Senior Advisor, Foreign Policy

Position description

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.

This role helps shape and implement policy strategy for Third Way’s Foreign Policy Project (FPP), which is developing centrist ideas for U.S. foreign policy. Using qualitative research, rigorous analysis, networking, and coalition management, the Senior Advisor for Foreign Policy helps determine key policy priorities, draft public-facing memos, and devise public outreach plans with key audiences. The ideal candidate is a foreign policy generalist who has experience in researching and creating high-impact written products.

The Senior Advisor for Foreign Policy will…

• Engage with senior management to discuss and advance FPP priorities and benchmarks, shaping strategy and helping to identify new avenues for FPP work.
• Identify, read, and interpret analytical foreign policy publications for FPP, ensuring relevance for policy objectives, political salience, and differentiate from other comparable organizations.
• Leverage opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration, and spearheading joint-work efforts with other departments.
• Draft research findings and creating compelling messaging points based on Third Way research.
• Draft and distribute programmatic update emails for donors, policymakers, and other influential stakeholders.
• Liaise with target audiences, working with Third Way’s Moderate Power Project and Communications team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
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Salary Range: $90,000-$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:

• Written Communication
• Problem Solving
• Critical Thinking
• Interpersonal Skills
• Analytical & Research Skills
• Knowledge Management
• Briefing Skills

This might be the job for you, if you…

• Have a degree in a relevant field, including international relations, public policy, or economics;
• Have a minimum of three years of professional experience working on foreign policy issues;
• Have strong research and writing skills;
• Want to contribute towards Third Way’s mission;
• Are curious and eager for professional development;
• Think on your feet and adapt to changes effortlessly;
• Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally;
• Are motivated and driven by passion for opportunity, freedom, and security;
• Want to make a difference and imprint as part of Third Way’s newest policy initiative.

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 foster 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.
• Understand the history and context of Third Way’s Foreign Policy Project 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 Foreign Policy Project’s work and priorities.
• Learn about the goals and objectives of the Foreign Policy Project.

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 Foreign Policy Project’s approach to influencing policy.
• Begin to cultivate and deepen external relationships with key audiences and other organizations working on the future of U.S. foreign policy.
• Develop ideas for written publications or convenings focused on U.S. foreign policy.

WITHIN 3 MONTHS, YOU’LL…

• Feel a sense of comfort and familiarity with the staff, your team, and your work.
• 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 comfortable speaking to external audiences about the Foreign Policy Project.

Application instructions

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