Senior Creative Lead, Moderate Communications

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.

Third Way’s Moderate Communications Center (Mod Comms) is seeking a skilled multimedia creative with strong motion graphics and graphic design experience to join the team and lead our creative output efforts. The ideal candidate will help shape and build the video production and graphic design language/process for the Mod Comms team and help structure and develop the tone, style, and visual identity of the brand for our various social media channels through the ideation and creation of video and graphic content.

Third Way’s Moderate Communications Center (Mod Comms) serves as the megaphone for the moderate movement by amplifying the voices and ideas of the center left with a particular focus on the new media and digital landscape.

The Senior Creative Lead will:

• Lead the team’s video production process by ideating and creating high-level, polished video products for the Mod Comms team;

• Work with team leadership on creating a brand and design language for Mod Comms and its various social media channels;

• Work with the team to develop new, creative ways of disseminating information through social media that grabs the attention of our key audiences, grows our brand, and highlights and elevates leaders of the center left movement;

• Collaborate with Third Way staff to identify and elevate center left policies and messages showcasing a vibrant alternative to the extremes of the left and the right;

• Design compelling graphics that tell a story and highlight complex issues in ways that stick and are easily digestible to large and diverse audiences.

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Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000, 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:

• Creative, out-of-the-box thinking

• Problem solving

• Self-starter

• Solutions oriented

• Respectfulness

• Team-minded

• Detailed

• Politically engaged

• Strong communicator

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

• 3-5 years of experience in motion graphic video editing at a professional level.

• Experience editing political videos/ads/graphics is a strong plus.

• Expert knowledge in Adobe Premiere, Adobe AfterEffects, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop.

• Experience in video production, including filming, lighting, and sound, is a strong plus.

• Foundational understanding of graphic design and branding principles.

• Experience managing creative work through an approvals process.

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.

• Meet with members of the communications, design, and digital teams to learn about the Third Way brand.

• Help establish the brand identity of the Mod Comms social media channels.

• Learn about the goals and audience of our various social media channels.

• Begin to produce high-level, polished social media graphics and videos for the Mod Comms team.

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.

• Continue to ideate and develop content for Mod Comms and begin to lead creative efforts on the team.

• Start to identify ways of improving workflow for creative content development within the Mod Comms team and start to think about the broader goals of the program.

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 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.