Senior Advisor for Foundation Grants

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 Senior Advisor of Foundation Grants plays a critical role on the Development team in the solicitation and stewardship of Third Way’s foundation donors who support the organization’s mission and strategic priorities. This role will work on both restricted and general operating foundation grant management and will partner with the policy programs on issue areas like AI, health care, education, politics, and economics, among others. This role is responsible for developing compelling proposals, as well as overseeing timely reporting and relationship management. The Senior Advisor will work cross-functionally with senior leadership, finance, and the policy programs to ensure fundraising goals are met and funder expectations are exceeded. This position serves as Third Way’s central resource for all questions regarding the organization’s foundation grants including institutional language, reporting requirements and timelines, budget coordination with Finance, tracking expenditures, and cross team coordination.

The Senior Advisor of Foundation Grants will be responsible for:

• Grants Writing, Grants Management, & Reporting

  • Serve as the central point person to track and manage all foundation grants, ensuring compliance with deadlines, deliverables, and reporting requirements;

  • Draft and submit timely and accurate narrative and financial reports in coordination with finance and program staff;

  • Maintain thorough grant files, agreements, and correspondence for internal recordkeeping and audit purposes;

  • Oversee the integration and maintenance of donor information in CRM systems, ensuring adherence to data integrity and reporting standards;

• Proposal Development & Grant Writing

  • Lead the development of high-quality, compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, concept papers, and stewardship materials that align with organizational priorities in partnership with the Director of Development and other program head;.

  • Coordinate input and contributions from senior leadership, program teams, communications, and finance for all grant submissions;

  • Ensure consistency, accuracy, strategic alignment and written excellence across all foundation materials;

• Collaboration & Internal Coordination

  • Work with communications and program teams to gather content, stories, and impact data for proposals and reports;

  • Partner closely with the finance team to build, review, and meticulously track program budgets for proposals and restricted funding;

  • Lead internal meetings and project manage deliverables across departments for grants and fundraising initiatives;

  • Advise staff on best practices and where to find relevant information for grant materials;

• Prospect Research & Pipeline Development

  • Serve as the primary liaison between the Development & External Affairs team and policy program staff to manage and grow foundation relationships;

  • Conduct in-depth research and develop profiles for current and prospective foundation funders;

  • Manage prospect pipeline including reminding program staff about follow-up, identifying current products to flag for foundation staff, and monitoring prospect activity for opportunities to engage;

  • Present new opportunities in internal team meetings to drive prospecting and pipeline growth by staying abreast of trends in the philanthropy space and conducting research into new funding areas and partners.

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Salary Range: $75,000 - $100,000, 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:

• Clear communication and organizational skills with senior staff and external partners;

• Ability to think creatively about improving existing processes and creating new opportunities;

• Strong attention-to-detail;

• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and shifting priorities;

• Curiosity about public policy and furthering Third Way’s impact.
  

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

• Minimum of 5-7 years of grant writing and management experience, preferably in a non-profit setting;

• Strong organizational skills with ability to initiate, prioritize, and follow through on plans;

• Strong writing and editing skills, with a knack for writing in the organization’s voice;

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with foundation officers, donors, and internal stakeholders;

• Ability to work under pressure and prioritize multiple concurrent project;

• Interest in Third Way’s mission to champion moderate policy and political ideas on the center left to beat back political extremism.

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.

• Be brought up to speed on all of Third Way’s current grant;

• Meet with each policy team to learn more about their advocacy and education policy priorities.

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.

• Begin to take over internal processes related to grant management including reporting and financial tracking

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

• Begin to build out a prospect pipeline for new foundation grant opportunities

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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.