Email:
vandelaar@mackinac.org
Contact Phone:
(989) 698-1928
Job or Position Title:
Director of Labor Policy / Staff Attorney
Company or Organization:
Mackinac Center for Public Policy
Location:
Midland, MI
Salary Information:
Compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and alignment with the responsibilities of the role.
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy seeks a Director of Labor Policy, preferably an attorney, to lead market-based labor reforms in Michigan. We promote an American 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.
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.
- Collaborate with allies to promote reforms; share expertise with allies in other states.
- Comment on labor policy developments for state and national news media.
- Work with the Center’s communications team to blend rigorous research with effective messaging.
- Partner with the fundraising team to secure financial support.
- Serve as a policy advisor to Workers for Opportunity, a Mackinac Center initiative that promotes worker freedom nationally.
Qualifications
- Deep commitment to free-market solutions for public policy challenges.
- Experience in labor and employment policy is desired, but a candidate with experience in a related field will be considered.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with strong leadership skills.
- Exceptional research, analytical, writing and communication skills.
- 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 is a nonpartisan research and educational institute dedicated to improving the quality of life of all Michigan residents 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. The Mackinac Center is a nonprofit organization with 45 full-time employees, a 50-member Board of Scholars and an annual operating budget of $11 million.
This full-time position is based in Midland, Michigan, and reports to the Executive Vice President. 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.
Application Process
To apply, please submit a résumé, a cover letter detailing your interest in the position, and a sample of research or persuasive writing to:
Michael Reitz
Executive Vice President
Email: careers@mackinac.org
Fax: (989) 631-0964
Requirements:
Please see "Qualifications" and "Application Process".
Closing Date:
04/25/2026
Website or Application Links:
https://www.mackinac.org/careers/director-of-labor-policy
Additional Information:
While we thank all applicants for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those whom we are considering for an interview. No telephone calls, please.