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Program Coordinator, Development & External Affairs

  • Hybrid
    • Washington, District of Columbia, United States
  • $50,000 - $60,000 per year
  • Development and External Affairs

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 has launched the Moderate Talent Pipeline (MTP), an initiative to identify, and place moderate leaders in political and policy roles across the government. Our Talent Pipeline is part of a new Moderate Power Project—a long-term, strategic initiative to build a robust advocacy infrastructure to amplify moderate views and voices and increase political power on the center left.

Third Way is seeking a Program Coordinator, who will play a crucial role in the Moderate Talent Pipeline. As Program Coordinator, you will assist with sourcing, screening, and assessing potential candidates from various government positions to help create a talent pipeline to begin the work of re-building a robust infrastructure and curating our database.

As the coordinator, your duties will involve candidate database management, scheduling interviews, conducting initial screenings, and maintaining communication with candidates throughout the recruitment process. By working closely with Third Way team and external stakeholders, you will ensure that the government personnel talent building process runs smoothly and efficiently.

If you are a motivated and detail-oriented individual with a passion for team building and moderate and pragmatic politics, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. By joining our team as a Program Coordinator, you will not only contribute to the success of the Moderate Talent Bank but also have the opportunity to enhance your skills and grow in your career. This position will be reporting to the Director, Government Personnel.


As the Program Coordinator, a typical day might include…

  • Reviewing, sourcing, and updating candidate profiles in the Talent Bank database.
  • Assisting with scheduling interviews and assessments for potential candidates.
  • Conducting initial screenings of resumes and applications to identify qualified candidates.
  • Communicating with candidates to provide updates on their application status and next steps in the recruitment process.
  • Coordinating with Third Way team members to ensure a smooth recruitment process.
  • Assisting with the creation and distribution of training materials.
  • Providing general administrative support to the team, such as filing paperwork, organizing documents, and responding to emails.
  • Participating in team meetings to discuss progress on open positions and upcoming recruitment and training activities.
  • Continuously learning and staying updated on best practices in database operations.

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Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000, 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.

Job requirements

This might be the job for you, if you…

  • Have experience in scheduling, project coordination, or relevant activities.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Attention to detail and ability to multitask effectively.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with applicant tracking systems, such as Salesforce, would be a plus.

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 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 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.

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.
  • Participate in at least one of our internal Professional Development trainings.
  • Learn and experience TW’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect in the workplace.
  • Be actively involved in all administrative activities of the moderate Talent Bank, including discussing progress on open positions and upcoming recruitment and training activities.

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.

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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 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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