Philanthropy Associate, Climate & Energy Program

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.

The Philanthropy Associate is a critical position for the Climate & Energy fundraising program which raises the financial resources to support our work in developing and galvanizing support for policies that rapidly deploy every clean energy technology needed to create economic opportunity across communities and decarbonize as quickly as possible. This position is responsible for: tracking and managing grant reporting, drafting written materials for proposals and reports, assisting with fundraising-related event logistics, philanthropy research, and other fundraising related systems management.

The Philanthropy Associate will…

• Coordinate Grant Reporting: Work closely with the Senior Director of Philanthropy and the Senior Philanthropy Associate to manage grant reporting deadlines in partnership with the Grants Accountant and Climate & Energy program colleagues. Assemble, coordinate, and deliver required materials to ensure timely, high-quality grant reports to our donors;

• Maintain Team Workflow and Systems: Manage Monday.com and Salesforce platforms to effectively organize team workflows, track relevant metrics, and maintain organized records and documents that support donor stewardship and program success;

• Support Information Tracking: Monitor and track Climate & Energy team updates to ensure accurate data collection for reporting, donor updates, and metric tracking;

• Draft Fundraising Materials: Prepare draft language for grant reports, proposals, donor communications, and thank you notes. Collaborating with Climate & Energy program staff to ensure materials accurately reflect program goals, progress, and impact;

• Research and special projects: Research prospective donors and conduct special research projects as needed to inform development strategy. Additionally, prepare research briefings for senior staff ahead of meetings with current and prospective donors;

• Organize Digital Assets: Maintain and improve organization of the team’s digital files, including Google Drive, OneDrive, and other shared systems, to ensure easy access to approved language, templates, and supporting documents;

• Coordinate Meetings and Engagements: Schedule and coordinate meetings with Climate & Energy program staff, external partners, and stakeholders to support effective collaboration, relationship-building, and the timely exchange of information.

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

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

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

The Competencies:

• Written Communication

• Problem Solving

• Critical Thinking

• Interpersonal Skills

• Analytical & Research Skills

• Knowledge Management

• Accountability for Self

• Respectfulness

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

• A basic understanding of climate and clean energy policy or major gift fundraising and philanthropy in general;

• Demonstrated ability to write clearly on complex topics for an audience of non-experts;

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative team environment;

• Strong organizational skills and experience with project planning and workflow management;

• A graduate degree or an undergraduate degree in a relevant field plus relevant work experience.

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 foster 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 and start to learn the TW 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.

• Gain an understanding of the key roles and functions of the Climate & Energy Team, our various technology areas, and our theory of change

• Learn the grant reporting process by reviewing upcoming deadlines and assisting the Senior Philanthropy Associate with assembling report components

• Begin training in Salesforce and Monday.com to understand how the philanthropy team manages donor information, workflows, and metrics.

WITHIN 2 MONTHS, YOU'LL...

• Incorporate TW’s Style Guide and Production process into your work products.

• Participate in at least one of our internal Professional Development trainings.

• Participate in work planning for the next calendar year, gaining deeper insight into the Education Team’s approach to higher education policy and advocacy.

• Draft donor-facing materials, such as thank-you notes and report language, in collaboration with the Senior Philanthropy Associate and Climate & Energy Program staff.

• Conduct research on prospective donors and prepare short research briefings for senior staff

• Assist with organizing and maintaining digital assets to ensure easy access to approved language, templates, and supporting documents.

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.

• 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 taking ownership of coordinating grant reports from start to finish, working across program staff, finance, and the philanthropy team to ensure timely and high-quality submission.

• Support logistics for fundraising-related events and donor engagement, collaborating with both internal and external stakeholders.

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

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.