Advancement/Events Internship - Year-round, Part-time

This year-round, part-time position offers a behind-the-scenes look at how funds are raised to support the liberty movement in Michigan. The candidate will gain an overview of donor relations, donor meetings, event management, grant writing, donor-related mail and email efforts and more.

Preferred candidates will have strong verbal and written communication skills, demonstrate a high degree of professionalism, and show aptitude for managing highly confidential information. Experience in use of relational databases and competence in Word and Excel is a plus.

Advancement work might include:

• Online research to help grow the Mackinac Center family of supporters. This includes gathering and analyzing data from news media, public databases, Facebook, LinkedIn and other sources.
• Database work to strengthen communications with donors, primarily by acquiring email addresses and other contact information.
• Personal contact with donors through phone calls and emails related to Mackinac Center events, projects or donor relations in general.
• Clerical support, such as data entry, filing, handling mailings, etc.

Event work might include:

• Assist event manager with logistics, such as scheduling, marketing and executing pre-registration for events, including calling attendees to confirm registration and contact information.
• In the case of in-person events, set up and take down of event material, greeting guests, handling onsite registration, etc. This includes same-day travel throughout the State of Michigan and may involve evening or weekend work.
• In the case of virtual events, work may include assisting with technology, troubleshooting during event, assisting with online questions/comments.
• Assist with guest and vendor follow-up after each event.
• Review contracts and vendor documents for accuracy.

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered for an internship, students must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Full-time college student, recent graduate (within six months of graduation), or a person seeking a first-work experience with a free market think tank;
• Must be at least 18 years old;
• A solid reputation for honest and ethical conduct;
• Above average written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment, while also being able to self-motivate and maintain focus on necessary tasks;
• Professional personal appearance and hygiene;
• Above average inter-personal skills;
• Please note that a curriculum major in politics or economics is NOT required; students from all subject areas are encouraged to apply.

Valuable Characteristics

The following special skills and characteristics will give students expanded opportunity for achievement during their internship:

• Knowledge of political and economic philosophy and theory, especially in the classical liberal tradition;
• Awareness of current civic affairs;
• Students desiring to write for publication should demonstrate excellent writing skills and substantial writing experience;
• Creativity and enthusiasm.

The employment term is a minimum of 15-20 hours per week. Interns are compensated at the rate of $15.50 per hour and are employed on an at-will basis.

Candidates are to submit a resume and cover letter to the intern coordinator by August 15, 2025. 

Apply via Handshake, email application materials to intern@mackinac.org OR mail to:

Christine Bowerson
Senior Director of Operations/Intern Coordinator
Mackinac Center for Public Policy
140 West Main Street
P.O. Box 568
Midland, MI 48640-0568

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.

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 our about page.