Senior Manager of Business Operations at Third Way

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 Senior Manager of Business Operations (SMBO) will bring curiosity, high motivation, and versatility to effectively manage the day to-day activities of Business Operations. This includes overseeing office logistics, enforcing office health & safety protocols, and overseeing contracts for a wide range of internal and external relationships, including consultants, vendors, building services, and grant-funded engagements.

The SMBO serves as the internal engine that manages contracts, facilities, vendors, budgets, and workflows—creating a strong operational foundation for the organization’s impact. Our ideal candidate is ready on Day 1 to lead with confidence, uphold compliance, and own processes. The SMBO must be able to strategically manage change, tactically navigate ambiguity, and consistently uphold Third Way’s standard of operational excellence.

This role isn’t just about designing and running systems—it’s about shaping how people experience them. We’re looking for someone who thrives at the intersection of structure and service. This role reports to the Sr. Director of Business Operations (SDBO) and is expected to operate as a trusted partner—both in day-to-day decision-making and long-term visioning.

The Senior Manager of Business Operations will:

• Strategic Collaboration:

  • Partner with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to align business operations with strategic objectives;

  • Translate organizational priorities into efficient, people-centered systems and processes:

  • Serve as a thought partner and trusted advisor, balancing big-picture strategy with operational detail

  • Own the development and maintenance of the “BizOps Manual” to document institutional knowledge and best practices;

  • Design and launch a learning series that supports staff fluency in core operations processes:

  • Collaborate with SDBO to define and advance the department’s long-term goals;

  • Build strong partnerships across HR, IT, Finance & Grants, Office of the President, Learning & Organizational Development to ensure solutions are integrated, efficient, and user-focused;

  • Maintain consistent communication with internal stakeholders, surfacing insights and supporting cross-departmental awareness;

  • Promote a customer-focused culture rooted in clarity, responsiveness, and operational excellence

  • Source fresh ideas and practices from peer organizations and thought leaders in the field.

• Operations Management, People, & Culture:

  • Oversee the day-to-day flow and function of Third Way’s physical office, including facilities, maintenance, supplies, and emergency preparedness;

  • Manage operation vendor relationships and ensure contracts, deliverables, and service expectations are met;

  • Track and manage office and vendor budgets with accuracy, collaborating with Finance as needed;

  • Maintain oversight of Third Way’s corporate insurance policies;

  • Serve as a coach and mentor within the team, fostering a culture of curiosity, accountability, and continuous learning;

  • Uphold health and safety protocols and proactively recommend improvements based on research and best practice;

  • Oversee the maintenance and restocking of the office pantry and supplies, aligned with budget and staff needs;

  • Create and manage a platform for anonymous staff feedback and help develop actionable responses;

  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture where staff feel heard, valued, and supported;

  • Identify opportunities to improve internal workflows, communication systems, and team logistics.

  • Lead office administration and strategy, and ensure the operational readiness, appearance, and presentation of the office;

  • Manage various relationships that relate to office and facility management, acting as the primary contact to various vendors (e.g. building maintenance, furnishings, suppliers, painters, etc.) seeking and vetting new ones as needed/recommended;

  • Promote inclusion, whereby team members feel included, have a voice, and uniqueness/ differences are appreciated;

  • With focused guidance, demonstrate initiative, autonomy, and high performance while integrating feedback from leadership;

  • Articulate and implement innovative and practical approaches to solving operations challenges;

  • Perform other duties, as assigned.

    NOTE: Following 90-day introductory period, the SMBO assumes the supervisor role over the Office & Facilities Associate.

• Contract Management:

  • Manage the end-to-end contract process—drafting, reviewing, routing, and execution—in alignment with compliance protocols;

  • Maintain up-to-date contract records and dashboards within Salesforce; proactively track performance, expirations, and reporting requirements

  • Provide training and guidance to internal stakeholders on contract best practices including contract review protocols, appropriate timelines, etc.;

  • Spearhead the development of new templates, processes, guides, or checklists to build staff confidence in working with contracts;

  • Serve as a key partner to Finance and program heads, ensuring contracts are scoped accurately, routed efficiently, executed on time, and reported on as expected.

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    Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000, 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.

Competencies:

The Senior Manager of Business Operations (SMBO) is a strategic doer, a steady leader, and a systems thinker who brings operational rigor and people-centered care, with the following core competencies:

• Operational Mastery: Proven ability to manage vendors, contracts, budgets, facilities, and risk with confidence.

• Systems Fluency: Deep understanding of how cross-functional processes connect and impact organizational performance.

• Intentional Organization: Keeps multiple projects, timelines, and tools moving smoothly without dropping the ball.

• People-Centered Leadership: Builds trust, mentors others, and leads with empathy in service of shared goals.

• Inclusive Leadership: Acts as a culture carrier—driving performance while fostering inclusion, transparency, and team care.

• Clear Communicator: Translates complexity into clarity across written, verbal, and cross-functional settings.

• Strategic Thinker: Understands how processes, people, and priorities intersect; Connects day-to-day operations to long-term goals.

• Digitally Fluent: Navigates systems like Salesforce, project management tools, and modern workplace tech with ease.

• Sound Judgment: Balances compliance, efficiency, and organizational context when making decisions

• Adaptability & Learning: Embraces ambiguity, stays curious, and evolves self or approach in response to changing needs.

This might be the job for you, if you have:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

• A minimum of 5+ years of Operational, Vendor and Contract Management, Facility and Risk Management, or business work experience

• Project Management experience

• A proven ability to assess, prioritize, and manage multiple high-impact priorities simultaneously.

• A hands-on, entrepreneurial approach with sharp attention to detail, strong team development skills, and the ability to navigate and influence cross-functional communication effectively.

• Confidence and assertion when implementing controls and driving change, while maintaining collaborative, respectful relationships across diverse teams and stakeholders.

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; 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.

• Shadow your manager to understand the strategy, structure, and priorities of the Business Operations team.

• Take ownership of the contract and vendor management process, ensuring you understand current tools, systems, workflows, and expectations

• Begin reviewing existing manuals and standard operating procedures to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or opportunities for improvement.

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.

• Partner with your peers in Business Operations to relaunch the 'BizOps Manual' help design a refreshed staff-facing platform for ops-related resources.

• Draft a proposal for one high-impact operational improvement initiative based on insights from your onboarding period.

• Review past Compass Check surveys to deep cross-function relationships and identify recurring themes in staff needs, pain points, or service opportunities.

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

• Confidently act as TWs point-of-contact for contracts--coordinating across departments, and maintaining compliance, and tracking activities.

• Co-own staff operations meetings with your manager, contributing strategic updates and shaping agendas that reflect organizational needs.

• Begin managing and coaching the Office and Facilities Associate, with focus on day-to-day facilities and supply workflows.

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In addition to competitive salaries, your health and wellness is our priority. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance; Health Reimbursement Account (HRA); and Flexible Spending Account (FSA, DCA, Parking, and Transit); Life Insurance; Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance; Retirement plan; Accrued Paid Sick and Vacation leave; Long-term Disability, Employee Assistant Program (EAP).

Third Way is committed to the health, safety, and wellness of all employees, candidates, stakeholders, and communities. To support that commitment, all current and newly hired employees must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Proof of full vaccination status will be required after an offer of employment is extended and accepted. Failure to provide proof of full vaccination before the start date will result in the offer of employment being rescinded.

Third Way offers a flexible, hybrid work environment to support our employees’ healthy work-life balance. This position is based in Washington, DC, and Third Way’s in-office days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

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.