Policy Advisor, Entrepreneurship and Small Business

Economic Program

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 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.

Third Way is seeking a Policy Advisor to focus on research and policy development in the entrepreneurship and small business sectors. This position is for someone who is passionate about increasing awareness of the barriers facing historically overlooked entrepreneurs and devising and advancing policy solutions to boost entrepreneurship in America. This person will unpack and analyze economic trends and data, convey this information to an informed audience through written and digital content, develop and advance policy ideas in collaboration with external partners, and help convene events for government leaders and policy advocates.

At Third Way, this person will specifically join the team working on the Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity—an exciting joint venture between Third Way and the National Urban League. It seeks to dramatically increase the opportunity for female and minority entrepreneurs to start and expand successful businesses. More on AEE can be found here.

As the Policy Advisor, a typical day might include…

• Conducting in-depth research and analysis to better understand and explain the barriers facing overlooked entrepreneurs.
• Authoring written reports and memos that persuasively explain how we can support owners of small- and medium-sized businesses, with an emphasis on women- and minority- entrepreneurs as well as those in left-behind communities.
• Analyzing proposed policy ideas and assessing their impact on the United States.
• Meeting with a diverse cross-section of external partners, including Capitol Hill and Administration staff as well as leaders in industry, nonprofits, and academia; and
• Working with other members of Third Way’s economic, communications, and outreach teams to help plan and execute events and digital collateral.

Requirements

This might be the job for you if you have…

• 3+ years of experience in small business, financial services, or economic policy with the federal government, a research institution, advocacy organization, or the private sector;
• Knowledge of the federal policymaking system, specifically around small business policy;
• Experience working in a professional manner with public sector officials, to include Members of Congress, the Administration, and the advocacy community; and
• A passion for expanding opportunities for women and communities of color within our economic system;
• A demonstrated ability to write clearly on complex topics for an audience of non-experts;
• Experience balancing short- and long-term projects and meeting deadlines in a timely manner with minimal supervision;
• A graduate degree or an undergraduate degree in a relevant field.

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.
• Meet your Third Way Buddy, be introduced to the entire staff, and start to learn the TW’s culture.
• Learn about the team’s work plan for the year and begin to support ongoing projects.
• Prepare an internal research memo on an assigned topic within the work plan.
• Participate in a weekly product and current events discussion and brainstorming session.
• 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 the key goals of your program, how they’re doing, what challenges they face, and how you will contribute.

Within 2 months, you’ll…

• Develop written advocacy and educational products that advance our work on underrepresented entrepreneurs.
• Attend and participate in external meetings and events with other members of your team.
• Participate in at least one of our internal Professional Development trainings.
• Learn and experience our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect in the workplace.

Within 3 months, you’ll…

• Work with other members of your team to help plan and execute an event.
• Collaborate with your supervisor to send a product through the production and release process.
• Lead your one-on-one meeting with your manager, bringing updates, new ideas, and suggestions for discussion.
• Feel a sense of comfort and familiarity with the staff, your team, and your work.
• 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 work-life balance.

Learn more here