Regional Media Analyst

Hoplite Group•Tampa, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Hoplite Group is seeking a Regional Media 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. Regional Media Analyst play a vital role in supporting CENTCOM public affairs by monitoring and analyzing AOR-specific foreign news and digital media sources, providing timely, contextual, and multilingual insights into current events and trends that influence public opinion and media sentiment. They apply advanced language proficiency and regional expertise to advise leadership, planners, and specialists across CCPA, ensuring communication strategies are well-informed and culturally appropriate. Their responsibilities include assessing the impact of foreign policy, economics, security, and terrorism issues within the region, as well as identifying and engaging key media personalities and influencers. Regional Media Specialists also prepare leadership with foreign language news analysis, produce flash reports on crises or major events, and deliver culturally informed recommendations for CENTCOM messaging. They support translation and interpretation needs, update foreign language social media platforms with sensitive and effective content, and remain prepared to respond to emergent 24/7 operational requirements in times of crisis or unforeseen events.

Requirements

Demonstrated expertise in international relations and regional affairs relevant to the CENTCOM AOR, including trade, U.S. foreign policy, economics, security, and terrorism.
Professional fluency (ILR 3+ or higher in Reading, Speaking, Listening, and Writing) in one or more of the following required languages: Arabic, Farsi, Urdu, Russian, Hebrew, or Turkish (Mandarin, Dari, and Pashto as optional additions per staffing matrix).
Proven ability to monitor, analyze, and interpret foreign media and social media sources, identifying trends that influence public opinion and media sentiment.
Experience providing actionable analysis and recommendations to senior leaders in military, government, or international settings.
Strong skills in identifying, evaluating, and engaging with key media personalities and influencers across the region.
Ability to develop and deliver high-quality written reports, flash reports, and briefings under tight deadlines.
Familiarity with digital communications and social media management, including updating foreign-language platforms with culturally sensitive content.
Experience with translation and interpretation services (written and audio) in support of operational or strategic communication efforts.
Excellent research, critical thinking, and analytical skills with attention to cultural nuance.
Strong collaboration and communication abilities to work effectively with CCPA leadership, planners, and specialists.
Flexibility to support 24/7 surge operations during crises, emergent events, or as directed by CCPA leadership.
SECRET Security Clearance Required
Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Communications, Regional Studies, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

Responsibilities

Provide multilingual monitoring of AOR-specific foreign news sources, delivering timely and contextual analysis of current events and affairs, including trend analysis on complex foreign issues that shape public opinion and media sentiment.
Apply foreign language fluency and regional expertise to support CCPA leadership, Strategic Communication Planners, Media Operations Specialists, Assessment Specialists, Open-Source Intelligence Specialists, and other personnel to ensure integration and coordination of public affairs efforts.
Utilize extensive knowledge of international relations relevant to the CENTCOM AOR, including trade, U.S. foreign policy, regional policy, economics, security, and terrorism.
Deliver insightful, objective analysis to assist and advise CCPA personnel on the development of communication strategies within the CENTCOM AOR.
Identify key media personalities and influencers in the AOR, recommend engagement strategies, facilitate interviews, and evaluate resulting media coverage.
Maintain proficiency at 3+ or higher in Reading, Speaking, Listening, and Writing, as rated by the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR), in one or more required languages: Arabic, Farsi, Urdu, Russian, Hebrew, Turkish, with the option for Mandarin, Dari, and Pashto as outlined in the staffing matrix.
Support emergent 24/7 surge requirements outside normal working hours in the event of crises or other unforeseen events, as directed by CCPA leadership.
Provide foreign language news and digital media analysis and recommendations to CCPA leadership, proactively identifying the social, political, economic, and religious motivations behind major news and social media influencers.
Create and disseminate “Flash Reports” upon discovery of significant crises, attacks, or major news stories with CENTCOM equities.
Provide regional, cultural, and language expertise, including written and audio translations or interpretation services, to CCPA personnel.
Update CENTCOM foreign language social media platforms with culturally sensitive content aligned with key CENTCOM themes, messages, and strategies, while making qualitative and quantitative recommendations on adjustments to timing, content, or platforms.
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 the organization. This will involve data analysis, content analysis, or other analytical techniques.
evaluate the credibility and reliability of the information gathered to ensure that accurate and trustworthy 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 to make 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, such as 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 of publicly 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.