Internships

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 Events and Operations Intern supports the Learning and Organizational Development (LOD) team by executing the logistics, scheduling, communications, and tracking that keep internal programs running. This role fits a student interested in events, operations, or organizational development who wants real responsibility and clear guardrails.

Learning & Organizational Development's impact includes:

• Third Way University: Our in-house professional development program which meets staff needs at all levels of skills building;
• All-Staff Retreat: A two-day gathering hosted offsite for staff to connect with each other, learn about the programs, and understand Third Way’s goals and mission;
• Third Way Buddy Program: An onboarding process that connects new hires with existing Third Way staff to provide additional support throughout their 90-day introductory period;
• Nancy Hale Fellowship Program & Adam Solomon Internship Program: Two channels through which we bring new staff into our organization to experience our work and build connections with our staff and Third Way’s overall mission;
• Special Projects and Strategy Design: Individualized coaching and facilitation projects with internal (Third Way programs, leadership, etc.) and external (conference programming, meeting design, etc.) customers.

As the Internal Events and Operations Intern, a typical day might include…

• Building and sending calendar invites and reminders
• Booking rooms and setting up Zoom meetings
• Updating trackers and Monday.com boards
• Responding to routine requests from LOD and BizOps team members
• Preparing materials for upcoming sessions or events

Internship Daily Operations:

• Weekly check-ins with supervisor
• Manage logistics for Lunch & Learns, Third Way University, and trainings
• Track RSVPs, attendance, and completions
• Post slides and follow-up materials
• Maintain checklists, templates, and standard operating procedures
• Compile simple reports and weekly status updates

Internship/Team meetings & events:

• Attend regular LOD team meetings.
• Join Business Operations all-team meetings.
• Participate in intern cohort programming and events.
• Attend (and support) Third Way all-staff offerings, including Lunch & Learns, Third Way University (TWU) Courses, and All-Staff Meetings.

Internship Short-Term Projects:

• Clean up and standardize trackers, templates, and checklists
• Update Monday.com boards and internal platforms with approved content
• Support one-off trainings, onboarding sessions, or pilot programs
• Assist with surveys, mail merges, and basic data pulls

Internship Long-Term Projects:

• Serve as logistics owner for recurring program;
• Improve consistency across event communications and execution;
• Build operational capacity for a high-volume events calendar;
• Give an end-of-term presentation about your work to Third Way staff;
  • The topic will be determined by you and your supervisor.

*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. *

Job requirements

This might be a job for you, if you…

• Are a current student with an interest in/knowledge of events, operations, or organizational development
• Enjoy organizing details and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks
• Communicate clearly and follow instructions well
• Work effectively with multiple stakeholders across teams
• Feel comfortable working independently and taking initiative
• Manage multiple tasks and deadlines at once
• Have strong computer skills and comfort with Microsoft Office; experience with Zoom or Monday.com helps but is not required

In the Third Way Culture, we are looking for…

• Self-starters: People who see and seize opportunities, take risks, learn from failure, and bring a sustained passion for our mission;
• Collaborators: People who work in teams—sharing ideas, brainstorming, co-authoring products, and advancing the team’s 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 foster the values of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness at all times.

The Internship Program runs from Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026, through Thursday, August 27th, 2026. 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.

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 graphic design team is seeking a Graphic Design Intern for the summer. In this role, the intern will work alongside our in-house designers, collaborate with internal clients, and create a variety of visuals while contributing to a dynamic, forward-thinking organization that promotes center-left ideas.

The Graphic Design Intern will support policy and political work by translating complex information into clear, accessible graphics. Additional responsibilities include adding content to the website and researching emerging design trends.

A typical day for the Graphic Design Intern could include:

• Preparing products and other content for the website;
• Creating complex ideas and data into compelling visual content, such as charts, infographics, decks, and other visuals with support of the graphic design team;
• Ensuring all graphics are accessible, on-brand, and optimized for use across platforms;
• Supporting the graphic design team during staff portraits and video shoots;
• Archiving design files using the design team system;
• Staying current on design trends, tools, and technology to keep Third Way’s materials looking fresh;
• Supporting the graphic design team with other graphics design needs.

Project Timeline

Phase 1 – June: Onboarding & training on the CMS (June 2 – 23)

• Participate in the weekly Comms meeting;
• Attend CMS training to learn how to upload products and website content;
• Become familiar with Third Way’s brand and visual guidelines;
• Shadow the Graphic Designer II during meetings with internal clients;
• Select a design research topic with guidance from the Graphic Designer II. The intern will present findings to the COMMs team at the end of the internship.

Phase 2 – June/July: Skill Building & Research (June 23 – July 14)

• Add content to Third Way site with minimal supervision;
• Develop familiarity with MLA style guidelines for website content;
• Create graphics for the Third Way site with support and feedback;
  from the graphic design team;
• Continue researching the selected design topic.

Phase 3 –Late March-April: Applied Design Work (July 14 - August 4)

• Share research findings with the design team and refine how they support the team’s work;
• Create charts in Datawrapper following best practices;
• Design header graphics and other visuals aligned with the Third Way brand more independently;
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of Third Way’s brand and visual guidelines.

Phase 4 – May: Presentation Preparation (August 4-25)

• Conduct at least two practice presentations for the design team;
• Create charts in Datawrapper following best practices;
• Design header graphics and other visuals aligned with the Third Way brand;
• Upload website content independently while following MLA style guidelines.

Phase 5 - Capstone Presentation (Week of August 25)

• Present research findings, and share reflections and lessons learned to the Comms team.

