Director of Technology Policy

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.

This position leads a long-term effort to reorient mainstream federal policymakers towards a vision of technology and innovation that is modern, optimistic, and better balances growth with consumer protections. This person works with Third Way’s executive team to design and execute strategic research and advocacy plans, manages a team to achieve measurable impact, designs program budgets, fundraises and interfaces with donors, and serves as a primary liaison with the broad policymaking community and press.

The Director of Technology Policy will:

• Design strategic research plans as well as oversee the development of written reports, memos, op-eds, digital and graphic content, and other products;
• Build strategic advocacy plans, educate lawmakers and their staff, and advise lawmakers on how to navigate key legislative debates.
• Manage a team to achieve goals laid out in annual workplans and regularly adjust plans throughout the year to be responsive to changing policy and political contexts;
• Develop and maintain relationships with donors to support the work of the program as well as work with Third Way’s development team to identify and pitch new sources of funding;
• Create and manage program budgets, including working with Third Way’s grants and finance teams;
• Be a lead spokesperson in the press and at regular high-profile public speaking engagements on highly sensitive issues with complex political cross-pressures;
• Perform other duties as assigned.
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Salary Range: $150,000 - $170,000, 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:

• Strategic Communication
• Coaching
• Motivating Others
• Building Relationships
• Creativity/Innovation
• Influencing/Negotiating
• Financial Management
• External Awareness
• Accountability for Self/Others/Program
• Respectfulness

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

• A graduate degree or an undergraduate degree in a relevant field plus exceptionally relevant work experience.
• A sophisticated understanding of federal technology policy and surrounding political dynamics;
• A Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, develop, and effectively manage creative and diverse teams in a fast-paced environment to achieve a culture of both respect and results;
• Proven ability to navigate complex political and policy debates, anticipate shifts, and deploy strategic advocacy to drive real change in a policy or conversation;
• Experience developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including donor;

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.
• Learn about the key goals of your program, how they’re doing, what challenges they face, and how you will contribute.

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.
• Partner with your peers in Business Operations to relaunch the 'BizOps Manual' help design a refreshed staff-facing platform for ops-related resources.
• Revise the strategic plan for your team’s work and start to execute on that plan.
• Start building relationships with key external stakeholders.

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

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.