Philanthropy Manager

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 Philanthropy Manager to partner with the Senior Director of Philanthropy and Philanthropy Associate to maintain and grow a portfolio of aligned and engaged donors for the Climate & Energy program, in support of it’s policy and communications initiatives.

As the Philanthropy Manager, a typical day might include…

• Proposal and Report Development

  • Drafting compelling proposals, grant applications, and pitch materials that clearly articulate the organization’s mission and impact.

  • Drafting and/or reviewing high-quality donor reports and updates to communicate outcomes and impact of funded projects

• Donor Communications and Materials

  • Creating and overseeing the production of donor-facing materials, including impact reports.

  • Ensuring consistency of messaging and branding across all donor communications

• Donor Portfolio Management

  • Maintaining and growing a dynamic major gifts portfolio of individual and institutional donors.

  • Developing and executing tailored stewardship plans to deepen relationships and maximize potential.

  • Tracking donor interactions, pledges, renewals, and ensure timely follow-up and recognition.

• Prospect Identification and Cultivation

  • Proactively identifying new funding prospects through research, network cultivation, and partnership opportunities.

  • Developing and implementing cultivation strategies to convert prospects into active donors.

  • Collaborating with program and senior leadership to align funding opportunities with donor interests.

• Donor Engagement and Events

  • Planning and executing donor cultivation and stewardship events.

  • Coordinating logistics, develop invitations and materials, and ensure follow-up communications with attendees;

  • Representing the organization at relevant conferences and donor networking opportunities.

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Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000, 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:

• Written Communication

• Problem Solving

• Critical Thinking

• Interpersonal skills

• Analytical & Research Skills

• Knowledge Management

• Accountability for Self

• Respectfulness

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

• A minimum of 3–5 years of experience in fundraising, grants management, donor engagement, or related fields;

• Demonstrated ability to write clearly on complex topics for an audience of non-experts;

• Interest in working in a successful major gift fundraising program;

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant field plus exceptionally relevant work experience.

• An understanding of federal climate and clean energy policy, and a desire to help address climate change;

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 our shared priorities.

• Creators: People who foster divergent thinking; who 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.

• Have familiarity with Climate & Energy program, its five Initiatives as well as its communications and executive teams.

• Have familiarity with Climate & Energy institutional and individual donors.

• Training for technology: Salesforce and Monday.com

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.

• Have familiarity with all active donor prospects.

• Begin attending Initiative meetings.

• Understand the process and participate in developing a donor report/proposal

• Gain understanding each current donor’s history with the program; review all past proposals and reports, etc.

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.

• Participate in current donor/prospect meetings with Senior Director and VP as needed.

• Lead grant report, proposal or other donor-facing materials drafting.

• Take ownership of the Climate & Energy Program philanthropy calendar.
  

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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.