Senior Policy Advisor, Fusion Energy

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 Senior Policy Advisor for Fusion Energy who can educate and communicate with key stakeholders and policymakers on the importance of commercializing fusion energy. This position will play an important role in achieving the Climate and Energy Program’s (CEP) mission to develop and galvanize support for deploying every technology needed to make energy affordable, reliable, secure, and clean.

The ideal candidate would lead our day-to-day policy development and advocacy for fusion. This includes researching and drafting high-impact written and other educational materials that can explain developments in fusion technologies and businesses to lay audiences. They would also engage with policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and advocates on fusion and work with the CEP team to identify and advance the most effective ways the federal government can accelerate the commercialization of fusion energy.

As the Senior Policy Advisor, Fusion Energy, a typical day might include…

• Conceiving of and authoring high-impact memos, reports, and digital products that educate target audiences on the promise of fusion, its progress toward commercialization, the remaining challenges it needs to overcome, and likely timelines for development;

• Overseeing original-source research and quantitative analysis that explains where federal support for fusion energy may still be required, focusing on actions that may be needed to support private sector innovation, commercialization, and deployment of emerging fusion technologies;

• Spearheading outreach to policymakers;

• Serving as a Third Way liaison on fusion energy to relevant energy policy NGOs, industry, and academics;

• Analyzing proposed policy ideas, determining their ability to promote fusion commercialization and deployment goals, and ultimately developing Third Way’s policy agenda on fusion;

• Speaking to the media and at public events to disseminate Third Way’s work and perspective;

• Managing the work of Third Way’s fellows, consultants, coalitions, and councils--including working closely and directly with the Senior Visiting Fellow on Fusion--to maximize the impact of products, events, and communications from our staff and our allies;

• Overseeing the fulfillment of fusion-related grant obligations, including reporting requirements.

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Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000, 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

• Creativity

• Critical thinking

• Problem solving

• Team management

• Political awareness

• Budgeting

• Strategic agility

• Accountability for self and others

• Respectfulness

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

• Have an advanced degree in a relevant public policy or science field, which could include energy systems, innovation, physics or engineering and/or have 3-5 years of direct work experience in relevant energy policy.

• Have experience in working on or with Capitol Hill and relevant federal agencies

• Want to contribute towards Third Way’s mission.

• Take pride in and ownership of your work.

• Are curious and eager for professional development

• Think on your feet and adapt to changes effortlessly.

• Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally.

• Are motivated and driven by your passion for opportunity, freedom, and security.

• Want to make a difference and an imprint as Third Way’s Senior Policy Advisor for Fusion Energy.

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 member of your program, their progress toward these goals, what challenges they face, and how you will contribute.

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.

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

• Participate in, at least, one of our internal Professional Development trainings or a Center for Fun activity.

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.