Graphic Designer

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 Graphic Designer creates modern, forward-looking visuals that support policy and political work, as well as internal culture-building initiatives at Third Way. They collaborate with policy and communications staff to translate complex information into accessible graphics, with support from the Deputy Director of Multimedia and Design. The design work includes charts, infographics, slide decks, event graphics, and other visuals that help communicate our work to a broad audience.

In addition to policy and political design work, this role partners with the Business Operations team to design materials that enhance the staff experience, from onboarding tools like business cards and staff portraits to graphics for internal communications. The designer also plays a role in shaping the look of graphics around the office and other fun team initiatives, offering a chance to experiment with more playful and engaging visuals.

Staying current on design trends and tools is an important part of the role, ensuring all design work remains fresh, consistent with Third Way’s brand, and visually impactful.

The Graphic Designer will:

• Prepares products and press releases for the website;
• Partner with staff to turn complex ideas and data into compelling visual content, such as charts, infographics, decks, and other visuals with support of the Deputy Director of Multimedia and Design;
• Ensure all graphics are accessible, on-brand, and optimized for use across platforms;
• Partners with the HR team to welcome new staff with professional photographs, ordering business cards, and preparing bios and materials for the website;
• Collaborates with the Business Operations team to support internal events and communications with designs needs;
• Archives design files using the design team system;
• Stays current on design trends, tools, and technology to keep Third Way’s materials looking fresh;
• Supports the Deputy Director of Multimedia and Design with other graphics design needs.

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Salary Range: $50,000 - $65,000, annually

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

The Competencies:

• Collaborative
• Design Theory
• Communication
• Problem Solving
• Time Management
• Customer Focus
• Flexibility
• Detail Orientation
• Accountability for Self
• Respectfulness

This might be the job for you if you…

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Communication Design, or a related discipline
• or at least one year of experience;
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop);
• Knowledge of the Microsoft software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook);
• Basic knowledge of photography;
• Familiarity with HTML and content management system (CMS) to support Third Way’s website;
• Video editing and After Effects skills a plus (Adobe Premiere and After Effects);
• Tableau and Data wrapper skills a plus;
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment;
• Able to work both collaboratively and independently;
• Maintains excellent customer service with good communication and relationship skills;
• Manages multiple deadlines efficiently and has good time management skills.

In the Third Way Culture, we are looking for…

• 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 its shared priorities.
• Creators: People who fosters divergent thinking; that aren’t afraid to take on the orthodoxies of the left or the 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 timelines, accountability for results, and a focus on impact.
• Respectful: People who embrace the diverse perspectives of everyone and fosters the values of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness at all times.

WITHIN 1 MONTH, YOU'LL...

• Participate in Third Way’s comprehensive onboarding program. You’ll learn about all aspects of Business Operations, which includes HR, Benefits, IT, Finance, and office operations.
• Meet your Third Way Buddy, be introduced to the entire staff, and start to learn the TW’s culture.
• Learn our current processes for payroll, compliance, and labor tracking, and how you will partner with Finance and the rest of the Business Operations team on these processes.
• Participate in weekly one-on-ones with your manager to ensure you fully understand the expectations of the job.
• Attend weekly team meetings. You’ll learn about the key goals of each program, how they’re doing, what challenges they face, and how you will contribute.
• Meet with staff to learn about key objectives of the Communications team, Moderate Power Project, and Third Way's policy programs.
• Learn and apply the Third Way brand to visuals and data visualizations.

WITHIN 2 MONTHS, YOU'LL...

• Gain an understanding each employee’s role and their contribution to the organization.
• Attend program overview sessions to learn more about each team’s contribution to TW’s mission.
• Incorporate TW’s Style Guide and Production process into your work products.
• Participate in, at least, one of our internal Professional Development trainings or a Center for Fun activity.
• Independently schedule and take staff photographs, prepare and order business cards, and work with the Business Operation team on all other onboarding needs.

WITHIN 3 MONTHS, YOU'LL…

• Feel a sense of comfort and familiarity with the staff, your team, and your work.
• Continue to attend weekly departmental meetings with a stronger understanding of your team’s strategic goal.
• Bring new ideas and suggestions to your weekly one-on-ones with your manager.
• Attend and participate in external functions with other members of your team.
• Complete your 90-day self-evaluation and performance review with your manager.
• Partner with your manager to establish your long-term goals for the remainder of the year.
• Collaborate with Third Way staff by proposing ideas to improve the quality of graphics and data visualizations in products.