About the Mackinac Center:
The Mackinac Center is a nonpartisan research and educational institute dedicated to improving the quality of life of all Michigan residents by promoting sound solutions 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 so that it encourages policymakers to act in the broad public interest rather than narrow private or government interests. The Mackinac Center is a nonprofit organization with 43 full-time employees, a 50-member Board of Scholars and an annual operating budget of $10 million.
Us:
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is committed to advancing liberty and promoting free-market values in Michigan and beyond. Through policy reform and research, we work to protect individual rights and expand opportunities. Mackinac’s communications department disseminates compelling research and issue-specific information via established and growing relationships with national, state and local media outlets. We value people who are skilled at planning long-term strategies, meeting time-sensitive deadlines and adapting to fluid situations.
Working with us means joining a team that believes in the power of freedom to create positive change. You will lead impactful projects, work with a collaborative and driven team, and be a key Mackinac Center spokesperson. We offer a supportive environment where your skills will make a difference. You will have the opportunity to learn, grow, contribute and be challenged. We are looking for the right individual to be a linchpin in the Center’s public and media relations.
You:
An experienced communications professional who excels and thrives in a position responsible for managing media relations, supporting message development and overseeing core products and initiatives. You understand — and are committed to — the Mackinac Center’s free-market approach to improving the quality of life for all Michigan residents. You are comfortable being a team leader who manages people and large projects. You are happy to work directly with our Vice President of Marketing and Communications in our Midland, MI office.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage communications staff to achieve core goals in media, messaging and marketing
- Work closely with communications and policy teams to develop strategy and messaging
- Develop and maintain relationships with journalists, columnists, editors and producers to sustain the Center’s reputation as a credible source of information and analysis
- Respond to media inquiries, coordinate interviews and ensure a timely response
- Write and issue compelling press releases, media advisories, statements and letters-to-the editor
- Place timely and relevant op-eds in national, state and local newspapers
- Ensure the quality of outward-facing publications
Ideal Qualifications:
- 5+ years of relevant experience
- Demonstrated ability to manage staff and/or major projects
- An understanding of and commitment to free-market solutions to public policy problems
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills
- Demonstrated commitment to accuracy and clarity
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines and work effectively under time pressure
- Experience in the public policy or political sectors is preferred
- Print publications and social media experience is desirable
- Ability to travel a few times a year; approximately 5%
Compensation is commensurate with ability and experience. A writing and skills test will be part of the evaluation process. The Mackinac Center offers competitive salary and benefits, including but not limited to health/dental/life/disability insurance and 30 days of paid time off.
Application Process:
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:
- Resume
- Cover letter describing your alignment with the Center’s mission and your salary requirements
- Writing Sample – no more than 5 pages long; samples related to the position preferred, but any writing sample is 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 is a nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting liberty by helping free-market nonprofits identify talent for critical roles. We provide consulting and recruiting services at no cost to 501(c)3 nonprofit 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.
