Director of Events

Director of Events

Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad — Noblesville, IN (On-site)

Pay: $70,000–$80,000 per year

Schedule: Primarily Monday–Friday; evenings/weekends required during key events and peak operating seasons

The Director of Events plans, organizes, and improves the full calendar of train and railbike experiences at Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad. This role designs themed events, coordinates logistics and vendors, and ensures a consistent, high-quality guest experience season to season. The Director supervises the Guest Experience Lead & Trainer and the Customer Service & Event Admin Assistant.

Event Planning & Calendar Management

• Develop and manage the annual events calendar for train rides and railbike experiences
• Design event themes, concepts, capacities, and run-of-show plans (Reindeer Express, tastings, murder mysteries, railbike themes, etc.)
• Partner with the Executive Director on pricing, target audiences, and event strategy

Logistics & Vendor Coordination

• Build timelines and checklists for major events and seasons, working backward from launch dates
• Coordinate vendors and partners (caterers, entertainers, musicians, photographers, etc.) and keep contracts/schedules clear
• Collaborate with the Operations Manager to align event needs with operations (boarding times, dwell times, special moves)

Staffing & Team Oversight

• Determine staffing plans for onboard events and railbikes by event/season
• Support seasonal hiring with the Customer Service & Event Admin Assistant (postings, interviews, selection)
• Approve schedule structures built by the Admin Assistant
• Supervise the Event Coordinators and the Customer Service & Event Admin Assistant with regular check-ins and clear expectations

Guest Experience & Improvement

• Define guest experience standards across all events (flow, timing, touchpoints, announcements)
• Develop training materials, run-of-show documents, and checklists for staff
• Review guest feedback and staff input after major event periods and adjust plans/training as needed

Communication

• Provide regular updates to the Executive Director on event performance, staffing needs, and guest feedback
• Work with marketing support to provide accurate event details, storylines, and key selling points

• Bachelor’s degree in event management, hospitality, tourism, business, nonprofit management, or related field preferred (equivalent experience considered)
• 5 years of experience in event management, attractions, hospitality, tourism, or related field
• Experience supervising staff and/or leading cross-functional teams
• Strong organization, adaptability, communication, and creativity

• Mix of office and field work at the depot, platforms, railbike locations, and onboard trains
• Work in varying weather conditions and around moving trains/railbikes (noise and vibration expected)
• Ability to walk between areas, climb train steps, stand for extended periods, and occasionally lift up to ~30 lbs
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions

• No health insurance benefits offered
• Generous PTO package

How to Apply: Please send email with cover letter and resume to Emily Reynolds at ereynolds@nickelplateexpress.org