Policy Advisor, Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity

Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity

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 Policy Advisor to join the launch team for our new, multi-year advocacy initiative—the Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity (AEE)—which will build a stronger and more equitable economy by improving opportunities for female and minority entrepreneurs. The ideal candidate will work with the program’s Director, Senior Vice President, and other colleagues to increase awareness of the barriers facing these entrepreneurs among leaders in Congress, the Administration, and advocacy communities to ensure it becomes a leading public policy issue. The role would involve delivering high-impact research and analysis through written and digital materials, collaborating internally and with external partners to design and enact structural policy change, and convening events on major topics of interest.

The Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity is a new and exciting joint venture between Third Way and the National Urban League. It seeks to dramatically increase the opportunity for female and minority entrepreneurs to start and expand successful businesses. AEE will conduct research to unpack barriers for minority-owned businesses, create federal policy solutions to take those challenges head on, connect academia to federal policymaking, and convene thought leaders on issues facing minority entrepreneurs. AEE works alongside Third Way’s Economic Program, a dynamic team focused on devising and advancing policy solutions supporting the American worker.

As the Policy Advisor, a typical day might include…

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

Requirements

This might be the job for you if you have…

• 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;
• A passion for expanding opportunities for women and communities of color 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;
• Experience building coalitions and managing stakeholder relationships among diverse groups and across a variety of viewpoints;
• Experience working in a professional manner with public sector officials, to include Members of Congress, the Administration, and the advocacy community; and
• A graduate degree or an undergraduate degree in a relevant field

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...

• Learn about AEE’s work plan for the year and begin to support ongoing projects with as a member of our team.
• Prepare an internal research memo on an assigned topic within the AEE work plan.
• Attend meetings with the Hill to discuss AEE’s work and the Member’s priorities.
• Participate in AEE’s weekly product and current events discussion and brainstorming session.
• Participate in Third Way’s comprehensive onboarding program.
• Meet your Third Way Buddy, be introduced to the entire staff, 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.

Within 2 months, you'll...

• 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.
• Participate in at least one of our internal Professional Development trainings or a Center for Fun activity.
• Learn and experience TW’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect in the workplace.

Within 3 months, you'll...

• Work with other members of AEE’s team to help plan and execute an event.
• Collaborate with your supervisor to send a product through the production and release process.
• Lead your one-on-one meeting with your manager, bringing updates, new ideas, and suggestions for discussion.
• Feel a sense of comfort and familiarity with the staff, your team, and your work.
• 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.