White House Decision Center Director

The White House Decision Center (WHDC) is the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum’s flagship educational program. Since 2001 nearly 150,000 participants have stepped into the roles of President Truman and his advisors, worked with formerly classified primary source documents, and collaborated to tackle some of history’s greatest challenges: ending WWII with Japan, addressing postwar civil rights in the U.S. Armed Forces, reacting to the Soviet blockade of Berlin, among others. The nationally recognized hands-on history lab has been emulated at historical institutions nationwide from Mount Vernon to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum.
 
The Truman Library Institute, the nonprofit partner of the Truman Presidential Library, is seeking a White House Decision Center Director to lead its premier experiential and collaborative civic learning experience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
WHDC Administration

• Develop, implement, and oversee WHDC program plans, policies, and procedures
• Schedule and coordinate visits for all groups participating in the WHDC
• Direct, organize, and train the WHDC’s part-time program facilitators
• Participate as needed in the daily activities of visiting schools and groups
• Closely track and report on participation numbers for timely reporting
• Gather feedback from participants to evaluate program effectiveness and make recommendations for improvement and expansion

Recruitment and Promotion

• Actively recruit school, adult, and community groups to achieve ambitious growth goals
• Assist in WHDC publicity and advertising efforts, including at industry conferences and meetings

                                                          
Other

• Assist the Truman Library’s other educational initiatives as needed, including conducting education programs; developing and implementing new programs, curriculum, and study guides; promoting and evaluating existing programs; and, creating educational interactives for temporary exhibitions
• Maintain familiarity with state and national history standards

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• A master’s degree in a related field, or equivalent direct experience
• 3-5 years of experience leading educational programs
• Significant experience creating educational curriculum that integrates primary resources and archival material for students and designing and facilitating professional development programs for educators
• Leading paid staff, volunteers, and interns in the performance of presenting educational material
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
• A successful collaborator who can work with Truman Library Institute and Truman Library staff to achieve established goals
• Critical and creative thinker and problem solver
• Demonstrated proficiency in project and time management
• Proven ability to respond quickly to changing priorities and deliver high-quality work
• Interest in working collaboratively in a team environment
• Enthusiasm to take on other duties as assigned

SALARY
The Truman Library Institute is prepared to offer a competitive salary to the right candidate based on past experience.
 
BENEFITS
• Generous Paid Time Off: Full-time employees enjoy a generous leave package that includes vacation and sick leave, as well as paid federal holidays.• Robust Retirement Plan: The Institute invests in the future of its employees and offers a substantial contribution to retirement savings.
 
• Commitment to Learning: The Truman Library Institute values lifelong learning and advances professional development in the form of training, conferences, professional memberships, and other development opportunities.
 
• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Health benefits include medical and dental insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), life insurance and long-term disability.

• Be a Part of History: The Truman Presidential Library & Museum is one of 15 presidential libraries administered by the National Archives in Washington, D.C. The candidate will work with a committed team of educators dedicated to preserving President Truman’s legacy and his Library’s mission of public education and democratic engagement. 

WORKING CONDITIONS
This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position at the Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Missouri. Occasionally, staff are required to work onsite or offsite events during evening hours.
 
THE TRUMAN LIBARY AND TRUMAN LIBRARY INSTITUTE
Founded by President Truman, himself, the Truman Library Institute (TLI) is the nonprofit partner of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum, widely recognized as a crown jewel of our community, a popular historical destination for visitors from across the country, and an important educational resource for the Greater Kansas City and Independence communities. The Truman Library Institute is funded entirely by private philanthropy and supports the Truman Library’s mission to serve as a “classroom for democracy.” Through public programming, fundraising campaigns, membership and donor societies, friend- and fund-raising events, research and scholarship grants, museum marketing, and nationwide communications strategies, the Truman Library Institute successfully engages and fosters support for President Truman’s legacy and library.
 
COMPANY VALUES/STATEMENTS
The Truman Library Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. The Truman Library Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.
 
TO APPLY: Submit resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references to apply@trumanlibraryinstitute.org. Applications will be reviewed as received with a deadline date of September 28, 2025.