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 Climate and Energy Program designs and advocates for policies to put the United States on the fastest, fairest path to net-zero emissions by 2050. Analysis from leading climate and energy authorities is clear that achieving this goal will require carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS) technologies, as well as direct air capture (DAC). We are seeking a policy advisor to lead our team’s research, education, and advocacy work in these fields to ensure the federal policy community is aware of opportunities to support these technologies and the benefits that will come as a result. This policy advisor will also contribute to our team’s work on tools and policy solutions to address tricky emissions from the industrial sector.
Key roles and responsibilities
As the Policy Advisor for Carbon Capture and Industrial Emissions, a typical day might include…
- Conducting in-depth research and quantitative analysis to better understand and explain the economic and climate benefits that could be created by deploying CCUS and DAC and by taking certain policy steps to eliminate emissions from the industry;
- Drafting high-impact written reports, memos, and op-eds that persuasively illuminate the methods and benefits of federal investment in CCUS and DAC;
- Engaging with congressional offices, federal agency officials, industry, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders and potential partners in this education and advocacy work;
- Analyzing policy ideas and assessing their impact on the development and deployment of CCUS and DAC technologies; and,
- Working with other members of Third Way’s climate and energy, communications, and outreach teams to help plan and execute events and digital collateral that advance policy education and advocacy efforts.
Experience and skills
This might be the job for you, if you…
- Have a graduate degree in a related field and at least one year of work experience or have an undergraduate degree and 2+ years of highly relevant work experience;
- Possess a solid understanding of federal climate and clean energy policy, particularly as it pertains to carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS), and direct air capture (DAC);
- Want to contribute towards Third Way’s mission;
- 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; and
- Want to make a difference and an imprint as Third Way’s newest Policy Advisor for Carbon Capture and Industrial Emissions.
Additional 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 fosters 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.
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 culture.
- 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.
- Be given a set of background materials on your issue portfolio, an overview of active projects you will be taking over management of, and some initial assignments.
WITHIN 2 MONTHS, YOU’LL…
- Gain an understanding each employee’s role and their contribution to the organization.
- Incorporate TW’s Style Guide and Production process into your work products.
- Learn and experience TW’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect in the workplace.
- Engage with coalitions and other external partners working on your issue areas.
- Contribute to public-facing fact sheets and outreach to congressional offices on the needs and opportunities for supporting CCUS and DAC in the appropriations process.
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.
- 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.