Director, Industrial Strategy, Climate & Energy Program

Third Way•Washington, DC

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

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

Excellent management and verbal and written communications are a must for this position.

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.