Press Advisor, Communications

Third Way is a national think tank that was founded back in 2005 to champion modern center-left ideas. Our work is grounded in the mainstream American values of opportunity, freedom, and security.

We are proud of the organization that we have built and continue to seek out talent who contribute to our ambitious mission. We are deeply committed to promoting a culture of results and respect where every employee has opportunities to contribute, develop, and grow professionally.

Third Way is seeking a Press Advisor to elevate and expand the reach of Third Way’s research, products, experts, and voice in national and key state outlets. This person will conduct initial outreach to—and maintain Third Way relationships with—reporters, columnists, and editorial boards at leading publications. Their aim is to maximize the impact of Third Way’s products, insights, and experts in the media.

Knowledge of policy and politics are important, but determination and enthusiasm to secure media coverage is a must. We are looking for a motivated self-starter who is an avid consumer of political news, knowledgeable about the national media landscape, and has experience in a press role. The Press Advisor reports to the Senior Director of Communications.

As the Press Advisor, a typical day might include…

• Crafting and implementing a rollout strategy to market new polling data to the press and influencers to expand the reach of Third Way’s ideas;
• Identifying an opportunity to shape media conversations around the path forward for Democrats to retake power and drafting a note to send to reporters;
• Maintaining and building Third Way’s press relationships, tracking the Senior Director of Communications’ and Executive Vice President for Public Affairs’ press relationships; and identifying opportunities to expand our outreach;
• Cultivating new relationships with relevant reporters, columnists, radio shows, podcasts, etc;
• Maintaining comprehensive press lists, responding to media inquiries, and tracking coverage of Third Way’s mentions in the news;
• Working with other members of Third Way’s communications teams and policy staff to develop creative and sticky pitches and campaigns that are relevant and timely;
• Working with a TV booker and consultants on pitches and talking points on news of the day; and
• Performing other duties as assigned.

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Salary Range: $65,000 - $80,000, 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.

This might be the job for you if you…

• Have an interest in communications work and a passion for working in national politics;
• Are passionate about a robust center-left and want to contribute to Third Way’s mission to build moderate power;
• Can spot opportunities to shape the media conversation and develop smart pitches and press materials;
• Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally;
• Have a capacity for relationship building and exercising diplomacy and professionalism when communicating with press, external stakeholders, and staff;
• Are curious and eager for professional development;
• Think on your feet and adapt to changes effortlessly;
• Have and undergraduate degree in a related field or relevant work experience; and,
• Want to make a difference and an imprint as Third Way’s newest Press Advisor.

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 benefits, IT, finance, and office operations.
• Be completely integrated into the Communications team and learn about how we function as a team within the organization.
• 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.
• Get up-to date on using our media monitoring tools.
• 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.

Within 2 months, you'll...

• Gain an understanding each employee’s role and their contribution to the organization.
• Be integrated into our media monitoring platforms and be comfortable using our press tools.
• Attend program overview sessions to learn more about each team’s contribution to TW’s mission.
• Sit in on a riveting story about Third Way’s history with one of the original founders of Third Way. You will learn about our successes, as well as our failures. This will also afore you the opportunity to learn about future direction.
• Incorporate TW’s Style Guide and Production process into your work products.
• Participate in, at least, one of our internal Professional Development training, Center for Fun, or Health and Wellness activity.
• Learn and experience TW’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect in the workplace.

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 that celebrates, supports, and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. 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.