Media Analyst

We are seeking a Media Analyst to work in Arlington, VA to conduct open-source research and message assessment for a high-profile government customer.

This role is on-site with occasional telework opportunities at the discretion of the customer.

The selected individual will review a large volume of information across all news media formats (print, online, television, radio, and social media) to identify key themes in coverage, judge the effectiveness of communications efforts, and encapsulate conclusions into easily consumed reports to aid senior officials in strategic decision-making.

Responsibilities:

• Research and analyze domestic and international news to produce communication assessments and in-depth issue examinations.
• Use qualitative and quantitative data collection methods in gathering the necessary information to assess messaging effectiveness and make recommendations to leadership on where changes should be made to improve communication effectiveness.
• Assist in development, design, and maintenance of messaging performance indicators.
• Brainstorm analysis report topics, media/public engagement opportunities, and messaging ideas. Assist in basic design and layout of products.
• Use superb communication skills (verbal and written) to prepare briefings, executive summaries, communications assessments, and related products for senior government and military officials.
• Leverage media listening tools to analyze, detect, and monitor trends and specific engagements across major social media networks and news sites.
• Provide insight into performance of owned social media accounts

Basic Qualifications:

• Active Secret security clearance required.
• Ability to work on-site at the client location during daytime hours, with occasional telework opportunities at the client's discretion.
• Bachelor’s degree (4-year degree) required, preferably in Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, History, International Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in media research, social media data gathering, and top-line analysis.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong ability to manage complex tasks under tight deadlines.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in public relations or public affairs, including working with clients on messaging strategies, analyzing the news environment on specific topics and recommending courses of action, and writing and curating social media content.
• Familiarity with national security and/or foreign policy news topics.
• Proven experience in media or intelligence analysis or an equivalent field.
• Ability to objectively assess and interpret reporting trends in media.
• Experience with one or more of the following tools: Factiva, Lexis-Nexis, TVEyes, Talkwalker, Meltwater, Cision, Sprinklr, or another social analytics tool.
• Familiarity with Boolean search methods is a plus.