Press Advisor, Communications

Third Way is a national think tank that champions modern center-left ideas. Our agenda is built on the bedrock belief that for political movements to succeed in our political system, they must relentlessly reimagine their policies, strategies, and coalitions. We are fighting for opportunity, so everyone has the chance to earn a good life; progress on social issues, so all have the freedom to live the lives they choose; and security, so we are protected from the global threats of the 21st century. 

Take your career to the next level at Third Way. We are committed to the professional development of our staff. As a member of our team, creativity and collaboration are encouraged and expected. Our new office space was specially designed to facilitate team projects and allow for groups large and small to brainstorm, discuss an idea or proposal, or map out a strategy.

POSITION OVREVIEW

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. The aim is to maximize the impact of key Third Way products and experts in the media.

The Press Advisor reports to the Senior Director of Communications. 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, has a background working in a press role, and is interested in gaining experience.

As the Press Advisor, a typical day might include…

• Crafting and implementing rollout strategies to market Third Way’s products, polling, and data to the press and influencers to expand the reach of Third Way’s ideas and staff;
• Identifying key story lines and narratives in the news where Third Way can contribute and shape elite conversations;
• 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;
• Working to build new relationships with relevant reporters, columnists, radio shows, podcasts, etc;
• Maintaining comprehensive press lists, managing media inquiries, identifying media opportunities, 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/campaigns that are relevant and timely;
• Working with a TV booker and consultants on pitches, talking points, and other projects; and
• Performing other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

This might be the job for you, if you…

• have an interest in communications work and a passion for working in national politics;
• can identify relevant opportunities for outreach and develop smart pitches and tailored press materials to shape the media conversation;
• can conceive of and create memorable and unique pitches to communicate our ideas to reporters and others outside the organization;
• have a capacity for relationship building and exercising diplomacy and professionalism when communicating with press, external stakeholders, and staff;
• are passionate about building a robust center-left and 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;
• 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.
• Share coffee with the COO and learn about the history and growth of Third Way.

Within 2 months, you'll...

• Gain an understanding each employee’s role and their contribution to the organization.
• Be completely integrated into our media monitoring platforms and be comfortable using all 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.

Third Way is committed to the health, safety and wellness of all employees, candidates, stakeholders, and communities. In support of that commitment, all current and newly hired employees are required to provide proof of Covid-19 full 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 prior to 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 worklife balance. This position is based in Washington, DC, and Third Way’s in-office days on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

We understand what it means to bring different voices together to work towards a common goal. Third Way celebrates, supports, and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and encourages all qualified applicants to apply to join our team. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, lawful alien status, age, marital status, parental status, or protected veteran status and will not discriminate against anyone on the basis of a disability. All employment selections are determined on the basis of qualifications and program needs.