Regional Media Analyst – Mandarin

Red Gate Group•Tampa, FL

About The Position

The Red Gate Group is seeking a Regional Media Analyst with Mandarin language expertise to support the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Public Affairs Directorate (CCPA). This role is critical to shaping how CENTCOM understands, responds to, and engages with regional and global audiences across the Area of Responsibility (AOR). As a member of the Regional Media Analyst Team, you will provide multilingual media monitoring, real-time analysis, and strategic insight to CCPA leadership, Strategic Communication Planners, Media Operations Analysts, and Assessment Analysts. Your ability to integrate linguistic fluency, regional expertise, and media analysis will directly inform senior leader decision-making and ensure public affairs efforts are synchronized with CENTCOM operations and strategic objectives. CCPA serves as the principal advisor to the CENTCOM Commander on all internal and external communication strategies. The directorate ensures the American public and key regional audiences remain informed about CENTCOM operations that defeat adversaries, promote regional stability, and protect U.S. interests throughout the CENTCOM AOR. The Regional Media Analyst Team plays a pivotal role in this mission by delivering timely, culturally informed analysis of foreign-language media, assessing sentiment, identifying emerging narratives, and tracking how public opinion evolves across complex operational environments.

Requirements

Active TS/SCI clearance
Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent , with 5+ years of relevant experience in media analysis, regional studies, intelligence support, or related fields.
Extensive experience monitoring and analyzing: Foreign-language newspapers and magazines Online news platforms Television and broadcast media Social media and digital information environments
Mandarin language proficiency at ILR 3/3/3 or higher in Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing (or equivalent rating system).
Strong analytical writing skills with the ability to brief senior leaders clearly and concisely.

Nice To Haves

Data Analysis Skills: Experience organizing, analyzing, and interpreting media-related data using tools such as Excel, SQL, or media monitoring platforms
Cultural Awareness: Deep understanding of cultural, social, and political dynamics within the CENTCOM AOR, particularly as they relate to media consumption and influence.
Experience supporting strategic communications, public affairs, information operations, or influence activities
Experience working in high-tempo, operational environments requiring rapid analysis and responsiveness.

Responsibilities

Conduct multilingual monitoring of foreign news, broadcast, and social media sources across the CENTCOM AOR.
Provide real-time, contextual analysis of significant regional events, crises, and emerging narratives.
Identify, track, and assess media trends related to political, economic, cultural, and security issues that influence public opinion.
Analyze how media coverage evolves over time and assess its impact on regional perceptions of U.S. and coalition activities.
Apply Mandarin language proficiency and regional expertise to analyze complex foreign affairs issues with accuracy and cultural nuance.
Provide in-depth regional insight on international relations, U.S. foreign policy, trade, economics, security, and terrorism as they relate to the CENTCOM AOR.
Ensure all analysis reflects a deep understanding of regional media ecosystems, information environments, and influence dynamics.
Advise CCPA leadership and communication planners on media sentiment, key narratives, and influential voices shaping regional discourse.
Recommend media personalities, outlets, and influencers for potential engagement.
Assess and report on media coverage resulting from interviews, engagements, and public affairs activities.
Draft clear, concise, and actionable reports suitable for CENTCOM senior leaders and subordinate commands.
Update CENTCOM foreign-language social media platforms with culturally appropriate content aligned to command themes and messages.
Recommend optimal engagement methods, including platform selection and timing, to maximize audience resonance.
Develop recurring and ad hoc media products, briefs, and summaries in support of CCPA priorities.
Accompany CCPA staff during travel within the CENTCOM AOR or other locations, providing on-the-ground media monitoring and analytical support.
Support urgent or unforeseen events, including crisis response, by providing analysis outside normal working hours as required.