Media Operations Analyst

Hoplite Group•Tampa, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Bottom Line Up Front: Hoplite Group is seeking a Media Operations Analyst to support contracted services for the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Public Affairs Directorate (CCPA). This contract will include executing communication strategies and ensuring accurate, timely information to U.S. and regional audiences. It will employ digital tools to monitor, collect, translate, and analyze traditional and social media across CENTCOM’s 21-nation area of responsibility, supporting senior leader decision-making, correcting misinformation, and aiding counter-propaganda efforts. Services will include strategic communication planning, media engagement, crisis response, training, and quality assurance. The Media Operations Analyst serves as a vital liaison between CENTCOM leadership and the media, supporting 24/7 operations, crisis response, and strategic communications. The role involves monitoring and analyzing press coverage, drafting and coordinating official statements, producing media products, and providing real-time feedback to leadership. Specialists assist senior leaders with media engagements, public briefings, and spokesperson preparation while also planning and coordinating journalist embeds. They are expected to relocate or deploy as required under the Continuity of Operations plan, travel with leadership for media support, and deliver accurate, timely communications in high-pressure environments. Strong judgment, communication skills, and the ability to manage sensitive information are essential.

Requirements

Minimum 3–5 years of professional experience in public affairs, media relations, or military communication support.
Prior experience supporting U.S. military operations, government agencies, or working in high-pressure media environments.
Strong knowledge of media relations, news cycles, and crisis communication strategies.
Proven ability to draft press releases, talking points, official statements, and briefing materials under tight deadlines.
Skilled in real-time media monitoring, open-source intelligence gathering, and producing analytical media reports.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and media monitoring/analysis tools.
Excellent oral and written communication skills; confident public speaker and briefer.
Ability to engage with senior military leaders, government officials, and journalists with professionalism and discretion.
Strong judgment and decision-making skills, especially in crisis or contingency situations.
Willingness and ability to support 24/7 operations, including nights, weekends, and surge requirements during crises.
Ability to relocate or travel on short notice in support of the CENTCOM Continuity of Operations (COOP) plan and temporary duty (TDY) assignments.
Experience coordinating media embeds, press briefings, and executive-level engagements.
Top Secret/Secure Classified Information (TS/SCI) Security Clearance Required
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, International Relations, or related field (Master’s preferred).

Responsibilities

Serve as rotational watch standers in the CENTCOM Joint Operations Center (JOC) and at the media operations desk.
Rotate between the JOC and media desk to build expertise, following schedules set by the Program Manager, Media Chief, and CCPA Director.
Support 24/7 JOC operations according to approved shift schedules.
Relocate as required under the CENTCOM Continuity of Operations (COOP) plan.
Support short-notice temporary duty (TDY) assignments within CONUS for COOP activities.
Travel with the CENTCOM Commander or CCPA Director as directed to provide media escort, SME preparation, and other media operations duties.
Research, write, and coordinate responses to media queries; distribute approved statements and releases; provide updates to CCPA staff and other sections.
Obtain and report on operational products and significant AOR events.
Brief and interact with senior command leaders, requiring strong communication, sound judgment, and confident presentation skills.
Conduct media monitoring and provide real-time feedback on news and press coverage of key CENTCOM issues; alert leadership to breaking coverage and propose responses.
Draft statements or responses to media queries under U.S. Government supervision and distribute after approval.
Support emergent 24/7 surge requirements outside normal working hours in crisis or contingency situations.
Prepare and present briefing materials for senior leaders (e.g., Commander’s Update Brief, Operations & Intelligence Brief, Theater Update Brief, Senior National Representative Brief).
Capture reporting, official statements, transcripts, and other materials of CENTCOM interest to draft products for leadership.
Produce and distribute daily “CENTCOM News Clips” and other media products; analyze worldwide reporting and provide predictive assessments and recommendations.
Research, draft, and coordinate Responses to Query (RTQs); develop Talking Points (TPs) to support record correction and counter inaccurate reporting.
Provide public affairs support to Crisis Action Teams (CAT), Focal Point Operations Center (FPOC), and other contingency response efforts.
Create and disseminate “Flash Reports” during crises, attacks, or major news events with CENTCOM equities.
Deliver media engagement expertise and SME preparation for senior CENTCOM leaders and designated spokespersons.
Assist with periodic public affairs briefings (e.g., DVIDs, Pentagon Press Corps, Dubai Media Hub), including preparing spokespeople, creating talking points, coordinating logistics, and capturing notes.
Develop and provide inputs to the CENTCOM Commander’s “Trip Book” with executive-level products for media engagements.
Plan and coordinate media embeds with CENTCOM leadership; synchronize schedules, visas, and logistics with CENTCOM and U.S. Embassy staff; provide routine status updates to CCPA leadership.
Information Gathering: search and collect data from diverse sources, including online platforms, databases, publications, and reports.
Analysis: analyze the collected information to identify trends, patterns, and insights that may be valuable for the organization. This will involve data analysis, content analysis, or other analytical techniques.
Assessment of Credibility: evaluate the credibility and reliability of the information gathered to ensure that accurate and trustworthy data is used for decision-making.
Reporting: prepare reports, summaries, or presentations based on analysis to communicate findings to relevant stakeholders within the organization.
Monitoring and Alerting: continuously monitor sources for new information relevant to the organization and set up alerts or notifications to ensure timely awareness of important developments.
Risk Assessment: assess potential risks and opportunities based on the information gathered, helping the organization to make informed decisions and mitigate potential threats.
Collaboration: collaborate with other Specialists or departments within the organization to share insights and coordinate responses to emerging issues.
Tool and Technology Utilization: stay updated on tools and technologies used for information gathering and analysis, such as data mining software, social media monitoring tools, and analytical platforms.
Stakeholder Engagement: engage with external stakeholders to exchange information, collaborate on analysis efforts, and build partnerships for mutual benefit.
Legal and Ethical Compliance: ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards governing the collection and use of publicly and commercially available information, including privacy laws and intellectual property rights.
Training and Development: provide training to colleagues on effective methods for gathering and analyzing publicly and commercially available information or contribute to the development of best practices within the organization.
Crisis Response: During crisis situations or emergencies, provide real-time updates and analysis to support decision-making and response efforts.
Quality Assurance: ensure the accuracy, relevance, and reliability of the information analyzed, employing rigorous quality assurance processes to maintain high standards of data integrity.
Strategic Planning: participate in strategic planning processes by providing insights and recommendations based on the analysis of publicly and commercially available information, helping to shape the organization's goals and priorities.