Education Communications Advisor, Social Policy, Education & Politics

Third Way Overview

Third Way is a national think tank that was founded 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.

Position Overview

Third Way’s Education team is seeking an Education Communications Advisor. This person will elevate Third Way’s higher education policy work through a multi-faced communications effort including coordinated social and digital media campaigns, the design of digital communications collateral, the development of written communications for public audiences and partners, and support for the execution of high-impact public events and press strategy. This person will also coordinate efforts to track our team’s impact across media coverage, Hill engagement, and stakeholder influence. The Education Communications Advisor will help expand the reach of Third Way’s higher education work to persuade policymakers, their staff, and higher education influencers that students and taxpayers deserve a better return on their investment. The Education Communications Advisor will report to the Senior Education Advocacy Advisor.

Typical Day as Education Communications Advisor

As the Education Communications Advisor, a typical day might include:

Duties

• Working with the education team to support comprehensive communications and advocacy campaigns that market Third Way’s higher education research and ideas to policymakers, press, and influencers inside and outside the beltway and raise the profile of our higher education ideas and experts.
• Working with other members of Third Way’s communications team, as well as communications and policy staff at partner organizations, to develop creative collateral advocating for improving student outcomes in our nation’s higher education system, including the maintenance of website copy.
• Day-to-day maintenance and updating of Third Way Education social media channels, including content ideation, design, and development.
• Crafting written communications for partners and external audiences that convey our perspective and data in the most accessible way on timely topics, including on policy and political issues.
• Supporting the coordination of public events, briefings, and private convenings.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

This might be the job for you, if you have:

• 2-4 years’ experience in communications or advocacy roles.
• Interest in federal higher education policy and a passion for improving student outcomes in our higher education system.
• A basic understanding of digital communications strategies and social media platforms.
• Working knowledge of graphic design tools such as Canva, InDesign, or similar programs.
• Good judgment and demonstrated ability to manage digital engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders and partners in a complex political environment.
• Ability to write and create compelling content and written work that communicate our ideas and analyses to wonks and general audiences alike.

Third Way Culture

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. You’ll learn about all aspects of Business Operations, which includes benefits, IT, finance, and office operations.
• Meet your Third Way Buddy, be introduced to the entire staff, and start to learn the Third Way culture.
• Participate in weekly one-on-ones with your manager to ensure you fully understand the expectations of the job.
• Attend your departmental weekly meetings. You’ll learn about all aspects of the team, their strategic goals and tactics for the year ahead, what challenges they face, and how you will contribute.
• Attend daily communications department meetings where you’ll learn about the work of other programs and their approaches to marketing and communications.

Within 2 Months, You’ll…

• Attend program overview sessions to learn more about each team’s contribution to Third Way’s mission.
• Work closely with policy advisors on the higher education team to learn about and develop materials to promote their work.
• Learn and experience Third Way’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect in the workplace.
• Learn how to communicate in Third Way voice and have a general understanding of our messaging around complex and sensitive higher education issues.
• Participate in at least one internal professional development training.
• Begin to build and deepen key relationships with partners and stakeholders.

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 goals.
• Help plan and participate in a partnership coalition meeting.
• Develop content for use across our social media accounts and engage with our online audience.
• Bring new ideas and suggestions to your weekly one-on-ones with your manager and partner with them to establish your long-term goals for the remainder of the year.

Salary and Benefits

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.

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. 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 work/life balance. This position is based in Washington, DC, and Third Way’s in-office days on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Learn more here