Social Policy Fellow, Social Policy, Education, & Politics Program (2026-2027)

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’s Social Policy, Education & Politics Program is seeking a Social Policy fellow to join our team and find ways to make progress on often divisive social issues like immigration, crime, LGBT equality, abortion, and guns.

Our recent work has included helping Democrats transition from hesitancy on immigration to strategically pressing the issue; successfully persuading Americans to support marriage for gay couples by emphasizing commitment instead of rights; working with Members of Congress and the White House on gun safety legislation that respects Second Amendment rights while keeping guns out of criminals’ hands; and giving policymakers a deeper understanding of the values held by voters in the center of the electorate.

The fellow will report to the Director of Social Policy.

Fellowship Information:

The Third Way Fellows Program is a full-time, 12-month program that comes with a $60,000 annual stipend, two weeks of paid vacation, comprehensive health care and benefits, and five paid Career Development Days dedicated to job searching, networking, and interviews.

The program also offers the opportunity to meet with top Washington policy leaders; co-author papers and collaborate with our policy teams to produce new ideas, research, and insights; and learn Third Way’s methodology.

Third Way places a strong emphasis on supporting fellows as they take the next step in their careers. Fellows gain access to a robust alumni network for mentorship and connections, along with regular check-ins and guidance from Learning & Organizational Development (LOD) staff. The program is designed to help fellows leverage Third Way’s wide-ranging D.C. network into meaningful future career opportunities.

As a Social Policy fellow, a typical day might include…

• Conducting in-depth research and quantitative analysis of a variety of sources, including online databases, media, and reports from the government, NGOs, and academia;
• Producing high-impact written products by distilling complex issues, often under tight deadlines, into succinct and accessible formats, including policy briefings, memos, and presentations;
• Organizing and participating in high-level external meetings, briefings on Capitol Hill, professional networking events, and other activities to promote Third Way policies and approaches;
• Sharing our research and policy ideas with Hill staff, advocates, think tanks, and academics both through individual and coalition meetings and in other events around D.C.; and,
• Supporting other members of the team with research and minor administrative tasks as needed.
  
  
  

Compensation: $60,000 annual stipend and two weeks paid vacation, plus healthcare and benefits.

Competencies

• A graduate degree (Master’s, J.D., or other)
• Experience in public policy, including internships and coursework
• Fellows must be able to explain complicated concepts in a way that makes sense to the general public while engaging and exciting the audience.
  
  
  

The ideal candidate has…

• An interest in center-left politics and commitment to Third Way’s mission;
• An advanced degree (master’s or law) in a related field;
• The ability to take initiative on individual projects, but willingness to work collaboratively on a team;
• Strong research and technical skills, with a talent for knowing and telling the story a dataset demands;
• Knowledge of or familiarity with relevant policy issues, particularly immigration and/or crime;
• Knowledge of the legislative process and the ability to explain complicated concepts in a way that makes sense to policymakers;
• Diplomacy and discretion when dealing with external groups.
  
  
  

While this position requires strong technical skills, Third Way’s success relies on our ability to build relationships and communicate our message. A willingness to work collaboratively on a team while taking the initiative on individual projects, an aptitude to multi-task on various assignments in distinct issue areas, and a penchant for solving problems creatively and thinking outside the box are integral to the job. Finally, fellows must have a deep commitment to Third Way’s mission of representing Americans in the “vital center.”

This fellowship term will begin on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026, and end on Thursday, August 12th, 2027.

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 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 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.