Senior Communications Advisor, Climate and Energy Program

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’s Climate and Energy Program (CEP) works to grow access to affordable, reliable, clean energy, for every American. The program's communications team is looking to add a sharp, strategic communicator to our crew, as we work to grow support for clean energy technologies, strengthen clean energy messaging, and raise awareness of the work of our policy team.

Using press, digital media, public opinion research, and events, the Communications team moves the needle on key energy policies and helps influential stakeholders communicate the benefits of the energy transition in ways that resonate for everyday people. We tackle sticky political and messaging challenges head-on, and we’re unafraid to start provocative conversations about the future of American energy strategy.

This new position will help shape communications strategy for the Climate and Energy Program, refining our narrative, identifying new opportunities to leverage our work and grow our public profile. Strong writing skills, excellent organizational skills, and keen political instincts are a must-have.

The Senior Communications Advisor, CEP will…

• Build and implement a rollout and promotion strategy for new policy products;
• Write messaging guides for policymakers, NGOs, industry, and candidates on hot-button energy issues;
• Shape day-to-day earned and digital media efforts;
• Network with press, communications and public opinion experts, NGOs, and others to grow our sphere of influence and expand awareness of our messaging strategies;
• Other duties as assigned.

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Salary Range: $75,000- $85,000, 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:

• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Organized with strong project management ability
• Analytical & Research Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Detail Orientation
• Political Awareness
• Creativity
• Knowledge Management
• Accountability for Self
• Respectfulness

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

• 3-5 years' experience in political communications OR climate and energy communications OR other relevant field;
• Have an undergraduate degree or higher in communications or a related field;
• Prior experience building communications strategy, including earned and digital media;
• Understanding of public opinion research;
• Passionate about expanding clean energy in America and lowering energy costs for working people; familiarity with pressing issues in energy and American politics.

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 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 program, how they’re doing, what challenges they face, and how you will contribute.

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 strengthen your familiarity with clean energy technologies and center Left politics.
• Offer messaging guidance to colleagues and allies on how to communicate about clean energy affordability and reliability.

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.
• Plan and execute a creative release for new research on clean energy deployment.

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 is committed to the health, safety, and wellness of all employees, candidates, stakeholders, and communities. To support that commitment, all current and newly hired employees must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Proof of full vaccination status will be required after an offer of employment is extended and accepted. Failure to provide proof of full vaccination before the start date will result in the offer of employment being rescinded.

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.