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Mackinac Center for Public Policy seeks a Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships to reach out to our growing network of supporters in Michigan and across the nation.
The Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships leads the major gifts program at the Mackinac Center, which accounts for most of the Center’s revenue. The ideal candidate is a player/coach who not only identifies prospective donors, builds lasting relationships with them, and closes major gifts, but also leads a talented team of gift officers responsible for securing and stewarding major gifts of their own.
This position also plays an important role in strategy development with Mackinac Center executives, board members and key stakeholders, especially in Michigan. In addition, the position will recruit select leaders in other states where the Mackinac Center’s Workers for Opportunity project is most active. The position requires a candidate who has sound business acumen, excellent relationship building skills, and an intuitive sense for which donors and prospects to engage.
Being conversant in public policy and political philosophy are also important as the position needs to become a reliable source of insights for donors.
The most important measurements for the position are:
The Mackinac Center has tripled in revenue over the last 8 years. This position, along with the President and Vice President for Advancement will create the next phase of exponential growth.
The opportunity is ripe. Mackinac Center has built several capacities (legal foundation, investigative journalism, new media techniques, government affairs) and has recently started a related 501(c)(4) organization, Mackinac Center Action. Mackinac Center also boasts a strong culture and established brand. Most importantly, Michigan is a battleground state. Winning means policies resulting in human flourishing. Losing means policies that will stifle growth and limit opportunities for people, especially the disadvantaged.
Interstate travel is required but is sporadic and can be planned according to the director’s schedule. Most frequent trips are to Florida and other southern states in the winter. Mackinac Center offers competitive salary and benefits including but not limited to: health/dental/life/disability insurance and paid time off.
About the Mackinac Center
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is an educational and research institute located in Midland, Michigan. We advance liberty and opportunity for all people. We develop free-market policy recommendations, challenge government overreach, and foster a climate of public opinion that encourages policymakers to act in the public interest.
To apply for this position, please send cover letter, resume, 3 professional references* and salary history 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.
* References will not be contacted without prior permission from the candidate.
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a nonprofit research and educational institute that advances the principles of free markets and limited government. Through our research and education programs, we challenge government overreach and advocate for a free-market approach to public policy that frees people to realize their potential and dreams.
For more information about the Mackinac Center please visit
