Advancement Manager

You:
A detail-oriented, motivated professional who enjoys supporting high-impact teams from behind the scenes. You’re organized, proactive, and ready to help connect dedicated supporters to a mission you believe in. With a knack for managing tasks and optimizing projects, you thrive in a role that balances leadership, data analysis and process improvement. You’re excited to contribute to the Mackinac Center’s success by providing the crucial support that keeps donor engagement efforts strong and effective. You’re happy to work in person in our Midland, MI office 4-5 days per week.

Them:
Those who think freedom will preserve itself — unaware of how regulatory policies and government overreach threaten individual rights. And then there are our donors, who want to support liberty-driven policies but need a trusted partner to guide their impact behind the scenes.

Us:
At the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, we’re 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 opportunity. With a vision to grow our annual budget from $10 million to $15 million in the next two years, we’re looking for the right person to help drive that growth by supporting donor engagement and maximizing our outreach potential. We’re a dedicated, collaborative team, eager to expand our impact with your help. The Advancement Manager will play an essential role in unlocking transformational organizational growth.

About the Advancement Manager Role:
As Advancement Manager, you’ll play an essential role in supporting the Mackinac Center’s advancement efforts. This is a dynamic, behind-the-scenes role that involves coordinating our intern team, managing projects, and providing analytical and operational support for our donor engagement strategies. You’ll work closely with the Director of Advancement, ensuring that our team functions smoothly and effectively as we work toward meaningful policy change.

Key Responsibilities

Team Coordination and Development:

• Oversee and support the intern team, coordinating their task assignments and project timelines to align with organizational goals.
• Foster a collaborative and motivating work environment, providing mentorship and guidance as interns develop their professional skills.

Project Management and Process Improvement:

• Act as project manager for advancement initiatives, coordinating schedules, resources and deliverables to keep projects on track.
• Create clear project plans that include scope, timelines and budget considerations, adjusting as necessary to ensure successful completion.

Donor Identification and Research:

• Assist with identifying and researching potential new supporters, building a pipeline of prospective donors who align with our mission.
• Work behind the scenes to gather insights that enable the advancement team to develop strategic engagement plans.

Support for Donor Stewardship:

• Assist with preparing meaningful impact reports and updates that showcase the difference donors make to our mission.
• Coordinate acknowledgments and thank-you letters to recognize and celebrate donor contributions.

Database and Data Support:

• Provide support in maintaining accurate and up-to-date donor records in the database, working in collaboration with the database manager.
• Ensure that donor engagement activities and outcomes are documented effectively for smooth access by the advancement team.

Data Analysis and Strategic Reporting:

• Analyze engagement data to spot trends and identify opportunities for improving donor relations.
• Prepare internal reports and insights that assist senior leadership in setting strategic priorities for the advancement team.
• Other duties as assigned.

This Role is Ideal for Someone Who:

• Thrives in a behind-the-scenes role that empowers others and takes pride in seeing team success.
• Brings a proactive and detail-oriented mindset, staying organized and resourceful in managing tasks and timelines.
• Is passionate about supporting a mission-driven team, with a collaborative spirit and dedication to making a meaningful impact.
• Finds satisfaction in process improvement and enjoys the structured work that drives measurable results.
• Shares a commitment to advancing free-market values and wants to be part of a purpose-driven organization.

Why Join the Mackinac Center?

Working with us means joining a team that believes in the power of freedom to create positive change. You’ll support impactful projects, work with a collaborative and driven team, and help build meaningful donor relationships from behind the scenes. We offer a supportive environment where your skills will make a difference. You’ll have the opportunity to learn, grow, contribute and be challenged. Join us and help foster freedom for everyone!

Application 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. This position is located in Midland, MI. To apply, please send cover letter and resume 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.