Third Way is a national think tank that champions modern center-left ideas. Our agenda is built on the bedrock belief that for political movements to succeed in our political system, they must relentlessly reimagine their policies, strategies, and coalitions. We are fighting for opportunity, so everyone has the chance to earn a good life; progress on social issues, so all have the freedom to live the lives they choose; and security, so we are protected from the global threats of the 21st century. 

Take your career to the next level at Third Way. We are committed to the professional development of our staff. As a member of our team, creativity and collaboration are encouraged and expected. Our new office space was specially designed to facilitate team projects and allow for groups large and small to brainstorm, discuss an idea or proposal, or map out a strategy.

We understand what it means to bring different voices together to work towards a common goal. Third Way celebrates, supports, and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and encourages all qualified applicants to apply to join our team. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, lawful alien status, age, marital status, parental status, or protected veteran status and will not discriminate against anyone on the basis of a disability. All employment selections are determined on the basis of qualifications and program needs.


Senior Research Advisor for Climate and Energy

Third Way is a national think tank that was founded back in 2005 to champion modern center-left ideas. Our work is grounded in the mainstream American values of opportunity, freedom, and security.

We are proud of the organization that we have built and continue to seek out talent who contribute to our ambitious mission. We are deeply committed to promoting a culture of results and respect where every employee has opportunities to contribute, develop, and grow professionally.

Third Way is seeking a candidate who will lead projects on energy systems and economic analysis for the Climate and Energy Program, working with expert consultants to conduct analyses and communicate key findings to policymakers and other stakeholders. This includes projects for CEP’s Carbon-Free Europe initiative, which provides analysis for the EU and UK. The Senior Research Advisor will work with our energy systems/economic modelling consultants to help design scenarios and assumptions, ensure analysis relevant to pressing policy issues across the Atlantic, communicate results to a diverse audience, and support advocacy efforts with governments in the US, EU, and UK. The Senior Research Advisor will represent CEP and our Carbon-Free Europe initiative regularly with key stakeholders. This includes filling data gaps to show governments how to create reliable, affordable, secure, and clean energy systems, as well as analyzing and explaining the scale and pace of deploying clean energy technologies and infrastructure.

As the Senior Research Advisor for Climate and Energy, a typical day might include…

  • Conducting in-depth, original-source research and quantitative analysis to understand better and explain the impact of climate strategies in the US, UK and EU;
  • Collaborating with other researchers, NGOs, and academics in the US and Europe;
  • Managing contracts with energy systems and economic modelling firms;
  • Advising policy staff on their research projects;
  • Developing written (reports, memos, op-eds) and verbal (presentations) communications to interpret and present results;
  • Partnering with our Gov Affairs Teams to put the research into relevant political contexts and actionable policy solutions;
  • Identifying opportunities for additional research that meets the needs of the TW/CFE audience, in part by staying up to date with relevant policy landscapes and the work of other NGOs;
  • Developing/maintaining relationships with modelling consultants;
  • Speaking in the press and at public events to disseminate TW and CFE work and perspectives;
  • Working with senior leadership to develop CFE’s research agenda;
  • Performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

This might be the job for you, if you…

  • Have at least 5 years of relevant experience in climate and energy research- particularly energy systems modeling
  • Have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally in English (Additional language competency is preferred)
  • Are self-starting and able to work independently to identify opportunities
  • Are committed to the mission of CEP and CFE and growing with the organization
  • Have a demonstrated ability to write clearly on complex topics for an audience of non-experts;
  • Are comfortable conducting quantitative analysis, including original interpretation of climate and clean energy data;
  • Have oral advocacy skills, including through public presentations, briefings, and press engagement; and,
  • A graduate degree in a relevant field or an undergraduate degree in a relevant field with exceptionally relevant work experience.

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 and 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 foster the values of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness at all times.

Third Way is committed to the health, safety and wellness of all employees, candidates, stakeholders, and communities. In support of that commitment, all current and newly hired employees are required to provide proof of Covid-19 full 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 prior to 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.

Interested?