Third Way is a national think tank that champions modern center-left ideas.
Our work is grounded in the mainstream American values of opportunity, freedom, and security. But we identify as center-left, because we see that space in U.S. politics as offering the only real path for advancing those ideals in the century ahead.
Our agenda is ambitious, aspirational, and actionable. It is built on the bedrock belief that for political movements to succeed in our political system, they must relentlessly re-imagine their policies, strategies, and coalitions.
We are fighting for opportunity, so everyone has the chance to earn a good life; progress on social issues, so all have the freedom to live the lives they choose; and security, so we are protected from 21st-century global threats.
The role
Third Way’s Development & External Affairs team is looking for a highly organized and collaborative individual with a passion for fundraising, an understanding of the intersection of government and advocacy, and a desire to lead a robust slate of programming with VIPs and policymakers. This position is responsible for managing donor prospecting, fundraising-related programming, donor maintenance, and policy engagement with Third Way’s corporate donors.
Key roles and responsibilities
As the Development Advisor, a typical day might include…
- Corresponding with corporate donors;
- Identifying relevant issues and opportunities for policy engagement;
- Processing acknowledgements to donors, maintaining financial records, and report generation in the Salesforce database;
- Implementing a schedule of regular programming for donors that includes policy working groups, political briefings, small gatherings with Members of Congress, salon dinners, and receptions, among others;
- Researching new donor prospects and briefing relevant team members before meetings and calls;
- Tracking and processing all invoicing and reporting requirements for incoming donations; and
- Liaising with internal Third Way policy teams to ensure maximum impact and reach within the DC advocacy
Experience and skills
This might be the job for you, if you…
- Have 2-3 years of experience in a fundraising role;
- Want to contribute towards Third Way’s mission;
- Are familiar with federal politics and the intricacies of the Democratic Party;
- Feel comfortable interacting with VIPs and are committed to a high level of customer service;
- Practice extreme attention-to-detail;
- Take pride in and ownership of your work;
- Are curious and eager for professional development;
- Think on your feet and adapt to changes effortlessly;
- Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally;
- Are motivated and driven by your passion for opportunity, freedom, and security; and
- Want to make a difference and an imprint as Third Way’s newest Development Advisor.
Additional information
WITHIN 1 MONTH, YOU’LL…
- Participate in Third Way’s comprehensive onboarding program. You’ll learn about all aspects of Business Operations, which includes benefits, IT, finance, and office operations.
- Meet your Third Way Buddy, be introduced to the entire staff, and start to learn the TW’s culture.
- Learn our current processes for payroll, compliance, and labor tracking, and how you will partner with Finance and the rest of the Business Operations team on these processes.
- Participate in weekly one-on-ones with your manager to ensure you fully understand the expectations of the job
- Attend your departmental weekly meetings. You’ll learn about the key goals of your program, how they’re doing, what challenges they face, and how you will contribute.
WITHIN 2 MONTHS, YOU’LL…
- Gain an understanding of each employee’s role and their contribution to the organization.
- Sit in on a riveting story about Third Way’s history with one of the original founders of Third Way. You will learn about our successes, as well as our failures. —-This will also afore you the opportunity to learn about future direction.
- Incorporate TW’s Style Guide and Production process into your work products.
- Participate in, at least, one of our internal Professional Development trainings or a Center for Fun activity.
- Learn and experience TW’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect in the workplace.
- Have organized and executed your first event (could be virtual if in person events aren’t an option)
- Develop relationships with your counterparts in higher education policy/advocacy organizations.
WITHIN 3 MONTHS, YOU’LL…
- Feel a sense of comfort and familiarity with the staff, your team, and your work.
- Continue to attend weekly departmental meetings with a stronger understanding of your team’s strategic goal.
- Bring new ideas and suggestions to your weekly one-on-ones with your manager.
- Attend and participate in external functions with other members of your team.
- Complete your 90 day self-evaluation and performance review with your manager.
- Partner with your manager to establish your long-term goals for the remainder of the year.
Third Way is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates, supports, and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable laws.