Development Intern, Development & External Affairs Program (Fall 2025)

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 Development & External Affairs team is looking for a highly organized individual with a keen interest in advancing moderate democratic politics and policy. If you love to dive deep into understanding donors and Democratic fundraising, care about combatting the threat of extremism, and want to make an impact on the donor experience at Third Way…this is the job for you!

As the Development Intern, a typical day might include…

• Responding to emails and ensuring all communication channels are up to date.

• Meeting regularly with the individual giving team and executive coordinators to keep track of upcoming meetings.

• Conducting and compiling research on current and prospective donors.

• Updating Salesforce and Airtable with prospect and donor information.

Short-Term Projects

• Compile research on prospective donors to identify their priorities and alignment with Third Way and the Moderate Power Project.

• Map Board member and donor relationships to identify potential connections.

• Track donor research in Salesforce and make sure contacts are up to date.

• Work with Salesforce administrator to develop data reconciliation process.

• Conduct research on ways to use AI and other tools for prospect research.

Long-Term Projects

• Work with the communications team to update website language and donor materials.

• Conduct research on emerging trends in philanthropy and political giving.

• Work with fundraising consultants to ensure all information and notes are reflected in Airtable and Salesforce.

• Work with Salesforce administrator to establish a system to update leadership on prospects, meetings, and pledges/donations.

• Conduct a research project and present to team members as part of a lunch and learn.

*Please note all duties and events will require in-office participation. All Third Way staff are required to be vaccinated. This is a part-time, PAID INTERNSHIP.*

This might be the right job for you if you…

• Are a current student or recent graduate with an interest in/knowledge of politics or a related field. Those with undergraduate degrees or relevant experience may also apply.

• Enjoy research and problem solving.

• Want to contribute towards Third Way’s mission.

• Take pride in and ownership of your work.

• Are curious and eager for professional development.

• Think on your feet and adapt to changes effortlessly.

• Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally.

• Want to make a difference and an imprint as Third Way’s newest Development Intern.

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 foster divergent thinking and 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.

The Internship Program runs from Tuesday, September 9th, 2025, through Thursday, December 18th, 2025. Interns work part-time, in-person, and are paid $19.00/hour.  

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.