Director, Industrial Strategy

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.

The Director, Industrial Strategy for Third Way’s Climate and Energy Program (CEP) will lead the organization’s work to shape and advance modern American industrial strategy focused on strengthening U.S. clean energy leadership and economic competitiveness, manufacturing capabilities, supply chain resilience, and strategic trade relationships. Reporting to the Vice President for Climate and Energy, the Director will develop and execute policy, political, and advocacy strategies that position the United States to lead in the manufacturing, deployment, and export of critical energy technologies. The Director will also play a central role in setting program-wide priorities, overseeing the execution of multiple cross-cutting initiatives, supporting organizational operations, and helping position Third Way as a leading voice on American clean energy industrial strategy and competitiveness. Excellent management and verbal and written communications are a must for this position.

As the Director, Industrial Strategy, a typical day might include…

• Leading and overseeing CEP’s industrial strategy portfolio, ensuring alignment across initiatives with CEP priorities, theory of change, and organizational strategy;

• Developing, vetting, and promoting a centrist approach to setting pragmatic and politically-durable industrial strategy focused on strengthening U.S. competitiveness in clean energy;

• Monitoring emerging political, economic, technological, and geopolitical trends affecting U.S. competitiveness and industrial strategy;

• Anticipating inflection points in relevant policy conversations and develop rapid-response advocacy strategies to influence legislative, regulatory, and political debates;

• Managing and supporting Deputy Directors leading CEP’s Manufacturing and Exports & Trade Initiatives and supervising other policy staff as needed;

• Providing direction to teammates in advancing policy solutions related to domestic manufacturing, industrial capacity, critical mineral supply chains, energy infrastructure deployment, strategic trade policy, and the promotion of US nuclear energy technologies;

• Developing policy recommendations addressing tariffs, trade agreements, export controls, industrial incentives, domestic content requirements, procurement policy, and strategic supply chains;

• Overseeing and contributing to high-impact reports, policy memos, op-eds, briefing materials, testimony, digital products, and strategic communications;

• Engaging directly with federal policymakers, regulatory agencies, candidates for elected office, state officials, industry leaders, investors, advocacy groups, international stakeholders, and other external groups on industrial policy priorities;

• Directing staff and experts in research and engagement activities with allied governments and international institutions to identify opportunities for U.S. clean energy exports and other partnerships that support American economic and national security interests;

• Working closely with CEP leadership to establish strategic priorities, operational goals, and long-term program development plans;

• Overseeing initiative budgets and resource allocation in coordination with program leadership and development staff.

• Mentoring and developing staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and mission-driven team culture;

• Supporting fundraising and donor engagement efforts, including participating in donor meetings, preparing briefing materials, and helping develop funding strategies, proposals, and reports;

• Traveling domestically and internationally as necessary to support stakeholder engagement, coalition-building, research, and advocacy efforts;

• Other duties as assigned.

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  Salary Range: $145,000 - $175,000, 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.