*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. *

Job requirements

This might be a job for you, if you…

• Are a current student or recent graduate with a focus in a relevant field such as Graphic Design, Communication Design, or a related discipline preferred.
• Have strong design skills, with proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Willingness to learn from others and contribute to team goals.
• Time Management: Ability to manage time efficiently and meet deadlines. Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and project requirements.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Capability to identify problems and propose practical solutions. Resourcefulness in overcoming obstacles and achieving project goals.
• Written Communication - Ability to make clear and convincing verbal presentations; listens effectively; clarifies information, as needed; writes in a clear, concise, and organized manner for intended audiences.
• Respectfulness - Treat others with courtesy, sensitivity and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.

In the Third Way Culture, we are looking for…

• Self-starters: People who see and seize opportunities, take risks, learn from failure, and bring a sustained passion for our mission;
• Collaborators: People who work in teams—sharing ideas, brainstorming, co-authoring products, and advancing the team’s 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 foster the values of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness at all times.

The Internship Program runs from Tuesday, June 2nd, through August 27th. 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.

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 Learning and Organizational Development (LOD) team is looking for a highly organized and proactive Internal Communications Intern. This position is ideal for someone interested in organizational communications, internal strategy, and workplace culture. You will help streamline communications across the Business Operations teams—including HR, IT, Office Operations, and LOD itself—so that staff and leadership stay well-informed and supported.

Learning & Organizational Development's impact includes:

• Third Way University: Our in-house professional development program, which meets staff needs at all levels of skills building;
• All-Staff Retreat: A two-day gathering hosted offsite for staff to connect with each other, learn about the programs, and understand Third Way’s goals and mission;
• Third Way Buddy Program: An onboarding process that connects new hires with existing Third Way staff to provide additional support throughout their 90-day introductory period;
• Nancy Hale Fellowship Program & Adam Solomon Internship Program: Two channels through which we bring new staff into our organization to experience our work and build connections with our staff and Third Way’s overall mission;
• Special Projects and Strategy Design: Individualized coaching and facilitation projects with internal (Third Way programs, leadership, etc.) and external (conference programming, meeting design, etc.) customers.

As the Internal Communications & Operations Intern, a typical day might include…

• Maintaining the scheduled Business Operations (Learning and Organizational Development, IT, Human Resources, Office Operations, etc.) communications to staff and leadership;
• Developing a communications strategy that meets the needs of the operations team in effectively reporting organizational updates;
• Working closely with the team to highlight areas where you can streamline Business Operations’ communications to staff;
• Editing and uploading email copy to Mailchimp;
• Posting on Microsoft Teams;
• Spending time connecting with staff to understand where LOD can provide individualized or group support in their development.

Internship Daily Operations:

• Weekly check-ins with supervisor;
• Tracking communications and engagement analytics;
• Shadowing various members of the Business Operations team to better understand internal workflows;
• Assisting in the coordination of department-wide or staff-facing communications and initiatives.

Internship Meetings and Events:

• Attend regular LOD team meetings;
• Join Business Operations all-team meetings;
• Participate in intern cohort programming and events;
• Attend (and support when needed) Third Way all-staff offerings, including Lunch & Learns, Third Way University (TWU) Courses, and All-Staff Meetings.

Internship Short-Term Projects:

• Internal Comms Audit & Assessment
  • Review current LOD and Business Operations communication methods;
  • Collect staff feedback on the clarity and effectiveness of current updates and messages;
  • Identify gaps and propose improvements for more streamlined internal messaging.

Internship Long-Term Projects:

• LOD/BizOps Communications Protocol Overhaul:
  • Phase 1 – Discovery (complete): Analyze current methods used to communicate with the team. Meet with members of the team to gather current strategies utilized in communication. Ask for considerations from across the team while formulating a new strategy
  • Phase 2 – Design (complete): Based on the initial assessment, design a new communications protocol that includes updated scheduling practices and RSVP management strategies. This phase involves drafting plans, selecting software tools (considering integration with existing systems), and defining new workflows.
  • Phase 3 – Implementation (complete) Test new communications protocol for LOD and bring revitalized strategy to the team. Focus on staff invitations, updates, reminders, and surveys.
  • Phase 4 - Training and Documentation (Summer 2026 internship begins here): Develop comprehensive guidelines for BizOps staff to adapt to the new protocols. Ensure everyone is comfortable and proficient with the new systems and processes.
  • Phase 5 - Evaluation and Adjustment: Monitor the effectiveness of the new protocols and adjust based on feedback from staff and analysis of engagement metrics. This iterative process ensures that the new system effectively meets the organization's and its staff's needs.

*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. *

Job requirements

This might be a job for you, if you…

• Are a current student with an interest in/knowledge of communication strategies, organizational development, and employee engagement. A Communications, Business, or Human Resources degree is preferred but not required;
• Are curious and eager to learn how teams collaborate behind the scenes in a mission-driven organization.
• Have considerable experience working on a team: The communications aspect of this role will require extensive coordination, buy-in, and direction from all members of the Business Operations program. Other aspects also involve cross-team collaboration, so knowing how to communicate and collaborate with others is vital to success in this position.
• Are interested in internal communications, change management, or workplace strategy.
• Are comfortable working independently and taking initiative.
• Are detail-oriented: Your duties include maintaining internal communications and other recurring tasks that must be consistent;
• Are prepared to talk to people – a lot. Success in our program hinges on understanding how our employees think, learn, and work. Building connections and relationships with staff will be a significant aspect of this role;
• Can prioritize multiple projects with competing deadlines; and
• Have strong computer skills, with excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with Mailchimp and Monday.com is preferred but not required

In the Third Way Culture, we are looking for…

• Self-starters: People who see and seize opportunities, take risks, learn from failure, and bring a sustained passion for our mission;
• Collaborators: People who work in teams—sharing ideas, brainstorming, co-authoring products, and advancing the team’s 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 foster the values of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness at all times.

The Internship Program runs from Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026, through Thursday, August 27th, 2026. 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.