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Economic Policy Advisor for Fiscal Policy

On-site
  • Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Economic Program

Job description

Third Way is a national think tank that was founded in 2005 to champion modern center-left ideas. Our work is grounded in the mainstream American values of opportunity, freedom, and security.

We are proud of the organization that we have built and continue to seek out talent who contribute to our ambitious mission. We are deeply committed to promoting a culture of results and respect where every employee has opportunities to contribute, develop, and grow professionally.


Third Way is looking for an Economic Policy Advisor for fiscal issues. This position is for someone who is passionate about devising, advancing, and explaining center-left policy solutions to both reduce the projected growth of the national debt and ensure broader economic prosperity. This person will unpack and analyze budget and economic data, convey this information to an informed audience through written and digital content, and collaborate within Third Way and with external partners to develop and advance mainstream and pragmatic policy ideas.


As the Economic Policy Advisor, a typical day might include…

  • Conducting data-intensive research and analysis on a wide range of federal budget and tax issues and other economic topics (as needed), conveying this work in an accessible manner to general audiences;
  • Authoring high-impact written reports, memos, data visualizations, and op-eds that compellingly promote fiscal sustainability.
  • Analyzing proposed policy ideas and their impact on the United States;
  • Meeting with a diverse cross-section of external partners including Capitol Hill and Administration staff and leaders in industry, nonprofits, and academia;
  • Working with other members of Third Way’s economic, communications, and outreach teams to help plan and execute events and digital collateral; and
  • Developing and deepening expertise on fiscal policy issues, which may include topics such as retirement security, the national debt, taxes and revenue, and the federal budget.

Job requirements

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

  • An understanding of economic and fiscal policymaking in the United States and the role politics plays in that process;
  • Experience using federal budget data from the Congressional Budget Office and the Office of Management and Budget and can analyze and present the data to a general audience;
  • A demonstrated ability to research and write clearly on complex topics for non-experts;
  • A graduate degree or an undergraduate degree in a relevant field plus work experience in or around US fiscal policy AND with budget data.
  • A Senior Policy Advisor position is available with commensurate experience and demonstrated expertise in tax and/or fiscal policy.

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.
  • Meet your Third Way Buddy, be introduced to the entire staff, and start to learn the TW’s culture.
  • Participate in weekly one-on-ones with your manager to ensure you fully understand the expectations of the job.
  • Attend your departmental weekly meetings. You’ll learn about the key goals of your program, how they’re doing, what challenges they face, and how you will contribute.
  • Share a coffee with the Senior Director of Business Operations and learn about the history and growth of Third Way.
  • Learn the Economic Program’s work plan for the year and begin to work on initial data and research deliverables.

WITHIN 2 MONTHS, YOU'LL...

  • 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.
  • Learn and experience TW’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect in the workplace.
  • Develop written advocacy and educational products that advance our work on economic policy.
  • Learn more deeply the “why” of the Economic Program’s mission and work plan.
  • Attend and participate in relevant external meetings and events with other members of your team.

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.
  • Publish a public facing product based on your initial work plan and work to promote it with our customers.
  • Bring new ideas and suggestions to your weekly one-on-ones with your manager.
  • 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.

Third Way is committed to the health, safety and wellness of all employees, candidates, stakeholders, and communities. In support of that commitment, all current and newly hired employees are required to provide proof of Covid-19 full 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 prior to 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 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.


Third Way is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates, supports, and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. 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.


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