Media Operations Analyst (CENTCOM Public Affairs Directorate)

Hoplite Group•Tampa, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Hoplite Group is seeking Media Operations Analysts 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 Team consists of eight (8)analysts who provide 24/7 strategic media operations support to the CENTCOM Public Affairs Directorate (CCPA). These analystsare divided into two primary roles: Five (5) analysts serve as watch standers in the CENTCOM Joint Operations Center (JOC), ensuring round-the-clock coverage. Three (3) analysts staff the Media Operations Desk, focusing on media engagement, query responses, and public affairs coordination. This rotational structure ensures all analysts develop a well-rounded skill set, combining real-time operational monitoring with proactive media engagement. Personnel assigned to the JOC will ensure 365-day, 24/7 coverage, including weekends and federal holidays, to support CCPA’s mission-critical communication efforts.

Requirements

Must have a minimum TS/SCI clearance prior to Contract award. Interim clearances will not be considered acceptable.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in public affairs, public relations, or corporate communications.
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
Proficiency in crafting clear, concise, and effective media communication products (press releases, talking points, etc.).
Deep understanding of media operations, crisis communication strategies, and the ability to forge and maintainrelationships with the Pentagon Press Corps and regional/international media.
Ability to work under pressure, manage complex situations, and interact confidently with senior military and civilian leadership.
Familiarity with Associated Press (AP) Style, Microsoft Office Suite, and SharePoint is essential.
Exceptional briefing, writing, and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of global communication strategies, social media platforms, and media relations.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (Master’s) is preferred for at least one of the analysts on the team
Previous experience with military public affairs is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Draft, research, and coordinate responses to media inquiries, ensuring accuracy and alignment with CENTCOM messaging.
Develop press releases, talking points, and response-to-query (RTQ) products to support CENTCOM’s strategic communication efforts.
Prepare senior leaders for media engagements by providing briefing materials, messaging guidance, and interview preparation support.
Assist in drafting official CENTCOM statements, ensuring clarity, precision, and adherence to public affairs guidance.
Conduct real-time monitoring and analysis of global media coverage related to CENTCOM operations.
Identify, track, and assess breaking news with potential impacts on CENTCOM, informing CCPA leadership immediately.
Provide rapid-response media analysis, drafting recommended talking points and response strategies to counter misinformation or clarify reporting.
Offer data-driven insights to inform leadership decision-making on media trends and potential public affairs challenges.
Provide crisis communication support during contingency operations, ensuring rapid, coordinated, and effective messaging.
Develop and disseminate Flash Reports, RTQs, and other urgent communication materials as events unfold.
Assist Crisis Action Teams (CAT) in coordinating public affairs responses during high-tempo operations.
Support 24/7 surge operations as needed, ensuring CENTCOM maintains a responsive and authoritative media presence.
Conduct media training for CENTCOM senior leaders, equipping them with effective communication strategies for press engagements.
Facilitate media embeds with key leadership events, ensuring proper coordination with military, government, and press stakeholders.
Liaise with U.S. Embassies, DoD agencies, and partner nations to ensure proper logistics and coordination for media interactions.
Support high-visibility events and press engagements, ensuring CENTCOM’s messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with U.S. strategic objectives.
Analysts may be required to travel to the National Capital Region (NCR), the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR), and other locations as necessary.
Provide on-site public affairs support for continuity of operations (COOP) requirements and other mission-essential activities.
Support CENTCOM senior leadership engagements across multiple regions, ensuring media operations align with broader operational goals.
search and collect data from diverse sources, including online platforms, databases, publications, and reports.
analyze the collected information to identify trends, patterns, and insights that may be valuable for theorganization. This will involve data analysis, content analysis, or other analytical techniques.
evaluate the credibility and reliability of the information gathered to ensure that accurate andtrustworthy data is used for decision-making.
prepare reports, summaries, or presentations based on analysis to communicate findings to relevant stakeholders within the organization.
continuously monitor sources for new information relevant to the organization and set up alerts or notifications to ensure timely awareness of important developments.
assess potential risks and opportunities based on the information gathered, helping the organization tomake informed decisions and mitigate potential threats.
collaborate with other Specialists or departments within the organization to share insights and coordinate responses to emerging issues.
stay updated on tools and technologies used for information gathering and analysis, suchas data mining software, social media monitoring tools, and analytical platforms.
engage with external stakeholders to exchange information, collaborate on analysis efforts, and build partnerships for mutual benefit.
ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards governing the collection and use ofpublicly and commercially available information, including privacy laws and intellectual property rights.
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.
During crisis situations or emergencies, provide real-time updates and analysis to support decision-making and response efforts.
ensure the accuracy, relevance, and reliability of the information analyzed, employing rigorous quality assurance processes to maintain high standards of data integrity.
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.