Deputy Director of Mod Comms

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 Deputy Director of Mod Comms (DDMC) will oversee a new team that is developing and implementing a strategy to elevate the voices of center-left leaders, ideas, and influencers in important new media ecosystems to impact the national debate. They are deeply knowledgeable about the digital landscape and focused on creative ways to inject these views and voices across those platforms, building a network that can serve as the megaphone for the moderate movement. This role is an integral part of Third Way's Moderate Power Project to build infrastructure on the center left to challenge far-left extremism and champion ideas and voices from the vital center. Sharp political instincts, pragmatic politics, and excellent judgment are a must.

The DDMC will be responsible for overseeing a team of media researchers and digital strategists and creative professionals who are tracking and identifying the next generation of leaders for the American middle and designing vehicles to promote moderate political and policy ideas, elected officials and candidates, and influential voices in the center left to maximize their reach to an elite national audience. They will oversee the creation of persuasive content, build a network to deploy it across digital platforms and channels, identify and secure opportunities to collaborate with likeminded leaders and influencers, and partner with the press team to maximize the reach these moments with earned media hits. This role is highly collaborative, capitalizing on ideas and opportunities across the verticals of the Moderate Power Project (MPP) and integrating them into a comprehensive new media plan.

The Deputy Director of Mod Comms will:

• Devise and implement a system to amplify the ideas and voices of moderates into new media ecosystems that shape the national debate on the path forward for the Democratic Party;
• Guide a team of media researchers to track and capture timely ideas and commentary from prominent moderates from national media, television appearances, events, podcasts, official proceedings, and digital and new media content to amplify;
• Oversee a strategy and content plan to identify, curate and disseminate those moderate ideas and people in influential digital spaces and platforms, including seeding new accounts, building relationships with leaders and creators, and leveraging creative ideas to spotlight the moderate movement;
• Ensure digital content is timely, compelling, accurate, eye-catching, on brand, and appropriate for the audience and platform;
• Guide design and strategic decisions as needed and provide excellent customer service to MPP staff and allied groups;
• Stay abreast of the dynamic political landscape to advise and oversee the creation of rapid response content, collaborating with political and communications staff as appropriate.
• Track evolving trends in digital communications, data on media consumption, and changes in the information landscape where elite audiences consume news.
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Salary Range: $100,000 - $125,000, 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.

The DDMC will possess strong conceptual skills and have the ability to design, interpret, and analyze policies, processes, and procedures. They must think both strategically and tactically; manage change/ambiguity, and effectively advance organizational goals.

Competencies:

• Digital communication and marketing
• Team Building
• Design
• Political and policy issues
• Strategic Agility
• Performance Development
• Conflict Resolution
• Emotional Intelligence
• Accountability
• Respectfulness

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

• A bachelor’s in digital communications, marketing, or related field or equivalent experience;
• 5-7 years’ experience in digital communications with significant political experience;
• A Passion for uplifting and strengthening the American center left;
• A willingness to work closely with senior management and elite outside leaders;
• A Knowledge of best practices in digital communication, email marketing, and visual communications and graphic design;
• A track record of managing a team of employees and prioritizing work effort with multiple priorities and multiple deadlines;
• A deep knowledge of the issues, key players, and landscape political landscape including Capitol Hill and the Democratic political ecosystem;
• A hands-on/entrepreneurial work style, strong attention to detail, able to manage and develop teams and adept at internal communication and coordination.
• A confidence and assertiveness to enforce processes and address cross-department needs and issues in a team-oriented manner, while maintaining good relationships with diverse groups.

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 members of the Politics and Communications Teams to define the universe of moderate ideas and voices.
• Learn about the internal capacities and resources that can be leveraged to develop compelling digital content about the center left.
• Be brought up to speed on the Moderate Power Project and the goals for Mod Comms through 2026.

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.
• Begin to map out a digital strategy for the Mod Comms team to elevate moderate voices and ideas.
• Participate in recruitment efforts to build a Mod Comms team.

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.
• Begin to implement a content plan that is publishing and circulating a drumbeat of content about moderates on new media platforms.
• Onboard media researchers and digital strategists and oversee a plan to track, collect, and curate digital content.

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 flexible, 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.