Higher Education Policy Advisor

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 Higher Education Policy Advisor to research and draft high-impact written materials to persuade policymakers and those who influence them that students and taxpayers deserve a better ROI, and to analyze and explain proposed policy ideas that will make federally-funded institutions of higher education focus more on student success.

The Higher Education Policy Advisor will…

• Conduct in-depth, original-source research and quantitative analysis to shed light on issues involving higher education quality, accountability, and return on investment;
• Author high-impact reports, memos, op-eds, and presentations that persuasively illuminate the problems in our higher education system and explain how we can better ensure that students leave college better off than when they entered;
• Analyze proposed policy recommendations and assess their impact on the higher education landscape and student success;
• Craft educational materials for and meet with external partners, including Hill staff and those in academia, advocacy, and industry to explore relevant higher ed topics;
• Work with other members of Third Way’s higher education team to help plan and execute events and stakeholder engagement activities around improving student outcomes in our higher education system;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000 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.

Job requirements

The Competencies:

• Written Communication
• Problem Solving
• Critical Thinking
• Interpersonal Skills
• Analytical & Research Skills
• Knowledge Management
• Accountability for Self
• Respectfulness

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

• A graduate degree, or an undergraduate degree in a related field plus relevant work experience;
• A basic understanding of the federal higher education system and a passion for improving student outcomes;
• A demonstrated ability to write clearly on complex topics for an audience of non-experts;
• Experience using federal and/or proprietary higher education datasets to conduct in-depth quantitative analyses, including original interpretation and presentation of findings.

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 foster 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.
• Meet your Third Way Buddy and start to learn the TW culture.
• Participate in weekly one-on-ones with your manager to ensure you fully understand the expectations of the job.
• Attend your departmental weekly meetings. You’ll learn about the key goals of your program, how they’re doing, what challenges they face, and how you will contribute.
• Learn about the Education Program’s work plan for the year and begin to support ongoing projects.
• Understand the history and context of Third Way’s education program and how it connects to the broader mission and goals of the organization.
• Work with your manager to set short-term goals for your first 90 days, focusing on developing a deep understanding of the Education Program’s work and priorities.

WITHIN 2 MONTHS, YOU'LL...

• Incorporate TW’s Style Guide and Production process into your work products.
• Participate in at least one of our internal Professional Development trainings.
• Participate in work planning for the next calendar year, gaining deeper insight into the Education Team’s approach to higher education policy and advocacy.
• Meet with the Education Communications and Advocacy team to understand how their work intersects with the policy team to further increase our impact and reach.
• Begin to cultivate and deepen external relationships with higher education coalition partners and allies.

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.
• 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.
• Work with your manager to develop your first Third Way written product and learn more about the production and release process.
• Bring new and fresh ideas to your weekly one-on-ones with your manager to collaboratively develop your own workflows and issue-area expertise.
• Feel more comfortable with Third Way’s writing and voice.

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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.