Senior Policy Advisor, Innovation

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 Policy Advisor for Innovation will help shape and execute Third Way’s work to reimagine the U.S. energy innovation ecosystem, from building a more resilient clean energy funding landscape to turbocharging technology commercialization, creating a more innovative and entrepreneurial culture in government, shoring up the innovation might of the U.S. National Labs, and more.

A key member of Third Way’s Climate and Energy Program (CEP), this role is best suited to individuals who excel at both strategy and operations – moving comfortably between managing policy research, thought partnering/generating big ideas, and creating clear, structured roadmaps for execution. Ideal candidates bring a background in or familiarity with innovation ecosystems or industrial strategy; a thorough understanding of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. National Labs, including how they support technology commercialization; a knack for operations, including an ability to break ambitious goals into manageable actions; and an awareness of the distinct roles that public, private, and philanthropic capital can play in funding early-stage innovation. The SPA for Innovation will also participate in cross-functional teams, drive key portions of a bipartisan innovation advocacy coalition, and develop briefings, events, and written materials that educate and advocate to policymakers on smart ways to advance energy innovation policy.

The Senior Policy Advisor for Innovation will…

Project management

• Steward an annual federal appropriations campaign and other research and advocacy efforts of a bipartisan coalition of NGOs, think tanks, nonprofits, and trade associations committed to U.S. leadership in energy innovation;

• Oversee the execution of new and ongoing deliverables (e.g. white papers, policy memos, Hill briefing materials, advocacy campaigns, etc.), ensuring multiple complex workstreams are organized, moving, and aligned in a fast-paced environment;

• Take initiative by quickly turning new ideas into clear, actionable next steps;

• Design and oversee research and other projects conducted by external consultants.

Policy research

• Identify knowledge gaps and conduct research into a range of topics, including but not limited to public and private vehicles to fund and finance innovation, technology commercialization pathways, innovation ecosystem development and growth, and enhancing the capabilities of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. National Laboratories;

• Conduct and oversee in-depth research that makes the case for U.S. leadership and sustained investment across a range of emerging clean energy technologies;

• Develop compelling and timely reports, memos, op-eds, and other written materials to educate key stakeholders both inside and outside of the federal government.

Innovative thinking / strategy support

• Act as a thought partner to the Deputy Director for Innovation in shaping the trajectory, priorities, and composition of Third Way’s Innovation portfolio;

• Support – and eventually lead – the development of frameworks, roadmaps, and long-term strategies to restore the U.S.’s innovation edge.

Other key duties

• Represent Third Way in relevant meetings, working groups, and public speaking engagements;

• Collaborate with Climate and Energy Program colleagues to ensure policy proposals, products, and advocacy plans are coordinated for maximum impact;

• Develop and nurture multiple high-value relationships across a range of stakeholders (e.g. congressional staff, agency officials, coalition partners, energy finance experts, etc.) to identify policy needs, design proposals, stay current on policy developments, and inform Third Way’s thinking on effective policy implementation;

• Engage with the innovation funder community, including seed/early-stage venture capital, institutional investors, commercial lenders, philanthropy, and federal grantmaking offices to identify challenges and solutions across the innovation capital stack;

• Engage with policymakers and staffers to educate and advocate for the advancement of key policies

• May supervise and provide guidance to junior staff, fellows, or interns, as needed

• Other duties as needed.

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  Salary Range: $90,000 - $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:

• Knowledge management and subject-matter leadership

• Executive briefing and high-level stakeholder communication

• Cross-functional collaboration and alignment

• Independent judgment and decision-making

• Project management and operational execution

• Strategic prioritization and work planning

• Relationship and stakeholder management

• Accountability and follow-through

• Policy advocacy and education

• Analytical and policy research skills

• Strategic thinking

• Clear and persuasive writing/communications

• Complex problem solving

This might be the job for you, if you:

• Have a degree in a relevant field or have a minimum of five to seven years of professional experience working in a relevant field;

• Have familiarity with U.S. energy innovation and commercialization policy, including the role of federal appropriations for the U.S. Department of Energy;

• Have proven ability to manage complex projects end-to-end—building workplans, setting timelines, tracking deliverables, and driving execution across multiple workstreams;

• Are highly organized and execution-oriented, with strong attention to detail and consistent follow-through;

• Have experience supporting or executing federal policy advocacy efforts, including working with Congress and/or federal agencies to move priorities forward;

• Have strong relationship-building skills and comfort engaging a wide range of stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, federal staff, national labs, NGOs, industry, and investors);

• Have demonstrated ability to conduct policy research and analysis, including identifying gaps, developing clear research questions, and synthesizing findings into actionable recommendations;

• Have familiarity with the clean energy funding landscape and innovation capital stack, including how public investment can complement private capital;

• Are able to write clearly and persuasively on complex issues for non-expert audiences, including memos, reports, briefs, and external-facing materials;

• Have a strategic mindset with interest and ability to support—and increasingly lead—long-term strategy development, frameworks, and roadmaps;

• Have sound judgment and comfort working in fast-moving, matrixed environments where priorities evolve and collaboration is essential;

• Have experience managing consultants or contractors, including scoping, coordinating, and ensuring high-quality outputs on time.

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 member of your program, their progress toward these goals, what challenges they face, and how you will contribute.

• Be able to succinctly convey what Third Way does, what the Climate and Energy Program (CEP) does, and what role you play in driving the Innovation portfolio.

• Become familiar with the 2026 Innovation workplan, policy research priorities, and current status of priority deliverables.

WITHIN 2 MONTHS, YOU'LL...

• Gain an understanding of 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.

• Understand the annual federal appropriations process, Third Way’s role in advocating for energy innovation dollars, and how our coalition's annual process works.

• Begin actively engaging or leading priority projects and policy research efforts, in partnership with other organizations and/or consultants.

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.