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Political Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Ryan, LLC

Director, Legislative Affairs

Lansing, MI · Hybrid

S. The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with ... Supports Principals with political insights and tracking and policy campaign management. Client:

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All JobsPolitical JobsPolitical Director JobsPolitical Director Jobs in Michigan

Political Director information

See Michigan salary details

$27.2K

$53.8K

$80.4K

How much do political director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for political director in Michigan is $53,814.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,322.00 and $64,545.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a political director do?

A Political Director is responsible for managing and executing the political strategy of an organization, campaign, or advocacy group. They oversee relationships with elected officials, political parties, and stakeholders, and coordinate activities such as lobbying, grassroots mobilization, and coalition-building. Political Directors often develop policy positions, track legislative developments, and ensure the organization’s interests are represented. Their role is crucial for building influence, shaping public policy, and achieving strategic goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a political director?

To thrive as a Political Director, you need extensive knowledge of political strategy, campaign management, and policy analysis, typically supported by a degree in political science, public policy, or a related field. Familiarity with voter outreach tools, data analytics software, and fundraising platforms is often required. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills help build coalitions and manage diverse stakeholder relationships. These capabilities are crucial for effectively advancing organizational goals and navigating the complex landscape of political advocacy.

How does a political director typically collaborate with campaign staff and external partners during an election cycle?

A Political Director plays a pivotal role in coordinating efforts between the campaign team, volunteers, and external stakeholders such as advocacy groups, unions, and elected officials. They often facilitate communication, ensure alignment on strategy, and manage relationships to build broad support for the campaign. This role requires frequent meetings, strategic planning sessions, and adaptability to shifting political landscapes. Solid collaboration skills are essential, as Political Directors often mediate differing perspectives to achieve campaign goals.

What is the difference between Political Director vs Campaign Manager?

AspectPolitical DirectorCampaign Manager
Primary RoleOversees political strategy, advocacy efforts, and stakeholder relationships within an organization or campaign.Manages overall campaign operations, including planning, staffing, and execution of electoral campaigns.
Required CredentialsTypically requires political science, communications, or related degrees; experience in politics or advocacy roles.Often requires political science, marketing, or management backgrounds; experience in campaign management.
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, political parties, advocacy groups, or government agencies.Electoral campaigns, political consulting firms, or campaign offices.
Industry UsageCommonly found in political organizations and advocacy groups.Primarily in electoral campaigns and political consulting.

The Political Director focuses on shaping political strategies and stakeholder engagement, while the Campaign Manager handles the day-to-day operations of a political campaign. Both roles require political experience but serve different functions within the political landscape.

What are the most commonly searched types of Political jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Political jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Political Director jobs in Michigan?

For Political Director jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Political Director jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Political Director jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Political Director jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Political Director job openings:

Political Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Political Director job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 15% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,814 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Assistant Prof. of Political Science and Director of the Pre-Law Program

