Senior Policy Advisor, Social Policy

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 Social Policy, Education & Politics team is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor, Social Policy to help shape and advance modern approaches to social policy, with a primary focus on immigration and a secondary focus on criminal justice and other issues as they arise. This person will play a key role in developing policy ideas and approaches that advance a modern vision for securing our border and enforcing our immigration laws in a way that improves both order and public trust. The Senior Policy Advisor, Social Policy will conceive of, draft, and deploy high-impact written materials to help policymakers with ideas and messaging centered on, among other issues, making our immigration system work for America; represent Third Way and our approach on the Hill and with key allies; and analyze, propose, and publicly advocate for policy ideas to modernize our immigration system to meet today’s realities.

As the Senior Policy Advisor for Social Policy, a typical day might include…

• Developing high-impact written reports, memos, op-eds, and presentations that diagnose problems in the current immigration system and advance practical, politically-durable solutions that work towards a fair, responsive, and functioning immigration system Americans can trust;

• Conducting in-depth, original-source research and quantitative analysis to assess trends and policy developments in immigration and, where relevant, criminal justice;

• Tracking congressional hearings, legislation, and other activity on Capitol Hill and analyzing emerging policy ideas and political dynamics;

• Serving as a key point of contact for educating policymakers, providing expertise and support on a range of issues related to immigration as they arise;

• Helping craft and deploy effective messaging that enables our allies to speak persuasively on immigration and crime, including on issues where voters are skeptical or divided;

• Acting as a liaison to the immigration and crime policy communities to strengthen partnerships and advance Third Way’s social policy agenda;

• Representing Third Way in meetings, briefings, events, and media engagements;

• Performing other duties as assigned.

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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:

• 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…

• Deep knowledge of immigration policy and politics, with additional familiarity with criminal justice policy and politics preferred;

• Strong commitment to advancing durable immigration solutions that are both substantively sound and politically viable; 

• Demonstrated ability to write and speak clearly on complex topics for non-expert audiences

• Strong ability to translate complex policy positions and analysis into compelling messaging that resonates with Americans;

• Strong research and analytical skills, including comfort working with data and interpreting immigration trends for policy and political audiences;

• Experience using a range of tools and strategies to advocate for a cause and achieve demonstrated results on Capitol Hill, in the press, on political campaigns, and/or in the Administration;

• Strong presentation, briefing, and oral advocacy skills;

• A graduate degree in a relevant field, or an undergraduate degree plus significant directly relevant professional 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 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.

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.

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 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.