Director, Industrial Strategy, Climate & Energy Program

Third Way•Washington, DC

6d•$145,000 - $175,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Third Way is a national think tank and advocacy organization that champions moderate policy and political ideas. 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.

Requirements

At least eight years of policy experience focusing on manufacturing, trade, economic competitiveness, energy security, or other relevant aspects of industrial policy;
Strong understanding of U.S. economic policy, industrial strategy, supply chains, trade dynamics, and domestic and international clean energy markets;
Familiarity with federal policymaking processes, including within Congress, executive agencies, and regulatory bodies;
Experience managing teams of direct reports, initiatives, budgets, consultants, and complex multi-stakeholder projects;
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute near-term and long-term strategic policy and advocacy campaigns, using written products, events, coalition-building, direct policymaker engagement, and other means;
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience synthesizing complex policy, economic, political, and geopolitical information into actionable and politically-relevant messages;
Demonstrated political acumen and ability to navigate highly sensitive or politically contentious issues;
Passion for center-left policymaking and a genuine belief that smart electricity policy is essential to delivering an affordable, reliable, and clean energy future.

Nice To Haves

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 fosters the values of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness at all times.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee CEP’s industrial strategy portfolio, ensuring alignment across initiatives with CEP priorities, theory of change, and organizational strategy.
Develop, vet, and promote a centrist approach to setting pragmatic and politically-durable industrial strategy focused on strengthening U.S. competitiveness in clean energy.
Monitor emerging political, economic, technological, and geopolitical trends affecting U.S. competitiveness and industrial strategy.
Anticipate inflection points in relevant policy conversations and develop rapid-response advocacy strategies to influence legislative, regulatory, and political debates.
Manage and support Deputy Directors leading CEP’s Manufacturing and Exports & Trade Initiatives, and supervise other policy staff as needed.
Provide 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.
Develop policy recommendations addressing tariffs, trade agreements, export controls, industrial incentives, domestic content requirements, procurement policy, and strategic supply chains.
Oversee and contribute to high-impact reports, policy memos, op-eds, briefing materials, testimony, digital products, and strategic communications.
Engage 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.
Direct 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.
Work closely with CEP leadership to establish strategic priorities, operational goals, and long-term program development plans.
Oversee initiative budgets and resource allocation in coordination with program leadership and development staff.
Mentor and develop staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and mission-driven team culture.
Support fundraising and donor engagement efforts, including participating in donor meetings, preparing briefing materials, and helping develop funding strategies, proposals, and reports.
Travel domestically and internationally as necessary to support stakeholder engagement, coalition-building, research, and advocacy efforts.
Other duties as assigned.