Senior K-12 Education Policy Advisor

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 is looking for a Senior K-12 Education Policy Advisor to help define and elevate a forward-thinking policy agenda for K-12 education that champions ideas to ensure our public education system is equipped to prepare students for success in their lives and in tomorrow’s economy. The Senior K-12 Education Policy Advisor will drive efforts to persuade policymakers and those who influence them that students and families deserve equal opportunity and better results from public education and analyze, propose, and publicly advocate for policy ideas to modernize elementary and secondary education, support and advance the teacher workforce, and make public schools focus more on improving student achievement.

The Senior K-12 Education Policy Advisor will…

• Conceive of ideas for high-impact written reports, memos, op-eds, and presentations that illuminate the current problems in our K-12 education system and explain how we can better ensure student achievement, fair and effective school funding, and a strong teacher workforce;

• Conduct in-depth, original-source research and quantitative analysis to better understand and unpack next-generation challenges and opportunities facing public schools;

• Analyze existing proposals and come up with new policy ideas that will improve public schools and promote educational opportunity for all students in America;

• Spearhead communication with and outreach to the Hill to advocate for policy ideas that would improve student outcomes;

• Develop and deploy messaging guidance to help Democrats speak persuasively and effectively on K-12 policy issues, including addressing key concerns of parents, educators, and voters;

• Act as a primary liaison to leaders in the K-12 policy community to cultivate partnerships and advance Third Way’s education agenda;

• Speak in the press and at events to disseminate Third Way’s work and perspective;

• Advise other members of Third Way’s education and communications teams on events and digital collateral around improving student outcomes in our K-12 education system; and,

• Perform other duties as assigned.

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Salary Range: $85,000-$100,000 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:

• Public Communication

• Complex Problem Solving

• Critical Thinking

• Relationship Management

• Advocacy Agility

• Analytical & Research Skills

• Knowledge Management

• Accountability for Self

• Respectfulness

This might be the job for you, if you…

• Have a sophisticated understanding of federal K-12 policy and politics and a passion for improving student outcomes in our public education system;

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

• Are comfortable conducting quantitative analysis, including original interpretation and presentation of K-12 education data;

• Have proficiency and experience in using an array of tools to advocate for a cause and achieve demonstrated results on the Hill, in the press, on political campaigns, and/or in the Administration;

• Have oral advocacy skills including through presentations, briefings, and press engagement; and,

• Have a graduate degree or an undergraduate degree in a relevant field plus exceptionally 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.

• Understand the history and context of Third Way’s Education Program and how it connects to the broader mission and goals of the organization.

• Work with your manager to set short-term goals for your first 90 days, focusing on developing a deep understanding of the Education Program’s work and priorities.

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 calendar year, gaining deeper insight into the Education Team’s approach to influencing policy and advocacy and helping to build our K-12 policy agenda.

• Begin to cultivate and deepen external relationships with K-12 education coalition partners and allies.

• Meet with the Education Communications and Advocacy team to understand how their work intersects with the policy team to further increase our impact and reach.

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.

• Work with your manager to develop your first Third Way written product and learn more about the production and release process.

• Bring new and fresh ideas to your weekly one-on-ones with your manager to collaboratively develop your own workflows and issue-area expertise.

• Feel more comfortable with Third Way’s voice and policy approach.
  

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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.