Media Matters for America — a progressive nonprofit research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media — seeks an entry-level candidate to serve as a Researcher with the Night Shift Rapid Response team in the News Department. The person must have an interest in researching and identifying trends in the media, an analytical background, and the ability to develop and generate content.
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.
Role summary:
The Researcher (Night Shift) 1) monitors news programs and social media during the evening, with a focus on identifying conservative misinformation; 2) posts relevant clips and content for public consumption on the Media Matters website; and 3) gathers internal rapid response research when needed.
The hours for the Researcher (Night Shift) are 4 p.m. through 12 p.m. or 5 p.m. through 1 a.m. eastern, Monday through Friday, with appropriate breaks.
Reporting structure:
The Researcher (Night Shift) reports to the Deputy Director of Rapid Response.
This is not a managerial position.
Primary responsibilities:
Monitoring: The Researcher (Night Shift) will conduct ongoing monitoring of news programs, outlets, and figures across multiple mediums, including television, radio, print, and online. The researcher will draft summaries and memos about trends and narratives.
Narrative building and content creation: The Researcher (Night Shift) will identify and synthesize emerging trends during regular media monitoring, including identifying priority segments and narratives. This may occasionally lead to the Researcher quickly drafting public-facing Media Matters web content that presents context and facts in a compelling, streamlined, and research-centered way.
Research: The Researcher (Night Shift) will be responsible for completing timely, short-term research assignments, using Media Matters’ internal databases, external research tools, and/or independent online research. The Researcher will package research into easily accessible and understandable internal research products.
Secondary responsibilities:
Percentage of time spent on each area will vary according to skills, needs, and experience.
Data collection: The Researcher (Night Shift) may coordinate, complete, and track short- and long-term data collection and analysis of media for quantitative studies as needed.
Editing: The Researcher (Night Shift) may occasionally edit transcripts posted to the Media Matters website.
Independently driven monitoring and research: The Researcher (Night Shift) may pitch and execute creative and impactful independent research projects, monitoring, and content.
Required qualifications:
Willing to work 4 p.m. to midnight ET (or 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET) weekdays
Demonstrated interest in media and understanding of the effects conservative misinformation has on the public debate
Strong research, writing, and communication skills
Ability to adapt to new technologies and systems quickly and effectively
Broad knowledge and awareness of current political and policy issues
Ability to quickly synthesize information about new topics and identify the most critical or interesting parts of a specific news story
Understanding of 24-hour news cycle and how to identify elements with viral potential
Alignment with Media Matters’ work culture, including:
Ability to operate effectively both independently and in a team
Demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines on a daily basis, multitask, and quickly adapt to new challenges in a fast-paced news cycle
Receptivity and responsiveness to both concrete and abstract feedback
Dedication to accuracy, with the ability to prioritize and keen attention to detail
Preferred qualifications:
One year of political or media experience preferred
Educational or professional experience in communications, writing, journalism, media studies or analysis, politics, or policy
Familiarity with Fox News prime time and right-wing media
Familiarity with media research tools such as LexisNexis
Media Matters for America offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. This role is part of Media Matters Union represented by the Service Employees International Union Local 500. As of February 2022, the salary for this position starts at $47,500 and is commensurate with experience.