Regional Media Analyst (CENTCOM Public Affairs Directorate)

Hoplite Group•Tampa, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Hoplite Group is seeking Regional Media 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 Regional Media Analysts team, composed of seven (7) analysts, plays a pivotal role in supporting the Public Affairs process within CENTCOM. This team is essential for providing multilingual monitoring and analysis of Area of Operations (AOR)-specific foreign news sources, delivering timely and contextualinsights on current events, and identifying trends on complex foreign affairs issues. Their work impacts public opinion and media sentiment, shaping strategic communication decisions. The Regional Media Analysts will use their expertise in languages such asArabic, Farsi, Mandarin, Russian, Hebrew, and Pashto to provide analysis for CCPA Leadership, Strategic Communication Planners, Media Operations Analysts, Assessment Analysts, and other personnel. Their ability to integrate their regional expertise with linguistic fluency will help ensure that public affairs efforts are appropriately coordinated across CENTCOM operations.

Requirements

Must have a minimum TS/SCI clearance prior to Contract award. Interim clearances will not be considered acceptable.
A Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent, with at least five (5) years of relevant experience in media analysis, regional studies, or related fields.
Extensive experience in monitoring various forms of media (newspapers, magazines, online news, television broadcasts, social media) within the CENTCOM AOR.
Must have 3/3/3 (or higher) proficiency in Reading, Speaking, Listening, and Writing according to the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) rating system or other comparable systems for languages like Arabic, Farsi, Mandarin, Russian, Hebrew, and Pashto.
Proficiency in organizing, analyzing, and interpreting media-related data, using tools such as Excel, SQL, or media monitoring software.
Strong ability to conduct in-depth research and synthesize findings into actionable insights.
Deep understanding of cultural, social, and political dynamics in the CENTCOM AOR, particularly regarding media consumption patterns and influences.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex findings to diverse stakeholders.
Ability to evaluate media content for bias, credibility, and relevance, identifying emerging trends or shifts in sentiment.

Nice To Haves

Establish and maintain relationships with key media professionals, experts, and government officials to gain valuable insights.

Responsibilities

Provide multilingual monitoring of news and media sources within the CENTCOM AOR, delivering contextual analysis of significant events in real time.
Identify and track media trends, focusing on political, economic, cultural, and security issues that influence public opinion and media sentiment.
Utilize foreign language proficiency and regional expertise to analyze complex issues, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
Offer in-depth regional expertise, including knowledge of international relations, U.S. foreign policy, trade, economics, security, and terrorism as they pertain to the CENTCOM AOR.
Advise CCPA leadership on the formulation of communication strategies based on media sentiment, regional dynamics, and key influencers.
Recommend which media personalities and influencers CCPA leadership should engage with and assess resulting media coverage from interviews and engagements.
Draft comprehensive reports on significant regional events, ensuring that they are relevant, timely, and suitable for sharing with CENTCOM senior leaders and subordinate commands.
Provide continuous analysis and updates on media coverage, tracking how issues evolve over time and how they impact public opinion
Provide cultural and language expertise to CCPA personnel, including written and oral translation and interpretation services.
Update CENTCOM’s foreign-language social media platforms with culturally sensitive content that aligns with CENTCOM’s communication strategies, themes, and messages.
Make informed recommendations on engagement methods (e.g., platform choice, timing) to ensure that communication strategies resonate with target audiences.
Be available to support urgent or unforeseen events, including providing analysis outside normal working hours during crises or other high-stakes situations.
Facilitate timely responses during crises, ensuring that communication strategies are adapted to the rapidly changing media landscape.
Accompany CCPA staff during travel to the CENTCOM area of responsibility or other locations as necessary, providing on-the-ground support for media monitoring and analysis.
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.