Senior Philanthropy Advisor

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 is seeking a Senior Philanthropy Advisor to partner with the Senior Director of Philanthropy and maintain and grow a portfolio of aligned and engaged donors for the Climate & Energy program, in support of its policy and communications initiatives.

As the Senior Philanthropy Advisor, a typical day might include…

• Donor Portfolio Management
  • Maintaining and growing a dynamic major gifts portfolio of individual and institutional donors.
  • Developing and executing tailored stewardship plans to deepen relationships and maximize potential.
  • Tracking donor interactions, pledges, renewals, and ensuring timely follow-up and recognition.
• Prospect Identification and Cultivation
  • Proactively identifying new funding prospects through research, network cultivation, and partnership opportunities.
  • Developing and implementing cultivation strategies to convert prospects into active donors.
  • Collaborating with program and senior leadership to align funding opportunities with donor interests.
• Proposal and Report Development
  • Drafting compelling proposals, grant applications, and pitch materials that clearly articulate the organization’s mission and impact.
  • Drafting and reviewing high-quality donor reports and updates to communicate outcomes and impact of funded projects.
• Donor Communications and Materials
  • Creating and overseeing the production of donor-facing materials, including impact reports.
  • Ensuring consistency of messaging and branding across all donor communications.
• Donor Engagement and Events
  • Planning and executing donor cultivation and stewardship events.
  • Coordinating logistics, developing invitations and materials, and ensuring follow-up communications with attendees.
  • Representing the organization at relevant conferences and donor networking opportunities.
• Intern Management
  • Supervising and mentoring development interns, providing guidance on projects and professional growth.
  • Overseeing intern recruitment, onboarding, and development and support.
  • Fostering a collaborative and supportive team culture within the development department.

$90,000 - $110,000, annually

At Third Way, we are committed to non-discrimination and fair pay practices. The final starting salary offer will be determined based on your experience and qualifications.

• Written Communication
• Problem Solving
• Critical Thinking
• Interpersonal skills
• Analytical & Research Skills
• Knowledge Management
• Accountability for Self
• Respectfulness

• A basic understanding of federal climate and clean energy policy, and a desire to help address climate change.
• A minimum of 5–7 years of experience in fundraising, donor portfolio management, donor engagement, or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly on complex topics for an audience of non-experts.
• Interest in working in a successful major gift fundraising program.
• A graduate degree or an undergraduate degree in a relevant field plus exceptionally relevant work experience.

• 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 shared priorities.
• Creators
  :
  People who foster divergent thinking; that aren’t afraid to take on the orthodoxies of left or 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…