The Mackinac Center for Public Policy seeks a vice president for advancement to lead its fundraising team. He or she will oversee strategic plan elements related to securing all annual funding and growing the contributor base for long-term support. He or she will be especially active in personal solicitations of supporters and future supporters. He or she will work closely with the president and a fundraising team currently comprised of three other positions. Significant travel is required — usually day trips by car, often accompanying the president or another colleague.
The fundraising team currently manages an active direct-mail prospecting program, a house-file program, various giving societies, a foundation grant program, a sophisticated database and special events for supporters and future supporters. The advancement department stays closely abreast of Mackinac Center policy research, litigation and educational outreach. The Mackinac Center raises all of its budget every year, and it raised $5.4 million in 2011.
Strong candidates will possess:
- 7+ years of experience
- Proven fundraising or sales ability through personal solicitation
- Outstanding personal presence, affability, polish and ability to connect with people
- Ability to persuasively articulate the benefits of a free society and describe the Mackinac Center’s role in securing it
- Excellent speaking skills, including public speaking, and good writing skill
- Ability to coordinate a team and help its members develop professionally
- Strong habits of hospitality, courtesy, service and gratitude
- Commitment to free-market public policy and individual liberty
The position is based in Midland, Michigan. The vice president for advancement will be part of the Mackinac Center’s core leadership team.
Please send a persuasive cover letter and a resume to Patricia Benner, vice president for operations, at benner@mackinac.org. No phone calls, please.
