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
Entrepreneurial success is one of the greatest drivers of wealth creation and must be at the center of any national effort to create racial equity and expand economic opportunity. Yet, right now, there are far too few minority- and women-owned businesses. To change that, Third Way is launching a Center for Entrepreneurial Equity, and we are seeking an individual to oversee this new, exciting initiative.
This is a high-profile, high-impact, senior-level policy position that will supervise other staff and coordinate activities of the Center. As part of a team, this individual will bring together and partner with some of the brightest minds across business, academia, and advocacy to develop and promote federal policies that dramatically increase the opportunity for female and minority entrepreneurs to start and expand successful businesses.
Key roles and responsibilities
As the Director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Equity, your duties will include:
- Overseeing a team that conducts research and analysis to unpack structural barriers to women- and minority-owned business creation as well as develops federal policy solutions that take those challenges head-on.
- Assembling and coordinating with an Advisory Council of prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, academics, political leaders, and advocates that will inform our research and analysis, help shape our policy development, and bolster our advocacy efforts.
- Advocating for innovative policy ideas among policymakers and the policymaking community around them. This individual will represent Third Way and the Center with Members of Congress, administration officials, Hill staff, the business community, academics, and advocacy organizations.
- Elevating the work of the Center through the coordination of public events, conferences, social media, and traditional press.
**Please note all duties and events will be completed virtually until Third Way has established a return-to-work plan, at which point this position will be located in Washington, D.C.
Experience and skills
- Policy experience: Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience working in the policy or advocacy arena, Capitol Hill, or administration. Candidates should have a strong background in small business and entrepreneurship policy. A graduate degree is helpful but not required.
- Management experience: Candidates should have experience managing people and projects. Candidates must be organized and able to keep multiple projects on track.
- Creativity and collaboration skills: Candidates should be prepared to work with a team that thinks outside-the-box and challenges existing orthodoxies. Candidates should enjoy working in a collaborative organization and alongside both Third Way senior management –and policy staff.
- Writing skills: Candidates must have a demonstrated ability to write clearly on complex topics for an audience of non-experts.
- Communication skills: Candidates must have extensive experience clearly communicating with diverse audiences, including through public presentations. Candidates must be prepared to formulate new policy ideas and promote them.
Other useful information
In the Third Way Culture, we are looking for…
–Self-starters: People who see and seize opportunities, take risks, learn from failure, and will bring a sustained passion for our mission.
–Collaborators: People who work in teams—sharing ideas, brainstorming, co-authoring products, and advancing its shared priorities.
–Creators: People who foster divergent thinking; that aren’t afraid to take on the orthodoxies of the left or the right. Team members come up with original insights, find unique ways to look at data, and challenge their preconceptions.
–Results-oriented: People who function with an organizational commitment to clear objectives, ambitious timelines, accountability for results, and a focus on impact.
–Respectful: People who embrace the diverse perspectives of everyone and fosters the values of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness at all times.