Senior Policy Advisor, Innovation

Position description

Third Way is a national think tank and advocacy organization that champions moderate policy and political ideas. Since our founding in 2005, we have served as a critical bulwark against political extremism by advancing values-driven, reform-oriented solutions on the defining issues of our time. Our work is grounded in the mainstream American values of opportunity, freedom, security, and democratic capitalism, and we advocate for the vital center across seven major areas: climate and energy, economy, education, health care, national security, politics, and social policy.

The Senior Policy Advisor for Innovation will help shape and execute Third Way’s work to reimagine the U.S. energy innovation ecosystem, from building a more resilient clean energy funding landscape to turbocharging technology commercialization, creating a more innovative and entrepreneurial culture in government, shoring up the innovation might of the U.S. National Labs, and more.

A key member of Third Way’s Climate and Energy Program (CEP), this role is best suited to individuals who excel at both strategy and operations – moving comfortably between managing policy research, thought partnering/generating big ideas, and creating clear, structured roadmaps for execution. Ideal candidates bring a background in or familiarity with innovation ecosystems or industrial strategy; a thorough understanding of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. National Labs, including how they support technology commercialization; a knack for operations, including an ability to break ambitious goals into manageable actions; and an awareness of the distinct roles that public, private, and philanthropic capital can play in funding early-stage innovation. The SPA for Innovation will also participate in cross-functional teams, drive key portions of a bipartisan innovation advocacy coalition, and develop briefings, events, and written materials that educate and advocate to policymakers on smart ways to advance energy innovation policy.

The Senior Policy Advisor for Innovation will…

Project management

• Steward an annual federal appropriations campaign and other research and advocacy efforts of a bipartisan coalition of NGOs, think tanks, nonprofits, and trade associations committed to U.S. leadership in energy innovation;
• Oversee the execution of new and ongoing deliverables (e.g. white papers, policy memos, Hill briefing materials, advocacy campaigns, etc.), ensuring multiple complex workstreams are organized, moving, and aligned in a fast-paced environment;
• Take initiative by quickly turning new ideas into clear, actionable next steps;
• Design and oversee research and other projects conducted by external consultants.

Policy research

• Identify knowledge gaps and conduct research into a range of topics, including but not limited to public and private vehicles to fund and finance innovation, technology commercialization pathways, innovation ecosystem development and growth, and enhancing the capabilities of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. National Laboratories;
• Conduct and oversee in-depth research that makes the case for U.S. leadership and sustained investment across a range of emerging clean energy technologies;
• Develop compelling and timely reports, memos, op-eds, and other written materials to educate key stakeholders both inside and outside of the federal government.

Innovative thinking / strategy support

• Act as a thought partner to the Deputy Director for Innovation in shaping the trajectory, priorities, and composition of Third Way’s Innovation portfolio;
• Support – and eventually lead – the development of frameworks, roadmaps, and long-term strategies to restore the U.S.’s innovation edge.

Other key duties

• Represent Third Way in relevant meetings, working groups, and public speaking engagements;
• Collaborate with Climate and Energy Program colleagues to ensure policy proposals, products, and advocacy plans are coordinated for maximum impact;
• Develop and nurture multiple high-value relationships across a range of stakeholders (e.g. congressional staff, agency officials, coalition partners, energy finance experts, etc.) to identify policy needs, design proposals, stay current on policy developments, and inform Third Way’s thinking on effective policy implementation;
• Engage with the innovation funder community, including seed/early-stage venture capital, institutional investors, commercial lenders, philanthropy, and federal grantmaking offices to identify challenges and solutions across the innovation capital stack;
• Engage with policymakers and staffers to educate and advocate for the advancement of key policies
• May supervise and provide guidance to junior staff, fellows, or interns, as needed

• Other duties as needed.

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  Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000, annually

  At Third Way, we are committed to non-discrimination and fair pay practices. The final starting salary offer will be determined based on your experience and qualifications.

Application instructions

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