Development and External Affairs Internship

Third Way is a national think tank that develops and champions modern, center-left ideas.

Third Way’s Development and External Affairs team is looking for an outgoing undergraduate or graduate student to assist the organization with the development and maintenance of strategic relationships with its external partners. In this position you will be working on a small team and interacting with all policy programs within the organization. Additionally, you will be given the opportunity to develop a long-term project and participate in career seminars with senior staff.

Responsibilities:

• Research & Writing: The Development and External Affairs intern drafts heavily researched briefing materials on specific policy issues, as well as potential new partners for use by senior staff. Track and monitor relevant legislative and media activity.
• Events: The Development and External Affairs intern assists with the set-up and execution of Third Way events with the Administration, Members of Congress, and other partner organizations. Additionally, the Development and External Affairs intern will have the opportunity to attend relevant events, hearings, and briefings.
• Administrative: The Development and External Affairs intern will play a vital role in event tracking, acknowledgement letters, and general maintenance of the department’s records and database management.

Requirements

Candidate Requirements:

• Candidates must be a current college student, a college graduate, or a graduate student with an interest in and knowledge of public policy, national politics, communications, and public affairs. A passion for moderate politics in addition to prior relevant internship experience is strongly preferred.
• Writing and Organizational Skills: The Development and External Affairs intern be responsible for developing written materials and conducting analytical research for senior Third Way staff and Hill offices, requiring extreme attention to detail, consistency, and the ability to communicate effectively. Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability of meeting strict deadlines is critical.
• Event Management and Communications Skills: The Development and External Affairs intern will provide support at Third Way events and must be an enthusiastic representative of the organization, possessing strong interpersonal skills. Experience in planning and working events is preferred.
• Strong computer skills, with excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Interns work part-time and are paid $15.00/hour.

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's Business Operations Department (BizOps) seeks an energetic, motivated, and dedicated Operations and Projects Intern with exceptional communication and writing skills to work alongside our Business Operations Team and Senior Project Advisor on related projects. We offer an opportunity to work in a dynamic, forward-thinking organization that promotes center-left ideas. The intern's primary responsibility is to help manage projects and assist with assigned projects' administrative, technical, and financial aspects. The Intern will report directly to the Senior Project Advisor (SPA).

As an Operations and Projects Intern, you will acquire practical experience in planning, executing, and monitoring projects, enhancing your project management and organizational skills. You will learn to coordinate cross-functional teams, manage project timelines, and meet deliverables. Additionally, you will gain expertise in using project management tools and methodologies to drive operational efficiency and project success. You will learn to collaborate across departments, manage projects, and support strategic initiatives to drive operational efficiency across the Business Operation Team. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from other members of the Business Operation Team. We aim for you to have a well-rounded project and business operations internship.

As a BizOps Intern, a typical day might include…

• Project & Task Management:
  • Reviewing, creating, and/or maintaining workflows to drive effectiveness on Monday.com;
  • Effectively contributing and thriving in a collaborative, team-oriented work environment;
  • Supporting team leads on cross-departmental initiatives;
  • Managing assigned project tasks through completion;
  • Coordinating and communicating on interdepartmental tasks and processes;
  • Ensuring quality and timely submission of all project deliverables and documentation as assigned by the SPA;
  • Managing and updating project progress on Monday.com, ensuring all information is current;
  • Handling email correspondence related to assigned projects and initiatives;
  • Participating in brief daily check-ins with the SPA to outline the day’s priorities, and weekly check-ins to discuss open projects and upcoming events;
  • Ensuring all technological and physical space setups are ready for any meetings, events, or presentations scheduled for the day;
• Office Maintenance & Administrative Support:
  • Providing high-level customer service to all TW staff and visitors;
  • Assisting as needed in maintaining organization/tidiness of all common areas (i.e. Pantry, Workroom, Huddle Booths, Conference Rooms, Reception Area);
  • Performing other job-related duties as requested for the BizOps Team;
• Meetings & Events: Health & Wellness and Center For Fun (Quarterly, with Ongoing Weekly Planning):
  • Conducting research on availability, manage scheduling invitations, and coordinate logistics like catering and materials;
  • Helping set up and break down rooms for Center for Fun (CFF) and Health & Wellness (H&W) events and activities;
  • Tracking and documenting event logistics, attendance, and feedback for future improvements;
  • Sending out save-the-date and full invitation emails and coordinate meeting logistics
     
