Senior Policy Advisor, Family Policy

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.

Third Way is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor, Family Policy to help shape and advance the Economic Program’s family policy agenda. This person will lead the development of policy ideas and research focused on child care, paid family and medical leave, caregiving, federal tax and benefit policies, and other issues affecting working families. As part of that work, this person will develop and advance policy ideas in collaboration with external partners and serve as a representative of Third Way’s family economic security work with government leaders, policy advocates, and other key stakeholders.

As a Senior Policy Advisor, Family Policy, a typical day might include…

• Developing new policy ideas and approaches to strengthen the economic security of America’s working families, particularly on child care, paid family and medical leave, caregiving, and federal tax and benefit policy;
• Conceiving of, then authoring, high-impact memos, reports, and other products that diagnose problems facing working families and advance practical solutions for policymakers;
• Conducting in-depth research and analysis of federal policies, legislative proposals, economic trends, and emerging challenges affecting families;
• Leading engagement with Congress to educate policymakers on issues central to the family economic security portfolio, advance our policy ideas, and identify opportunities for bipartisan and center-left progress on family policy;
• Building and managing relationships with key external partners, including advocates, researchers, industry leaders, employers, and other organizations, to inform and advance Third Way’s family economic security agenda;
• Representing Third Way externally in briefings, convenings, coalitions, conferences, and media engagements as an expert on family policy;
• Working with other members of Third Way’s economic, communications, and outreach teams to develop strategies for effectively communicating and advancing the Economic Program’s family economic security work;
• Identifying emerging policy and political opportunities where Third Way can develop distinctive ideas, shape debates, and make tangible progress for families;
• Performing other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

Salary Range: $84,000 - $95,000, 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.

Competencies:

• Written Communication
• Public Communication
• Problem Solving
• Critical Thinking
• Interpersonal Skills
• Relationship Management
• Advocacy Agility
• Analytical & Research Skills
• Knowledge Management
  
  
  

This might be the job for you, if you have…

• An interest in center-left politics and commitment to Third Way’s mission;
• An undergraduate degree in a relevant field, with an advanced degree or substantial relevant professional experience preferred;
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience working in economic policy or other related fields;
• A sophisticated understanding of federal family policy and politics as well as a passion for helping American families achieve economic security;
• A demonstrated ability to write clearly on complex topics for an audience of non-experts;
• Proficiency and experience using an array of tools to advocate for a cause and achieve demonstrated results on the Hill, in the press, on political campaigns, and/or in the Administration.
• Strong oral advocacy skills including experience with presentations, briefings, and press engagement;
• The ability to independently lead individual projects along with a willingness to work collaboratively on a team.
  
  
  

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 foster the values of non-discrimination and inclusivity 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 HR, 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 weekly team meetings. You’ll learn about the key goals of each member of your program, their progress toward these goals, what challenges they face, and how you will contribute.
• Understand the history and context of Third Way’s Economic Program and how it connects to the broader mission and goals of the organization.
• Enhance your understanding of the federal family policy landscape, including key legislative debates, stakeholders, and opportunities for Third Way to advance its family economic security agenda.
  
  
  

WITHIN 2 MONTHS, YOU'LL...

• Gain an understanding of each employee’s role and their contribution to the organization.
• Attend program overview sessions to learn more about each team’s contribution to TW’s mission.
• 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.
• Begin to cultivate and deepen external relationships with family policy coalition partners, policymakers, and other key stakeholders.
• Learn more about, and help with, work planning for the calendar year. You will gain a deeper insight into the Economic Team’s approach to influencing policy and advocacy and help bolster our family economic security policy agenda.
  
  
  

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.
• Identify new policy and research opportunities within the family policy portfolio and begin developing ideas that can strengthen Third Way’s agenda and advocacy.
  
  
  

In addition to competitive salaries, your health and wellness is our priority. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance; Health Reimbursement Account (HRA); and Flexible Spending Account (FSA, DCA, Parking, and Transit); Life Insurance; Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance; Retirement plan; Accrued Paid Sick and Vacation leave; Long-term Disability, Employee Assistant Program (EAP).

Third Way offers a hybrid work environment to support our employees’ healthy work-life balance. This position is based in Washington, DC, and Third Way’s in-office days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Third Way is an equal-opportunity employer committed to non-discrimination. 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.

Third Way does not provide employment-based visa sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.

Application instructions

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