Public Affairs Research & Media Analyst

Earthjustice•Washington, DC

8d•$88,700 - $115,900•Hybrid

About The Position

In addition to a talented cadre of environmental lawyers and legislative advocates, Earthjustice has an amazing Communications department that works in partnership with every other department at the organization. The Public Affairs Research & Media Analyst supports the Public Affairs and Communications (PAC) team by providing strategic insights grounded in media monitoring, research, and message analysis. This role is responsible for message and polling research, as well as tracking and analyzing media coverage across issue areas, identifying trends, and translating findings into actionable recommendations that strengthen organizational messaging and campaign strategy. The Analyst develops regular media reports and briefing memos for the PAC team, synthesizing research, polling, and message testing to inform decision-making. They collaborate closely with Creative, Marketing, and Digital teams to ensure message guidance is aligned across channels and campaigns. This role also supports PAC leadership with research-driven project management, administrative coordination, and cross-team collaboration. In addition, the Analyst manages key media intelligence tools and subscriptions, including Muckrack, ensuring the team has accurate, timely access to coverage, journalist insights, and industry trends. Through ongoing engagement with coalitions and the broader environmental community, the Analyst stays current on emerging message frameworks, research, and best practices to continuously strengthen the organization’s communications approach. This is a non-supervisory position. The Public Affairs and Communications Media Analyst is expected to work a full-time (37.5 hours/week) schedule. Preference will be given to candidates willing to work hybrid from our DC office, but remote candidates within the US will also be considered.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, political science, public policy, or a related field or comparable work experience.
2+ years in media monitoring, communications research, public affairs, or related field, and familiarity with environmental, social justice, or public interest advocacy communications.
Demonstrated experience analyzing media trends and synthesizing findings into strategic recommendations.
Strong research skills, including experience supporting polling, message testing, or audience research projects.
Experience drafting memos, message guidance, or strategic communications materials for internal stakeholders.
Proficiency managing media monitoring tools and subscriptions (e.g., Muckrack or similar platforms).
Experience collaborating cross-functionally with Creative, Marketing, and Digital teams.
Ability to translate complex issues into compelling, accessible communications.
Ability to prioritize, manage multiple deadlines, and respond quickly to new opportunities and developments.
Ability to work collaboratively with other staff to meet shared cross-team goals and give honest, constructive, respectful feedback.
Demonstrated commitment to Earthjustice’s values of Justice, Excellence, Inclusion, and Partnership.

Responsibilities

Media Monitoring & Analysis (40%)
Track and analyze daily media coverage across all issues to identify narrative trends, emerging risks, and opportunities
Produce regular media reports and insight for the PAC team and senior leadership, as well as manage media tools, like Muckrack.
Develop data-informed recommendations to strengthen messaging, spokesperson strategy, and campaign framing
Produce accurate, quality, and timely work in an ever-shifting landscape of news, technology, politics, and law. Adopt a flexible approach to meeting rapid response moments and pivot strategies where needed.
Research, Polling, & Message Testing (30%)
Support PAC research initiatives, including polling analysis, message testing, and audience research
Synthesize complex research findings into clear, actionable guidance for communications staff
Maintain a repository of research, polling, and messaging guidance resources for team use
Set data-informed, mission-driven goals and benchmarks. Continuously test and refine strategies to ensure they are delivering positive outcomes for Earthjustice.
Strategic Briefing & Cross-Team Collaboration (20%)
Draft briefing memos based on compiled research across issue areas.
Collaborate with communication teams to ensure message alignment across channels and engage with coalitions and partner organizations to stay current on message guides, polling, and best practices.
Work collaboratively across teams to build and/or execute integrated strategies that support institutional and departmental priorities.
Support campaign planning by providing research-backed strategic input during key moments
Administrative and Professional Development (10%)
Attend and contribute to team meetings, support project management, and collaborate across the department on knowledge sharing and content planning.
Attend events, webinars, and trainings as professional development.
Attend internal DEI learning opportunities to increase awareness of creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment.