Middle Class Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Economic Program is seeking a fellow to join a dynamic team working to develop and advance a modern economic agenda to make the middle class more affordable and attainable.
Over the last 30 years, the price of the central pillars of a middle-class life-child care, college, health care, housing, and retirement-have skyrocketed, decimating family budgets. The middle class has also become far less attainable for workers without a college degree. College graduates have double the yearly income, four times the retirement savings, and four times the net worth of working age, non-college Americans. Non-college workers are five times more likely to be in poverty and lack health insurance, and more likely to move because of economic trouble.
We are looking for public policy junkies to help us tackle these tough economic challenges. These issues, and numerous others, will be critical to explore as Third Way works to build a middle class that is more affordable and attainable.
While this position would prefer a candidate with strong technical skills, Third Way's success relies on our ability to build relationships and communicate our message via written materials and in conversations with external partners. This includes the ability to exercise diplomacy and discretion in dealing with those outside the organization. Finally, fellows must have a deep commitment to strengthening and expanding the middle class.
The fellow will report to the Deputy Director of the Economic Program
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 an ECON fellow, a typical day might include...

• Conducting research, analyzing data, and authoring high-impact memos, reports, and presentations in order to illuminate how the US economy works, what it means to be middle class, and what must be done to make the middle class more affordable and attainable;
• Developing original and compelling policy briefs that offer new and modern ideas to policymakers;
• Monitoring media, government reports, NGOs, and academia to stay informed on select economic issues;
• Developing and deepening expertise on a wide range of economic issues, which may include topics such as jobs and employment benefits, family economic policy, the federal budget, taxes, international trade, AI and automation, infrastructure, financial markets, and rural development;
• Supporting other members of the team with research and minor administrative tasks as needed

Compensation
$65,000 annual stipend and two weeks paid vacation, plus healthcare and benefits.
Competencies

• Advanced degree in a related field;
• Strong research and writing skills;
• Interest in U.S. politics and the political process.

The ideal candidate has...

• An interest in center-left politics and commitment to Third Way's mission;

• An advanced degree (master's) in a related field;
• The ability to take initiative on individual projects, but willingness to work collaboratively on a team;
• Strong research and writing skills;
• Knowledge of the federal legislative/policymaking process and the ability to explain complicated concepts in a way that makes sense to the policymaking community;
• Intellectual curiosity with wide interests in economics and public policy;
• Diplomacy and discretion when dealing with external groups;
• A willingness to work collaboratively on a team while taking initiative on individual projects;
• An aptitude to multi-task on various assignments in distinct issue areas;
• Intellectual curiosity, and a capacity to solve problems creatively and think outside the box;
• Be able to explain complicated concepts in a way that makes sense to the general public and engages and excites the audience;
• Experience working with and visualizing data in Microsoft Excel.

This fellowship term will begin on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026, and end on Thursday, August 12th, 2027.
In addition to the allotted stipend, 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.