Philanthropy Advisor

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 contributes 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’s Climate and Energy Program is seeking a Philanthropy Advisor to coordinate and help grow the Climate & Energy Program’s robust grants portfolio and revenue. To support the sustainability of the program, working with the Senior Philanthropy Officer, the Philanthropy Advisor will manage and coordinate the research, cultivation, writing, and submission of foundation and individual donor grants. This individual will be involved in all aspects of developing successful grant proposals and contracts, coordinate input across the Climate & Energy team as needed and ensure that it remains in compliance with funder requirements by preparing and submitting reports and other documentation.

Third Way’s Climate and Energy Program follows a data-focused approach to drive the development and deployment of a wide spectrum of clean energy technologies needed to reach net-zero and build a more affordable, reliable, and secure clean future. This data-driven approach helps us guide informed, impactful decisions, and has been key to our success in the US, allowing us to extend our influence internationally to decision makers in Europe. Our unique approach successfully combines rigorous analysis, data-driven policymaking, political advocacy, and strategic communication.

As the Philanthropy Advisor, a typical day might include…

• Developing, writing and submitting compelling grant proposals that convey seemingly complicated projects in a persuasive style.
• Identifying and researching individual and foundation donor prospects and other funding opportunities to expand the pool of grant prospects to ensure a continuous revenue stream.
• Leading the grant development process from start to finish and coordinating all submission requirements.
• Maintaining a calendar of all applications, reporting and other key dates to ensure timely and successful submission of applications and reports.
• Working with a high functioning team with expertise in climate & energy technology and policies.
• Updating and maintaining a database containing information on all prospects and funders.
• Attending meetings of project teams, funders/donor prospects and partnering organizations.
• Preparing team members for meetings with current and potential funders.
• Participating in the team’s philanthropy short- and long-term fundraising planning.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

This might be the job for you, if you…

• Have a bachelor’s degree in a climate & energy-related area or another relevant field.
• Have 3+ years’ experience in grant writing/management or fundraising.
• Have experience using Salesforce or other fundraising database software.
• 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 imprint as Third Way’s newest Philanthropy Advisor.

WITHIN 1 MONTH, YOU'LL...

• Participate in Third Way’s comprehensive onboarding program. You’ll learn about all aspects of Business Operations, which includes benefits, IT, finance, and office operations.
• Meet your Third Way Buddy, be introduced to the entire staff, and start to learn 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 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...

• 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 training courses or a Center for Fun activity.
• Learn and experience TW’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect in the workplace.
• Support the development and submission of a grant proposal or donor report.
• Identify and research potential donor prospects.

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-one sessions 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.

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 fosters 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.

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. This position is based in Washington, DC, and Third Way’s in-office days on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
 

Third Way is an equal-opportunity employer that celebrates, supports, and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. 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.