University of Detroit Mercy

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago

University Of Detroit Mercy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

538th of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Job ID
FU9724-0021-1909
Position Classification
FT Faculty UDMPU (9 months)
Position Summary
The Department of Political Science at the University of Detroit Mercy invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Political Science, with specialization in Legal Studies or Judicial Politics, to begin August 2026.
The Department of Political Science and its Pre-Law program are vibrant with engaged faculty committed to offering innovative courses and programming for our growing student population that is fervent and eager to learn. The Department of Political Science is deeply committed to the University's distinctive mission of educational excellence, to a diverse student population within a vibrant urban context, and a commitment to community engagement. The Department of Political Science is dedicated to enhancing diversity in the University community and curriculum.
The department seeks candidates to teach courses in Legal Studies and Judicial Studies broadly construed. Teaching assignments may include the following areas: Supreme Court, American Political Institutions, Contract Law, Property Law, Family Law, Torts, Law and Culture, Arbitration and Mediation/Alternative Dispute Settlement, and Law and Society. Candidates should be prepared to teach various Political Science courses in addition to topics in their area of specialization. The teaching load is 18 credit hours (6 courses) per academic year for faculty with an active research agenda. The successful candidate will assume directorship of the Pre-Law Program. In addition, the candidate will be expected to participate in professional development activities related to teaching and student advising. The candidate will be expected to engage in research and scholarship related to political science, legal or judicial studies, and to provide service to the department and its pre-law program, and to the College and University.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  1. Teaching core courses in our Legal Studies program and in the Political Science curriculum with a focus on political institutions and the judiciary, as well as other courses in the department related to the qualifications of the position holder, advising, curriculum and program development.
  2. Normal teaching load includes nine credit hours per semester on a nine-month appointment with supplemental summer teaching appointments often available.
  3. All other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
1. A Ph.D. in Political Science. Advanced ABDs will be considered but must have their Ph.D. in Political Science completed within one year of hire.
2. Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate teaching (teaching evaluations) and a commitment to experiential learning.
3. Evidence of active engagement with research and scholarship demonstrated by presentations at conferences, publications, moot court participation, or membership in professional organizations.
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with a Ph.D. in Political Science who also have a JD are preferred and encouraged to apply. Candidates with experience in directing a pre-law program, or other demonstrated service or leadership are preferred. A track record of research achievement including a current research plan in Political Science, Legal Studies or Judicial Studies is preferred. We are especially interested in applicants dedicated to excellence in both teaching and research in a liberal arts setting. Strong candidates will have a record of experience or demonstrated commitment to teaching diverse students.
Physical Requirements
Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping. Occasionally lift average weight objects (1 to 10 pounds).
Work Environment
Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.
Salary/Pay Information
Commensurate with experience
Anticipated Schedule
TBD
Employee Benefits
At the University of Detroit Mercy we continually strive to provide a high-quality, comprehensive benefits package to our valued employees. We offer our employees the following:
• Medical -
o Three health plans to choose from with a large national provider network
• Dental -
o Option to purchase additional dental plan through Sun Life
Dental Care is available at the School of Dentistry to the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents (dependents shall be as defined for Internal Revenue Service purposes).
The fee for such services shall be waived for the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents, up to a cap of $3,000 per individual per calendar year. Beyond the $3,000 cap amount, employees will be responsible to pay 25% of any remaining fees for the balance of that year.
• Vision -
o Option to purchase additional vision plan through Heritage
Vision benefits available at Detroit Mercy Eye Institute
$35 Comprehensive Eye Exam
Contact Lens Exam starting at $7o
50% off Optical Frames
25% off Sun Frames
30% off Prescription Lenses
20% off Prescription Contact Lenses
*Cannot be combined with insurance*
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
• Employee Assistance Program -
o Provided to everyone in your household
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Life and AD&D -
o One times base salary up to a hundred thousand dollars
• Option to purchase additional life insurance, accident insurance, and/or critical illness insurance
• Tuition Remission Benefit for you, your spouse, and children
• Retirement Plan -
Employees have a choice of the following:
Employees who contribute 3% shall receive an Employer contribution of 9%, employees who contribute 5% in the plan shall receive an Employer contribution of 10%.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Candidates must apply by completing an application and uploading materials. Materials must include:
  • A letter of application that states the applicant's interest in the position, credentials relative to the required items listed in the "Qualifications" section and illustration of how their scholarship is related to Political Science, Legal Studies and/or Judicial Studies.
  • A curriculum vitae
  • Sample syllabi or detailed course proposals
  • A teaching statement
  • A service statement
  • A research statement
  • A scholarly writing sample
  • Academic transcripts

Three (3) letters of recommendation should be available upon request. Review of applications will begin Friday, March 6, 2026, and will continue until an appointment is made.
Michigan's largest, most comprehensive private University, University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University's mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.
Learn more about our university mission here.
Questions regarding this position should be directed to Felicia A. Grey, Ph.D., Chair of the Search Committee: greyfa@udmercy.edu.

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