About the Organization

The Mackinac Center is a nonpartisan research and educational institute dedicated to improving quality of life by promoting sound answers to state and local policy questions. We advance liberty and opportunity for all people by developing free-market policies, challenging government overreach and influencing public opinion. Our goal is to persuade policymakers to act in the broad public interest rather than narrow private or government interests. Advancing this mission is a team of 45 full-time employees, a 50-member Board of Scholars, and an annual operating budget of $13 million.

For more information about the Mackinac Center please visit our about page.

About the Role

The Mackinac Center seeks a Director of Labor Policy, preferably an attorney, to lead market-based labor reforms in Michigan. We promote a workplace rooted in mutually beneficial relationships between workers and employers, defined by government neutrality, free enterprise and freedom of choice.

The Director advances labor policy recommendations that are grounded in freedom of association and sound economics. The role involves developing and promoting labor and employment reforms through studies, commentary, media engagement and legislative engagement. The ideal candidate will be able to promote these reforms at the state and Federal level, for both public and private sector workers.

This full-time position is based in Midland, Michigan, and reports to the Executive Vice President. This role follows a hybrid schedule: in-office Monday through Wednesday, remote Thursday and Friday.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute the strategic plan for the Mackinac Center’s Labor Policy Initiative, with a primary focus on Michigan labor and employment regulations.
  • Research and write studies, reports, commentaries, op-eds and other publications.
  • Provide research and information to Michigan policymakers, with occasional work in other states or on matters of Federal policy.
  • Collaborate and share expertise with allies in other states to promote reforms
  • Work with the Center’s communications team to blend rigorous research with effective messaging for state and national news media.
  • Partner with the fundraising team to secure financial support for the Center’s priorities.
  • Serve as a policy advisor to Workers for Opportunity, a Mackinac Center initiative that promotes worker freedom in states across the country.

Qualifications

  • 4+ years of relevant experience in labor policy, employment law, public policy, or a related field required; seniority level flexible based on candidate background
  • Deep commitment to free-market solutions for public policy challenges
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with strong leadership skills
  • Exceptional research, analytical, writing and communication skills
  • Ability to communicate complex policy ideas in an easily understood and relatable manner.
  • JD and legal training strongly preferred (litigation experience not required)

Why Join Us?

  • Competitive compensation and benefits
  • High-impact, mission-driven work with measurable outcomes
  • The opportunity to work alongside some of the nation’s most respected leaders in policy and communications

The Mackinac Center offers competitive salary and benefits including but not limited to health, dental, health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), employer-paid life insurance policy, short & long-term disability coverage, 403(b) retirement account with employer match, 30 days paid time off, in addition to ten paid holidays per year.

We recognize that the right candidate may be located outside of the Midland, MI area and are open to discussing relocation assistance as part of the overall compensation package.

To Apply

Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:

  • A cover letter that includes:
    • Your interest in Mackinac’s mission and how your background aligns with their goals
    • At least one specific policy area or project that resonates with you
  • Your resume
  • A writing sample (samples relevant to the role preferred, any writing sample acceptable)

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.

Questions can be directed to Katy Gambella, Director of Outreach at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: [email protected].

There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.

Talent Market, the liberty movement’s talent agency, is a nonprofit that connects liberty-minded professionals with free-market nonprofit jobs at no cost to candidates or organizations. We work with 501(c)(3) organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation. Visit Talent Market to explore open roles, join our talent network, or work with us on your next hire.