• Short-Term Projects
  • Support Quarterly Health & Wellness Program Execution:
    • Assist in coordinating logistics for upcoming Health & Wellness events, including venue selection, vendor coordination, and promotional efforts;
    • Track staff engagement and gather feedback to inform future program improvements;
  • Initial Assessment & Planning of BizOps Project Management & Tracking:
    • Conduct research on project management best practices and industry standards;
    • Collaborate with Senior Project Advisor to assess current BizOps tracking methods and identify gaps or inefficiencies;
    • Participate in restructuring project workflows and documentation to optimize efficiency;
    • Assist in developing standardized processes and templates to streamline project execution;
• Long-Term Projects:
  • Internal Process Audit & Optimization Toolkit:
    • Audit existing internal process (e.g., onboarding, meeting scheduling, project intake, or task tracking), identify inefficiencies, and create a clear, replicable Process Optimization Toolkit (including documentation, templates, and recommendations) to streamline and improve that process for future use;
  • Phase 1 – Process Selection & Stakeholder Interviews
    • Choose one core BizOps process (can be assigned or selected with your guidance);
    • Conduct interviews or shadow relevant team members to understand the workflow;
    • Document the current state using flowcharts or visual diagrams (use Miror or monday.com boards);
  • Phase 2 – Pain Point Identification & Benchmarking
    • Identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies in the process;
    • Benchmark against best practices (internal or external) for project management or operations workflows;
  • Phase 3 –Solution Proposals
    • Develop 2–3 actionable improvement recommendations;
    • Present proposed changes to the supervisor for feedback;
  • Phase 4 - Toolkit Development
    • Create SOPs, templates, or checklists to support the new process;
    • Build a sample workflow in monday.com (if relevant);
  • Phase 5 - Capstone Presentation
    • Present findings and deliverables to the Business Operations team;
    • Share reflections and lessons learned.

*Applications close on August 10, 2026. Internship offers will be extended between August 17 and August 21, 2026. *

*Please note all duties and events will require in-office participation. This is a part-time, PAID INTERNSHIP. *

Job Requirements

This might be the job for you, if you…

• Are a current student or recent graduate with an interest in and knowledge in a relevant field such as business administration, management, project management, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Are detail-oriented: Your duties include maintaining Monday.com project management platform, support the operations team with communications, and other recurring tasks that must be consistent.
• Can prioritize multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Have strong computer skills, with excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Have Teamwork and Collaboration skills: Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Willingness to learn from others and contribute to team goals.
• Have strong Time Management skills: Ability to manage time efficiently and meet deadlines. Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and project requirements.
• Have strong Problem-Solving Skills: Capability to identify problems and propose practical solutions. Resourcefulness in overcoming obstacles and achieving project goals.
• Have strong Written Communication skills: Ability to make clear and convincing verbal presentations; listens effectively; clarifies information, as needed; writes in a clear, concise, and organized manner for intended audiences.
• Are Respectful: Treat others with courtesy, sensitivity and respect.  Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feeling of different people in different situations.

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 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 foster the values of non-discrimination and inclusivity at all times.

The Internship Program runs from Tuesday, September 8th, through December 17th. Interns work part-time, in-person, and are paid $19.00/hour.  

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.

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's Learning and Organizational Development (LOD) team is looking for a highly organized and proactive Internal Communications & Operations Intern. This position is ideal for someone interested in organizational communications, internal strategy, and workplace culture. You will help streamline communications across the Business Operations teams—including HR, IT, Office Operations, and LOD itself—so that staff and leadership stay well-informed and supported.

Learning & Organizational Development's impact includes:

• Third Way University: Our in-house professional development program which meets staff needs at all levels of skills building;
• All-Staff Retreat: A two-day gathering hosted offsite for staff to connect with each other, learn about the programs, and understand Third Way’s goals and mission;
• Third Way Buddy Program: An onboarding process that connects new hires with existing Third Way staff to provide additional support throughout their 90-day introductory period;
• Nancy Hale Fellowship Program & Adam Solomon Internship Program: Two channels through which we bring new staff into our organization to experience our work and build connections with our staff and Third Way’s overall mission;
• Special Projects and Strategy Design: Individualized coaching and facilitation projects with internal (Third Way programs, leadership, etc.) and external (conference programming, meeting design, etc.) customers.

As the Internal Events and Operations Intern, a typical day might include…

• Maintaining the scheduled Business Operations (Learning and Organizational Development, IT, Human Resources, Office Operations, etc.) communications to staff and leadership;
• Developing a communications strategy that meets the needs of the operations team in effectively reporting organizational updates;
• Working closely with the team to highlight areas where you can streamline Business Operations’ communications to staff;
• Editing and uploading email copy to Mailchimp;
• Posting on Microsoft Teams;
• Spending time connecting with staff to understand where LOD can provide individualized or group support in their development.

Internship Daily Operations:

• Weekly check-ins with supervisor.
• Tracking communications and engagement analytics.
• Shadowing various members of the Business Operations team to better understand internal workflows.
• Assisting in the coordination of department-wide or staff-facing communications and initiatives.

Internship/Team meetings & events:

• Attend regular LOD team meetings.
• Join Business Operations all-team meetings.
• Participate in intern cohort programming and events.
• Attend (and support) Third Way all-staff offerings, including Lunch & Learns, Third Way University (TWU) Courses, and All-Staff Meetings.

