Development Advisor

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 Development & External Affairs team is looking for a highly organized, detailed oriented Development Advisor to support our individual fundraising efforts. This role is ideal for someone with foundational fundraising experience and a keen interest in advancing moderate democratic politics and policy. This position plays a key role in managing individual donor prospecting, coordinating development-related programming, conducting donor research, and ensuring accurate financial tracking and reporting. If you love to dive deep on understanding donors, care about combatting extremism in our politics, and want to make a positive impact on the donor experience at Third Way…this is the job for you!

As the Development Advisor, a typical day might include…

• Conducting prospect research, outreach, and follow-up tracking;

• Coordinating internal and external logistics for all development activity related to individual giving;

• Proactively advancing all individual fundraising tasks and tracking progress to ensure objectives are achieved;

• Recording and processing all invoicing and reporting requirements for donations;

• Maintaining relationship management tracking in Salesforce and assist with wealth screening tools;

• Drafting acknowledgements to donors and providing receipts and/or compliance documents;

• Preparing briefing materials for meetings with donors and prospects;

• Helping to plan and execute fundraising events;

• Performing other duties as assigned.

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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

• Problem Solving

• Accountability for Self

• Critical Thinking

• Interpersonal skills

• Analytical & Research Skills

• Knowledge Management

• Respectfulness

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

• 2-3 years of experience in a fundraising, development, or related role

• A strong interest in fundraising, donor research, and relationship management

• Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills;

• Comfort working with databases, spreadsheets, and donor management systems;

• A desire to contribute towards Third Way’s mission of fighting right-wing extremism and championing moderate Democratic ideas;

• A familiarity with national politics and the intricacies of the Democratic Party;

• The ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally;

• The Comfort interacting with senior leadership, donors, and external stakeholders while delivering a high level of customer service;

• The ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize competing deadlines;

• A strong sense of ownership, accountability, and pride in your work;

• A curiosity, adaptability, and desire for ongoing professional development;

• The ability to handle sensitive donor data with discretion and care;

• A team-oriented mindset with a desire to contribute to shared goals;

• An interest in wanting to make a difference and an imprint as Third Way’s newest Development Advisor.

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 Development & External Affairs team to gain an understanding on Third Way’s fundraising programs.

• Learn how to use Salesforce, Airtable, and other fundraising assets.

• Participate in prospect research training.

WITHIN 2 MONTHS, YOU'LL...

• Gain an understanding 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.

• Maintain accurate donation and relationship tracking in Salesforce and Airtable.

• Track and prepare briefings for external meetings; ensure readouts and follow-up items are recorded.

• Proactively track deadlines and follow up with internal stakeholders as needed.

• Coordinate internal meetings and consultant check-ins.

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

• Draft acknowledgements to donors and provide receipts and/or compliance documents.

• Assist with donor prospect research assignments with increasing confidence and independence.

• Serve as a reliable point of contact for routine Development operations questions.

• Actively contribute in team meetings with updates, questions, and/or ideas.
  

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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 flexible, 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.