Legal Counsel and Director of Workers for Opportunity

No worker in America should be forced to pay a union as a condition of employment.

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy seeks an attorney to develop and promote market-based recommendations that protect worker rights and expand employment opportunities.

The Mackinac Center is a catalyst for labor reform in the states. After Michigan adopted its right-to-work law in 2012, policymakers, think tank leaders and scholars across the country invited us to tell the story. We rely on a multi-pronged strategy: We educate workers about their rights, litigate forced unionism and advocate for worker freedom policies. Mackinac Center team members have contributed to recent labor reforms in Michigan and numerous other states, including Kentucky, Missouri, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Our aim is to advance an American workplace based on voluntary and mutually beneficial interaction between workers and job creators. This will be marked by government neutrality, a spirit of free enterprise and freedom of choice. People should be free to pursue their dreams and prosperity without coercion in the workplace. We seek to accomplish this objective by providing training and research to coalition partners, educating the public about beneficial reforms and fostering free-market labor policy solutions at the state and federal level.

This full-time position involves researching, developing and promoting labor reforms through studies, commentary, speaking, media relations and legislative testimony. Current major priorities include projects on public-sector unions, collective bargaining and right-to-work laws. The individual in this role will serve as the director of Workers for Opportunity, a Mackinac Center initiative promoting worker freedom nationally. This individual will build out the program and will serve as a policy advisor for My Pay My Say, a national awareness and educational effort reaching government workers.

The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Commitment to free-market solutions to public policy issues
• Firm desire to advance policies in Michigan consistent with respect for the freedom of association and sound economics
• An entrepreneurial mindset
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Excellent research, analysis, writing and speaking skills
• Experience in related field of research or policy development; legislative experience is helpful but not required
• Legal background or training, including litigation and brief writing experience, preferred

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and execute the strategic plan of Workers for Opportunity, including the research agenda, projects and publications
• Research and write studies, reports, commentaries, op-eds, and other publications
• Develop policy recommendations; provide research and information to policymakers and agencies
• Develop a multi-state strategy and work with allies to promote policy recommendations
• Collaborate with the Center’s communications team to combine sound research and effective framing of the issues
• Work with the fundraising team to identify, secure and maintain financial support
• Work with news media to comment on policy developments  

The position is based in Midland, Michigan, and requires some travel. The position reports to the executive vice president. The Mackinac Center provides a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Application Process

To be considered for this position, please send a resume, cover letter describing your interest in the mission of the Mackinac Center and a sample of research or persuasive writing to:

Patricia Benner
Vice President for Operations
Email: careers@mackinac.org
Fax: (989) 631-0964

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.