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
The Senior External Affairs Advisor for Climate will manage the day to day activities of Third Way’s campaign to engage corporations to advocate for the fastest, fairest path to net-zero carbon pollution by 2050. This person must think both strategically and tactically, manage unforeseen circumstances, and effectively enhance the organization’s reach and impact amongst the business community that supports climate and clean energy action and Democratic policymakers.
Key roles and responsibilities
As the Senior External Affairs Advisor for Climate, a typical day might include…
- Identifying companies that share Third Way’s climate goals to engage them to support and advocate for national action;
- Discovering and sharing stories of how climate and clean energy action will help bring or keep jobs in key parts of the country and ensure US companies are competitive globally;
- Engaging with the Chief Climate/Sustainability Officer, Corporate Headquarters, and Government Affairs offices from each company to recruit them as partners;
- Developing a shared strategy to identify the critical policies and goals that will be highlighted, and the key states and policymakers for engagement. This will include regular group and one-on-one calls, and developing shared materials;
- Driving corporate-related collaborations, in coordination with the Climate & Energy Program and External Affairs teams. This includes regular outreach with corporate collaborators, message coordination, policy briefings, salon dinners, and receptions;
- Implementing the day-to-day engagement and execution of high-impact events and meetings;
- Working closely with the Climate & Energy Program and Communications team to produce fact sheets and other materials, developed in coordination with allied companies, illustrating how proposed climate policies align with existing corporate clean energy, sustainability, or climate goals;
- Demonstrating the interconnection between climate action on job retention and/or growth, broader economic benefits, competitiveness, and how climate policies can and must economically benefit all communities;
- Supervising communication and email distribution to specific, relevant audiences including companies supporting climate action, and relevant state and local influencers, etc.; and
- Ensuring that interactions with key targets are carefully tracked in our database.
Experience and skills
This might be the job for you, if you…
- Have a graduate or undergraduate degree in a relevant field;
- Have five years of experience in climate-related policy-making, advocacy or in a relevant field;
- Come with an understanding of how Washington operates, major climate and clean energy policy debates, and their impact on the policy community, the press, and other stakeholders;
- Want to contribute towards Third Way’s mission;
- Possess a high level of detail and take pride in and ownership of your work;
- Are interested in and able to manage creative and diverse teams in a fast-paced environment to achieve a culture of both respect and results;
- Think on your feet and can coordinate multiple projects under tight deadlines;
- Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally; and
- Want to make a difference and an imprint as Third Way’s newest Senior External Affairs Advisor for Climate.
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’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 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.
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.