Deputy Director for Innovation

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 Innovation to lead the design and execution of the Climate and Energy Program’s education, advocacy, and coalition management strategies supporting R&D, demonstration, and commercialization of technologies that make American energy more affordable, reliable, secure, and clean.

The Deputy Director for Innovation will…

• Identify opportunities and develop strategies for Third Way to help innovative clean energy technologies reach commercial deployment, and oversee execution of these strategies;

• Supervise junior policy staff and consultants as needed, and manage projects that involve experts from across the team to deliver on strategic innovation objectives;

• Co-lead one of the most influential coalitions in the energy innovation space, to include guiding initiatives on innovation policy and funding, identifying opportunities for collaboration and advocacy, and maintain productive relationships with and engagement from coalition members;

• Conduct research to better understand and explain the economic, competitiveness, and security benefits of clean energy innovation, and create products and events that persuasively illuminate those benefits;

• Analyze policy ideas and assess their impact on the development and deployment of relevant technologies;

• Collaborate with experts in communications and politics to develop innovation policy agendas and messaging that resonate with working families and other key demographics;

• Strengthen Third Way’s relationships with leading clean energy entrepreneurs, companies, and industry associations, congressional offices, federal agency officials, NGOs, and other potential partners;

• Work with Third Way development staff to engage funders and ensure proper management of relevant grant budgets.

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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 six years of experience working in clean energy innovation policy or a closely related field;

• A solid understanding of federal clean energy policy, particularly as it pertains to clean energy innovation and the U.S. Department of Energy;

• Experience in policy advocacy and engagement with Congress and/or federal agencies;

• Ability to manage multi-organization coalitions and long-term, complex projects.

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 toward these goals, what challenges they face, and how you will contribute.

• Join coalition meetings and begin to meet Third Way's closest innovation partners

• Build an understanding of Third Way's recent and ongoing deliverables in the energy RD&D space

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.

• Meet with all team members and consultants contributing to work in the innovation portfolio to get a sense of likely areas of collaboration.

• Develop a policy and advocacy landscape with input from team members and close allies in industry, NGOs, federal agencies, and on the Hill

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.

• Begin publishing brief products on relevant issues in your portfolio.

• Develop an initial draft of a work plan to lay out objectives, strategies, and tactics for the Climate and Energy Program's innovation efforts for the coming year

• Set agendas and begin leading coalition meetings.
  

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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.