Policy Advisor for Nuclear Energy, Climate and 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 Policy Advisor for Nuclear Energy will work as part of our team on national advocacy work supporting advanced and existing nuclear power, as a key tool to address climate change and provide well-paying jobs to American workers. The ideal candidate will work with our Senior Policy Advisor, Deputy Director, and other colleagues in educating policymakers on Capitol Hill, the Department of Energy, and White House, as well as allied NGOs and partner organizations on nuclear policy as a key climate, national security, and clean energy strategy. This would include researching and drafting high-impact written materials to persuade policymakers and those who influence them that nuclear power is critical to put the United States on the fastest, fairest path to net-zero emissions by 2050—and analyzing, proposing, and publicly advocating for policy ideas that will support these vital technologies. 

The Policy Advisor for Nuclear Energy will be responsible over:

• Analyzing proposed policy ideas; determining their ability to promote nuclear innovation and deployment goals, and assessing the policies’ impact on emissions and economic and jobs outcomes;

• Supporting communication with and outreach to the Hill and relevant federal and international agencies to advocate for policy ideas that would advance Third Way’s nuclear goals;

• Acting as a liaison to leaders in the climate and clean energy communities, and supporting our Senior Policy Advisor and Deputy Director in engagement with policymakers, industry, academics, and NGOs, to promote Third Way’s climate and energy agenda;

• Conducting original-source research and analysis to explain the importance of nuclear energy as a tool to reach clean energy goals and enhance energy and national security, and actions that are needed to innovate, commercialize, deploy, and export nuclear technologies, including advanced reactors;

• Authoring high-impact reports, memos, and other products that persuasively illuminate the opportunities for, and obstacles to, commercializing advanced nuclear in the US, issues facing the existing nuclear fleet in the US, and nuclear power’s role in promoting decarbonization and energy security in the power and industrial sectors;

• Speaking at and moderating/organizing events to disseminate Third Way’s work and perspective;

• Developing relationships with journalists and media outlets to share Third Way’s though leadership;

• Working with Third Way’s fellows, consultants, coalitions, and councils to maximize the impact of products, events, and communications from our staff and our allies;

• Fulfilling, with other members of the nuclear policy team, all of the nuclear-related grant obligations, including reporting requirements.

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  Salary Range: $65,000 - $80,000, 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

• Critical Thinking

• Interpersonal skills

• Analytical & Research Skills

• Knowledge Management

• Accountability for Self

• Respectfulness

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.

• Take ownership of an ongoing research project supporting the nuclear energy team’s policy education and advocacy efforts.

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.

• Partner with your peers in Business Operations to relaunch the 'BizOps Manual' help design a refreshed staff-facing platform for ops-related resources.

• Contribute to a public-facing written product advancing a nuclear energy policy priority.

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

• Contribute ideas to ongoing nuclear team strategy development advancing near-term policy priorities.

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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.