What's Happening?
Third Way, a national think tank and advocacy organization, is actively seeking a Director of Communications for its Climate and Energy Program (CEP). This role is central to the organization's efforts to promote moderate policy and political ideas, specifically
focusing on clean energy. The Director will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communication strategy to advance an ambitious clean energy policy agenda and narrative across the United States. This includes overseeing all earned, social, and paid media efforts, leading public opinion research, and managing the production and publication of position papers and research. The individual will also be tasked with shaping CEP messaging to ensure it is strategic, message-aligned, and effective, with a particular focus on increasing the popularity of clean energy technologies among key stakeholders, including working-class, rural, and diverse communities. The position requires collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, such as national and statewide campaigns, NGOs, labor union partners, policymakers, and philanthropic organizations, to educate them on Third Way's messaging.
Why It's Important?
This initiative by Third Way is significant for the U.S. clean energy sector and broader climate policy landscape. By focusing on a communications director, Third Way aims to strategically influence public opinion and policy discussions around clean energy technologies. The emphasis on engaging working-class, rural, and diverse communities highlights an effort to broaden the appeal and understanding of clean energy beyond traditional environmental advocacy groups. Successful communication and narrative shaping can lead to increased public support for clean energy policies, potentially accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels. This could impact various U.S. industries, from energy production and manufacturing to transportation, by fostering an environment conducive to investment and innovation in clean technologies. Furthermore, by educating policymakers and partners, Third Way seeks to build a stronger coalition for advancing clean energy legislation and initiatives, which could have long-term implications for the nation's energy security, economic competitiveness, and environmental health.
What's Next?
The immediate next step is the successful recruitment and onboarding of a qualified Director of Communications for Third Way's Climate and Energy Program. Once in place, this individual will be tasked with developing and implementing a quarterly and annual communications strategy and content calendar. This will involve designing, executing, and releasing high-impact products, conducting public opinion polling, and coordinating earned and social media outreach. The goal is to advance CEP's objectives by effectively communicating the benefits and viability of clean energy technologies. The program will likely intensify its engagement with various stakeholders, including policymakers and the public, to build consensus and support for its clean energy agenda. This could lead to increased advocacy for specific legislative proposals, public awareness campaigns, and partnerships aimed at accelerating the deployment of clean energy solutions across the U.S.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond the immediate policy and communication goals, Third Way's focus on a communications director for its clean energy program underscores a deeper recognition of the importance of narrative and public perception in driving policy change. In an increasingly polarized political environment, the ability to craft compelling and inclusive messages that resonate across diverse demographics is crucial for any advocacy effort. This move suggests a strategic shift towards not just developing sound policy, but also effectively 'selling' it to the public and key decision-makers. The emphasis on reaching working-class, rural, and diverse communities also highlights an attempt to address historical inequities and ensure that the benefits of the clean energy transition are broadly shared, potentially mitigating opposition from groups who might feel left behind by such changes. This approach could set a precedent for how other policy areas are communicated and advocated for in the future, emphasizing broad-based appeal and inclusive messaging.
