Content Specialist, Moderate Communications

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 Moderate Communications Center (Mod Comms) is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Content Specialist to join our team. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, has strong social media instincts, and can deliver rapid, high-quality content that resonates with audiences. The ideal candidate will manage our social media accounts, craft compelling captions, and produce visually engaging content using basic design and video editing tools.

Third Way’s Moderate Communications Center (Mod Comms) serves as the megaphone for the moderate movement by amplifying the voices and ideas of the center left with a particular focus on the new media and digital landscape.

The Content Specialist will:

• Serve as Mod Comms' rapid response communicator, creating timely and impactful content for breaking news and trending topics;

• Write engaging captions and copy tailored for various social platforms;

• Manage and schedule posts across all Mod Comms social media accounts;

• Produce, film, and edit short-form videos and graphics using Adobe Express and other tools;

• Add accurate video captioning to ensure accessibility and clarity;

• Assist with basic design needs for social media and digital campaigns;

• Monitor social trends and analytics to optimize content performance;

• Collaborate with the team to maintain a consistent tone, style, and brand voice.

------------------------------------------

Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000, annually

At Third Way, we are committed to non-discrimination and fair pay practices. The final starting salary offer will be determined based on your experience and qualifications.

Competencies:

• Written Communication

• Storytelling

• Creativity

• Digital literacy

• Problem Solving

• Critical Thinking

• Interpersonal skills

• Political awareness

• Knowledge Management

• Accountability for Self

• Respectfulness

• Humor

• Chronically online, and very aware of social trends

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

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant field or 1-3 years relevant work experience in US government, on a political campaign, as a journalist, or in the private sector;

• A demonstrated ability to write accurate, pithy, culturally-relevant content for a wide audience;

• Passion for creative storytelling;

• Familiarity with the Democratic ecosystem of policymakers, influencers, and advocates;

• Experience interacting with and responding to high impact organizations and leaders on social media;

• Familiarity with paid advertising on social platforms;

• Comfort working in digital programs such as the Adobe Express, Canva, Snapstream, CapCut.

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. You’ll learn about all aspects of Business Operations, which includes HR, Benefits, IT, Finance, and office operations.

• Meet your Third Way Buddy, be introduced to the entire staff, and start to learn the TW’s culture.

• Learn our current processes for payroll, compliance, and labor tracking, and how you will partner with Finance and the rest of the Business Operations team on these processes.

• Participate in weekly one-on-ones with your manager to ensure you fully understand the expectations of the job.

• Attend weekly team meetings. You’ll learn about the key goals of each program, how they’re doing, what challenges they face, and how you will contribute.

• Meet with members of the Politics and Communications Teams to define the universe of moderate ideas and voices.

• Learn about the internal capacities and resources that can be leveraged to develop compelling digital content about the center left.

• Be brought up to speed on the Moderate Power Project and the goals for Mod Comms through 2026.

WITHIN 2 MONTHS, YOU'LL...

• Gain an understanding of 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 and implement a rapid response content workflow to ensure timely and accurate social media posts during breaking news or trending events.

• Produce a consistent stream of high-quality social media content (captions and videos) that aligns with ModComms’ tone and style.

• Establish and maintain a consistent posting schedule for all ModComms social media accounts, incorporating analytics to improve reach and engagement.

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.

• Manage and grow our social media accounts, ensuring timely, on-message content that speaks to our audiences.

• Establish a rapid response protocol for breaking news, including approval workflows and turnaround time targets.

------------------------------------------

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.