Media Matters for America — a progressive, Washington, D.C.-based, nonprofit research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media — seeks a Media Analyst for our Media Intelligence Department.
This is a full-time position and is remote. Remote work can be done anywhere from within the United States, including our Washington, DC office.
In order to maintain a safe and healthy workplace, Media Matters employees accessing our DC office are required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 as defined by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Media Matters will discuss reasonable accommodations with employees who may be unable to receive a vaccine due to disabilities or medical status, and/or employees with religious objections or concerns that may prohibit them from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine
Role Summary:
The Media Analyst is a member of the Media Intelligence Department, which monitors and organizes Media Matters’ live and archival print, online, broadcast, and social media recordings and tracks right-wing misinformation, smears, and attacks in media. The Media Analyst will monitor and analyze broadcast, print, online and social media outlets to track misinformation and other trends in the media, help maintain the organization’s internal database, and contribute to departmental and cross-departmental data projects and studies.
Reporting Structure:
The Media Analyst reports to a Media Analyst III, Senior Media Analyst, Associate Director, or Deputy Director, as assigned
This is a not a managerial position
Responsibilities:
The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:
Monitoring and Data Collection
Conduct ongoing monitoring of news programs, outlets, and figures across multiple mediums, including television, radio, print, and online
Conduct data entry, inclusive of both monitoring data and contextual information, to help inform reporting
Draft summaries and memos about trends, narratives, and emerging topics in the media landscape
Coordinate, complete, and track short- and long-term data collection and analysis of media for quantitative studies as needed
Utilize multiple media recording applications to archive television, radio, and online streaming programs
Collaborate on or assist with cross-department research projects, as assigned
Required Qualifications:
Educational and/or professional experience in political science or politics, journalism, or a relevant field, including experience with quantitative/qualitative data collection and analysis
Ability to quickly synthesize information about new topics
Ability to adapt to new technologies and systems quickly and effectively
Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
Alignment with Media Matters’ work culture, including:
Interest in media and the effects conservative misinformation has on our public debate, and an understanding of Media Matters’ mission and work
Ability to operate effectively both independently and in a team setting
Demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines on a daily basis, organize long-lead projects, and quickly adapt to new challenges in a fast-paced news cycle
Ability to prioritize and manage simultaneous assignments and quickly synthesize information about new topics
Receptivity and responsiveness to both concrete and abstract feedback
Dedication to accuracy, with the ability to prioritize and give keen attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in a remote work environment
Familiarity with media recording applications, such as Snapstream, Grabien, and iQ Media
Proficiency in Excel and Google Sheets
Spanish language fluency
Compensation & Benefits:
Media Matters for America offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. The salary for this position starts at $47,500 and is commensurate with experience or expertise.
Media Matters offers multiple health insurance options, including a no-cost option for employees and vision and dental coverage, in addition to a monthly student loan repayment benefit and a safe harbor automatic 3% contribution to a 401k account on the employee’s behalf. We also offer additional relocation stipends, work-from-home transitional support benefits, and a supplemental payment of $2,250 per year for employees who choose to work at least 60% of the time from the Washington, DC office. We provide 10 days of vacation (that increases each year), 12 paid holidays, 2 personal floating holidays, and 3 wellness days; we also traditionally close the week between Christmas and New Years Day. This position is part of the Media Matters Union represented by the Service Employees International Union Local 500.
Essential Physical Requirements
The physical demands of the position include regular work on a computer for all or part of the work day, as well as regular communication with colleagues, both verbally and in writing, using tools such as email, Slack, and audio and video conferencing. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions, including the use of assistive technology.