Press Advisor

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 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 Vice President 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 Vice President 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;

• Overseeing end-to-end logistical and media preparation for press events, including day-of reporter wrangling;

• Communicating with and booking guests including elected officials, political commentators, advocates, and community leaders on What It Takes with Sarah McCammon, including coordinating interview logistics, and scheduling pre-interview conversations;

• Analyzing and presenting monthly media coverage to assess best practices;

• Participating in larger strategy conversations about Third Way messaging and involvement surrounding sticky political issues, key races, 2028 efforts, and other news;

• Performing other duties as assigned.

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Salary Range: $68,000 - $75,000, 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:

• Critical thinking

• Political awareness

• Written communication

• Strategic thinking

• Storytelling

• Creativity

• Problem solving

• Interpersonal skills

• Knowledge management

• Analytical and research skill

• Accountability for self

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 an 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 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 non-discrimination and inclusivity 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.

• Track Third Way’s press pitches, update our reporter database, and monitor our press hits and key stories of interest.

• Meet with leaders of our political and policy teams to get familiar with key initiatives, messages, polls, and upcoming products.

• Share coffee with the COO and learn about the history and growth of Third Way.

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.

• 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.

• Schedule 1-3 reporter coffees with a senior member of the Communications or executive team.

• Work with our TV booker to flag opportunities to pitch with key messages.

• 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 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.

Third Way does not provide employment-based visa sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.