Policy Advisor, Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunity

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 Policy Advisor to focus on research and policy development in the entrepreneurship and small business sectors. This position is for someone who is passionate about identifying barriers facing entrepreneurs and devising and advancing policy solutions to boost entrepreneurship in America. This person will unpack and analyze economic trends and data, convey this information to an informed audience through written and digital content, develop and advance policy ideas in collaboration with external partners, and help convene events for government leaders and policy advocates.

At Third Way, this person will specifically join the team working on the Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunity, an exciting joint venture between Third Way and the National Urban League. It seeks to develop and promote federal policies that dramatically increase entrepreneurial opportunity and help more Americans start and expand successful businesses. More on CEO can be found here.

As a Policy Advisor, a typical day might include…

• Conducting in-depth research and analysis to better understand and explain the barriers facing entrepreneurs;
• Authoring written reports and memos that persuasively explain how we can support owners of small- and medium-sized businesses across diverse communities;
• Analyzing proposed policy ideas and assessing their impact on the United States;
• Meeting with a diverse cross-section of external partners including Capitol Hill and Administration staff as well as leaders in industry, nonprofits, and academia;
• Working with other members of Third Way's economic, communications, and outreach teams to help plan and execute events and digital collateral.

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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.

Job requirements

This might be the job for you if you have…

• A graduate degree or an undergraduate degree in a relevant field;
• 3+ years of experience in small business, financial services, or economic policy with the federal government, a research institution, advocacy organization, or the private sector;
• Knowledge of the federal policymaking system, specifically around small business policy;
• Experience working in a professional manner with public sector officials, to include Members of Congress, the Administration, and the advocacy community;
• A passion for expanding opportunities for disadvantaged entrepreneurs within our economic system;
• A demonstrated ability to write clearly on complex topics for an audience of non-experts;
• Experience balancing short- and long-term projects and meeting deadlines in a timely manner with minimal supervision.

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.
• Meet your Third Way Buddy and start to learn the TW’s 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 team’s work plan for the year and begin to support ongoing projects.
• Prepare an internal research memo on an assigned topic within the work plan.
• Participate in a weekly product and current events discussion and brainstorming session.

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.
• Develop written advocacy and educational products that advance our work on underrepresented entrepreneurs.
• Attend and participate in external meetings and events with other members of your 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.
• Work with other members of your team to help plan and execute an event.
• Collaborate with your supervisor to send a product through the production and release process.

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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.