Internship Short-Term Projects:

• Internal Comms Audit & Assessment
  • Review current LOD and Business Operations communication methods;
  • Collect staff feedback on the clarity and effectiveness of current updates and messages;
  • Identify gaps and propose improvements for more streamlined internal messaging.
• Tools and Platform Research
  • Research modern tools and platforms to enhance email communication and event management, focusing on features like RSVP collection, attendee engagement, and survey distribution.
• Internal Communications Style Guide
  • Draft a style and tone guide for Business Operations communications to ensure consistency across email, Teams posts, and internal docs.
  • Review past internal messages and highlight patterns or inconsistencies in tone, format, and length.
  • Collaborate with team leads to ensure the guide reflects the culture and communication preferences of different audiences across Third Way.

Internship Long-Term Projects:

• LOD/BizOps Communications Protocol Overhaul:
  • Phase 1 – Discovery (complete): Analyze current methods used to communicate with the team. Meet with members of the team to gather current strategies utilized in communication. Ask for considerations from across the team while formulating a new strategy.
  • Phase 2 – Design (complete): Based on the initial assessment, design a new communications protocol that includes updated scheduling practices and RSVP management strategies. This phase involves drafting plans, selecting software tools (considering integration with existing systems), and defining new workflows.
  • Phase 3 – Implementation (Fall 2025 Internship begins here): Test new communications protocol for LOD and bring revitalized strategy to the team. Focus on staff invitations, updates, reminders, and surveys.
  • Phase 4 - Training and Documentation: Develop comprehensive guidelines for staff to adapt to the new protocols. Ensure everyone is comfortable and proficient with the new systems and processes.
  • Phase 5 - Evaluation and Adjustment: Monitor the effectiveness of the new protocols and adjust based on feedback from staff and analysis of engagement metrics. This iterative process ensures that the new system effectively meets the organization's and its staff's needs.
• Give an end-of-term presentation about your work to Third Way staff
  • The topic will be determined by you and your supervisor.

*Applications close on August 10, 2026. Internship offers will be extended between August 17 to August 21, 2026.*

*Please note all duties and events will require in-office participation. This is a part-time, PAID INTERNSHIP. *

Job Requirements

This might be a job for you, if you…

• Are a current student with an interest in/knowledge of communication strategies, organizational development, and employee engagement. A Communications, Business, or Human Resources degree is preferred but not required;
• Are curious and eager to learn how teams collaborate behind the scenes in a mission-driven organization.
• Have considerable experience working on a team: The communications aspect of this role will require extensive coordination, buy-in, and direction from all members of the Business Operations program. Other aspects also involve cross-team collaboration, so knowing how to communicate and collaborate with others is vital to success in this position.
• Are interested in internal communications, change management, or workplace strategy.
• Are comfortable working independently and taking initiative.
• Are detail-oriented: Your duties include maintaining internal communications and other recurring tasks that must be consistent;
• Are prepared to talk to people – a lot. Success in our program hinges on understanding how our employees think, learn, and work. Building connections and relationships with staff will be a significant aspect of this role;
• Can prioritize multiple projects with competing deadlines;
• Have a strong computer skill, with proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with Mailchimp and Monday.com is preferred but not required.

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 foster the values of non-discrimination and inclusivity at all times.

The Internship Program runs from Tuesday, September 8, 2026, through Thursday, December 11, 2026. Interns work part-time, in-person, and are paid $19.00/hour.  

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.

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’s climate and energy program advocates for policies that rapidly deploy the technologies needed to decarbonize and lower costs across the United States. By focusing on what matters most to everyday Americans, we are growing the clean energy coalition.

Our team is seeking a Digital Design Intern to strengthen our online presence. The perfect candidate will have the creative eye, technical expertise, and cultural savvy needed to leverage important moments and generate attention-grabbing content. The Digital Design Intern will support policy and political work by translating complex information into clear and accessible multimedia products.

A typical day for the Digital Design Intern could include:

• Creating social media graphics and videos;
• Developing templates to bolster rapid response efforts;
• Researching competitors and emerging design trends;
• Supporting communications processes and organizing design assets;
• Attending relevant team meetings;
• Participating in intern cohort programming and events.

*Applications close on August 10, 2026. Internship offers will be extended between August 17 and August 21, 2026.*

*Please note all duties and events will require in-office participation. This is a part-time, PAID INTERNSHIP. *

Job Requirements

This might be the job for you, if you…

• Are a current student or recent graduate with a focus in graphic design, communications, fine arts, film, or a related discipline.
• Have strong design skills, with proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (i.e. After Effects, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro).
• Are tapped into internet culture and searching for a creative outlet.
• Work well in a collaborative setting: Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Willingness to learn from others and contribute to team goals.
• Demonstrate strong time management skills: Ability to manage time efficiently and meet deadlines. Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and project requirements.
• Exhibit professionalism and respect: Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity and respect.  Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feeling of different people in different situations.

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 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 foster the values of non-discrimination and inclusivity at all times.

The Internship Program runs from Tuesday, September 8th, through December 17th. Interns work part-time, in-person, and are paid $19.00/hour.  

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.