Director of Education Policy

The Mackinac Center seeks a Director of Education Policy to help improve the quality of elementary and secondary education for all children in Michigan. The Mackinac Center is at the forefront of nationally recognized education reforms in Michigan. The Wall Street Journal called the Mackinac Center a “leading advocate for a universal education tax credit.” The Education Policy Initiative is dedicated to helping Michigan students succeed by empowering families with access to a variety of effective educational options. The initiative’s high-quality research shows policymakers and the public how greater freedom can drive innovations that will better meet diverse learning needs.

About the role

This full-time position involves researching, developing, and promoting reforms that:

• Free public schools from needless state and federal government bureaucracy;
• Create greater incentives for schools to respect parents and students as customers;
• Create greater incentives for continuous quality improvement, parental involvement, and efficient use of resources;
• Explore how educational choice can provide greater access to a quality education for all families, especially those in more challenging socioeconomic circumstances.

Many states have expanded educational programs so that every child can receive an excellent education. In Michigan, a growing number of families are pursuing an education outside their assigned district school by choosing to homeschool, enroll in a charter school or flexible hybrid model, or attend a more innovative public school through the state’s Schools of Choice law.

This role is based in Midland, Michigan, reports to the Executive Vice President, and follows a hybrid schedule: in-office Monday through Wednesday, remote Thursday and Friday.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the strategic plan for the Mackinac Center’s Education Policy Initiative, including the research agenda, projects, and publications;
• Produce thoughtful, well-researched content that advances the organization’s mission to expand education freedom in Michigan;
• Perform original analyses of Michigan education data to help shape the understanding of policymakers and other influencers;
• Communicate stories and information that advance policy objectives;
• Read relevant news, study research and analysis, and absorb insights that inform policy development;
• Visit schools and programs that highlight innovative and effective education practices;
• Assist the government affairs team in working with education policymakers;
• Build and strengthen the coalition of support for education choice;
• Act as a reliable ambassador of the Mackinac Center’s mission and core values, especially among current and potential supporters of the organization.

Requirements

• Commitment to free-market solutions to public policy issues;
• Strong desire to advance Michigan education policies that place children first;
• A track record of leadership, even if in junior roles;
• Ability to conceptualize and execute innovations or experiments;
• Excellent research, analysis, writing, and oral communication skills;
• Effectively utilize AI-supported tools to strengthen research, analysis, and policy development;
• Experience in teaching, school administration, education policy, or related areas is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance;
• Health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA);
• Employer-paid life insurance policy;
• Short- and long-term disability coverage;
• 403(b) retirement account with employer match;
• 30 days paid time off, in addition to 10 paid holidays per year.

Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate located outside of the Midland, MI area.

Schedule

Hybrid schedule: in-office Monday through Wednesday, remote Thursday and Friday.

About the organization

The Mackinac Center is a nonpartisan research and educational institute dedicated to improving quality of life 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 organization has a team of 45 full-time employees, a 50-member Board of Scholars, and an annual operating budget of $13 million.