Deputy Director for Electricity

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 looking for a Deputy Director for Electricity to lead the design and execution of education and policy advocacy strategies that modernize the electric grid to make it more affordable, reliable, and clean for America’s economic growth and competitiveness. This includes accelerating the deployment of clean energy generation and transmission projects by addressing systemic barriers such as permitting, siting, and interconnection.

The Deputy Director for Electricity will…

• Identify and advance strategies for Third Way to promote policies that modernize the U.S. power grid and accelerate the deployment of clean energy projects;

• Communicate about complex electricity grid issues in ways that policymakers can use and will resonate with the general public;

• Educate decisionmakers on barriers such as permitting, siting, and interconnection that slow the pace of clean energy deployment, and build urgency around the need for impactful policy solutions;

• Build and sustain trusted relationships with key partners and allies, which could include transmission operators, utilities, permitting agencies, state energy offices, federal agencies, industry associations, labor unions, and NGOs;

• Supervise junior policy staff and consultants as needed;

• Engage with Congress, federal agencies, state officials, and industry stakeholders to advocate for pragmatic, durable policy solutions on grid and deployment issues;

• Convene roundtables, workshops, and other forums to bring together stakeholders with diverse perspectives to find common ground;

• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments at the federal and state level to provide timely analysis and recommendations to senior leadership and external partners;

• Partner with Third Way development staff to engage funders and ensuring effective management of relevant grant budgets;

• Conduct research and produce reports, briefs, and events that clearly articulate the economic, reliability, and security benefits of grid modernization and faster clean energy deployment;

• Work with communications and political experts to craft compelling messages and policy agendas that resonate with working families and other key audiences.

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  Salary Range: $90,000 - $130,000, 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:

• Public Communication

• Complex Problem Solving

• Critical Thinking

• Relationship Management

• Advocacy Agility

• Analytical & Research Skills

• Knowledge Management

• Accountability for Self

• Respectfulness

• Conflict Resolution

• Emotional Intelligence

• Performance Development

• Strategic Agility

• Team Building

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

• A minimum of seven years of experience working in energy policy, infrastructure deployment, or a closely related field;

• A strong understanding of federal and state policies related to power grid modernization, permitting, siting, and clean energy deployment;

• Familiarity with federal and state permitting processes and interconnection challenges;

• Knowledge of power system planning, transmission development, and grid operations;

• Experience engaging in effective policy advocacy with Congress, federal agencies, and/or state regulatory bodies;

• Strong relationship management skills, with a demonstrated ability to bring together stakeholders who may have conflicting priorities;

• Demonstrated ability to clearly and persuasively explain complex policy and technical issues to non-expert audiences.

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 member of your program, their progress towards these goals, what challenges they face, and how you will contribute.

• Become familiar with Third Way's recent and ongoing deliverables related to your portfolio.

• Have initial meetings with your direct report to understand their current projects and work load.

• Be introduced to allies on the Hill, in industry, and at NGOs that Third Way works closely with on your issue portfolio.

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 product.

• Participate in, at least, one of our internal Professional Development trainings or a Center for Fun activity.

• Participate in briefing external audiences on Third Way's work on regulatory barriers to clean energy projects.

• Conduct a policy and advocacy landscape assessment to identify potential areas for focus and expansion within your issue portfolio.

• Hold weekly meetings with your direct report to monitor projects, assist in problem solving, and seek guidance from team leaders as needed.

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.

• Complete an initial work plan for the electricity portfolio, including objectives, strategies, and deliverables that team members from across the Climate and Energy Program will contribute to, with your oversight.

• Publish blog posts and other products on permitting reform policy discussions, Third Way analysis, and other relevant issues.

• Regularly interact with experts and senior decisionmakers working on grid modernization, overcoming regulatory barriers, and other related topics.

• Assist the Development team in fundraising efforts, including proposals, grant reports, and direct engagement with donors.
  

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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.