Video and Motion Graphics Editor

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 Video Production Editor creates compelling videos that support Third Way’s policy ideas and campaigns. This is a highly collaborative role that is conceiving, storyboarding, producing, and editing videos for use on social media, both to respond to trending conversations and breaking news and to rollout new products, analyses, and events.

The Video Production Editor is knowledgeable about what types of video formats perform well with digital audiences, follows current trends on social media platforms, and understands how to script and storyboard a concept to grab attention and draw in viewers. They will partner with policy experts, communications staff, and external allies to create live action and animated short videos incorporating bold graphics, stats, transitions, music, and audio.

This is an opportunity to shape political conversations about how Democrats win and elevate a bench of talent and new ideas from a new generation of center-left leaders. The ideal applicant has some experience in political campaigns, advocacy, or political communications and is creative, detail-oriented, and able to translate complex ideas into simple and memorable videos.

The Video and Motion Graphics Editor will:

• Produce, film, and edit video for social media, products and events;
• Partner with programs and teams to write scripts for videos;
• Coordinate video productions, including filming, editing, and working with vendors;
• Collaborate with the design team for brand consistency;
• Stay inform in the latest video and motion graphics trends;
• Maintain video equipment organized, and tracks borrowed equipment; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

As the Video and Motion Graphic Editor, a typical day might include…

• Attending the daily Comms meeting and discussing a new idea for a video on how to make Republicans own the economic harm of Trump’s tariffs.
• Meeting with Business Operations team members to gather information about the recruitment process for the Fellows Program to plan a series of videos for prospective job applicants.
• Editing a video highlighting insights from an upcoming paper on AI.
• Partnering with the Digital Media Advisor to review metrics from previous videos and discussing insights about what performed well to inform future projects.
• Sharing inspiration for a concept with other members of the Design and Communications team.

-----------------------------------------

Salary Range: $65,000 - $80,000, annually

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

This might be the job for you if you…

• Have a bachelor’s degree in digital media, film, journalism, or a related discipline or a minimum of 3 years of experience in the field.
• Video and audio editing skills;
• Storyboarding and script writing skills;
• Basic camera operation and lighting skills;
• Basic motion graphic and design skills;
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment;
• Able to work both collaboratively and independently;
• Maintains excellent customer service with good communication and relationship skills;
• Manages multiple deadlines efficiently and has good time management skills;
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop);
• Knowledge of the Microsoft software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook);

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.
• Meet with staff to learn about key objectives of the Communications team, Moderate Power Project, and Third Way's policy programs.
• Participate in weekly meetings with the Communications and digital staff to discuss and develop concepts for videos.

WITHIN 2 MONTHS, YOU'LL...

• Gain an understanding 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.
• Collaborate with Third Way staff to film, edit, and produce short videos for release on digital platforms.

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.
• Propose new ideas for video concepts at weekly team meetings that connect Third Way's policy and political insights to current events.
• Establish a steady cadence of new video products for release with your supervisor.

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.