Government Affairs Strategist

About Third Way

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.

Position Overview: Policy Advisor for Nuclear Energy

The Policy Advisor for Nuclear Energy will work as part of our team on national advocacy work supporting advanced and existing nuclear power, as a key tool to address climate change and provide well-paying jobs to American workers.

The ideal candidate will work with our Senior Policy Advisor, Deputy Director, and other colleagues in educating policymakers on Capitol Hill, the Department of Energy, and the White House, as well as allied NGOs and partner organizations on nuclear policy as a key climate, national security, and clean energy strategy.

This includes researching and drafting high-impact written materials to persuade policymakers and those who influence them that nuclear power is critical to put the United States on the fastest, fairest path to net-zero emissions by 2050—and analyzing, proposing, and publicly advocating for policy ideas that will support these vital technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Analyzing proposed policy ideas; determining their ability to promote nuclear innovation and deployment goals, and assessing the policies’ impact on emissions and economic and jobs outcomes

Supporting communication with and outreach to the Hill and relevant federal and international agencies to advocate for policy ideas that would advance Third Way’s nuclear goals

Acting as a liaison to leaders in the climate and clean energy communities, and supporting our Senior Policy Advisor and Deputy Director in engagement with policymakers, industry, academics, and NGOs to promote Third Way’s climate and energy agenda

Conducting original-source research and analysis to explain the importance of nuclear energy as a tool to reach clean energy goals and enhance energy and national security, and actions that are needed to innovate, commercialize, deploy, and export nuclear technologies, including advanced reactors

Authoring high-impact reports, memos, and other products that persuasively illuminate the opportunities for, and obstacles to, commercializing advanced nuclear in the U.S., issues facing the existing nuclear fleet in the U.S., and nuclear power’s role in promoting decarbonization and energy security in the power and industrial sectors

Speaking at and moderating/organizing events to disseminate Third Way’s work and perspective

Developing relationships with journalists and media outlets to share Third Way’s thought leadership

Working with Third Way’s fellows, consultants, coalitions, and councils to maximize the impact of products, events, and communications from our staff and our allies

Fulfilling, with other members of the nuclear policy team, all of the nuclear-related grant obligations, including reporting requirements

Salary Range

$65,000 – $80,000 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.

Job Requirements

Competencies

Written Communication

Problem Solving

Critical Thinking

Interpersonal Skills

Analytical & Research Skills

Knowledge Management

Accountability for Self

Respectfulness

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 shared priorities

Creators: People who foster divergent thinking and aren’t afraid to challenge orthodoxies of the left or the right

Results-oriented: People committed to clear objectives, ambitious timelines, accountability, and measurable impact

Respectful: People who embrace diverse perspectives and uphold values of diversity, equity, and inclusion

Within 1 Month, You’ll…

Participate in Third Way’s comprehensive onboarding program, including Business Operations (HR, Benefits, IT, Finance)

Meet your Third Way Buddy, be introduced to staff, and begin to learn Third Way’s culture

Learn current processes for payroll, compliance, and labor tracking, and understand your role in partnering with the team

Participate in weekly one-on-ones with your manager to align on expectations

Attend weekly team meetings to understand each program’s goals and challenges

Take ownership of an ongoing research project supporting nuclear energy policy education and advocacy

Within 2 Months, You’ll…

Gain an understanding of each employee’s role and their contribution

Attend program overview sessions to deepen understanding of Third Way’s mission

Incorporate TW’s Style Guide and Production process into your work

Participate in a Professional Development training or a Center for Fun activity

Collaborate with Business Operations peers to relaunch the “BizOps Manual” and redesign staff-facing ops resources

Contribute to a public-facing written product advancing nuclear energy policy

Within 3 Months, You’ll…

Feel comfortable and confident with staff, your team, and your responsibilities

Attend weekly departmental meetings with stronger understanding of your team’s strategic goals

Share new ideas during one-on-ones with your manager

Attend and participate in external functions with team members

Complete your 90-day self-evaluation and performance review

Partner with your manager to establish long-term goals

Contribute to the development of nuclear team strategies advancing near-term policy priorities

Benefits and Work Environment

In addition to competitive salaries, your health and wellness is our priority. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA, DCA, Parking, and Transit)

Life Insurance

Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

Retirement Plan

Accrued Paid Sick and Vacation Leave

Long-term Disability

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

COVID-19 Policy

Third Way is committed to the health, safety, and wellness of all employees, candidates, stakeholders, and communities. All 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 vaccination before the start date will result in the offer being rescinded.

Work Location

Third Way offers a flexible, hybrid work environment to support healthy work-life balance. This position is based in Washington, DC, and in-office days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Third Way is an equal-opportunity employer committed to non-discrimination. We 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.

Learn more here