability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and high-profile events.
• Full-time, onsite position in Medora, ND; must reside within 60 miles or within one hour of Medora

Benefits

Full benefits include 403(b), medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, as well as 20 days of paid time off and 10 days of holidays. Salary ranges between $60,000 to $70,000, commensurate with experience.

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. Our team will connect with you to explore the best way to support your experience.