Media Research Analyst

Company Overview

Pantheon Data (a Kenific Holding company) is a private, small business based in the Washington, DC, area. Pantheon Data was founded in 2011, initially providing acquisition and supply chain management services to the US Coast Guard. Our service offerings have grown in the past ten years, including infrastructure resiliency, contact center operations, information technology, software engineering, program management, strategic communications, engineering, and cybersecurity. We have also grown our customer base to include commercial clients. The company has used this experience to expand our service offerings to other agencies within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Defense (DoD), and other Federal Civilian Agencies.

Position Overview

The Media Research Analyst supports a high-visibility defense organization's public affairs and strategic communication objectives by monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the information environment across traditional media, digital and social media platforms, trade publications, and influential commentators. The Analyst provides timely situational awareness, sentiment assessments, and trend analysis to support leadership decision-making, message development, and strategic communications planning.

Responsibilities

Media Monitoring and Analysis

• Monitor national, regional, and international news outlets, broadcast media, and online publications for issues affecting programs, operations, and maritime interests.
• Track coverage across defense, maritime, and industry trade publications to identify emerging narratives, trends, and stakeholder perspectives.
• Analyze media tone, themes, and message penetration to assess public understanding and perception.
• Identify potential reputational risks and emerging issues requiring communication response.

Social Media and Digital Environment Assessment

• Monitor social media platforms, blogs, podcasts, forums, and other digital channels for conversations relevant to missions and programs.
• Assess sentiment, engagement trends, and narrative development across online communities.
• Identify viral content, misinformation, disinformation, and other information threats that may impact public understanding or stakeholder confidence.
• Produce social media analytics and trend reports to inform communication strategies.

Commentary and Influencer Analysis

• Track commentary from defense analysts, journalists, academics, think tanks, retired military leaders, and other influential voices shaping public discourse.
• Evaluate opinions and narratives presented by subject matter experts and media personalities within the defense and maritime communities.
• Assess the impact of influential commentators on stakeholder perceptions and policy discussions.
• Maintain awareness of key voices and emerging influencers affecting the information environment.

Reporting and Products

• Produce daily media summaries, executive briefings, and issue reports (one key deliverable due at 0600).
• Develop media assessments, sentiment analyses, and communication effectiveness metrics.
• Prepare rapid-response reports for high-visibility events or emerging issues.
• Provide recommendations regarding messaging opportunities, audience engagement, and potential communication risks.
• Support after-action reviews and communication campaign assessments.

Stakeholder Awareness

• Maintain awareness of Department of War, Department of the Navy, congressional, industry, and public stakeholder interests.
• Monitor issues related to shipbuilding, maintenance, acquisition, readiness, maritime operations, and defense policy.
• Coordinate with public affairs personnel and communication teams to ensure awareness of significant media developments.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, International Affairs, or related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in media analysis, public affairs, strategic communications, journalism, intelligence analysis, or related discipline.
• Experience monitoring and analyzing traditional, digital, and social media.
• Knowledge of media analytics tools and content monitoring platforms.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to synthesize large volumes of information into concise, actionable products.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work effectively remotely in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to meet deadlines and produce quality work.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience supporting Department of Defense, Department of the Navy, or federal government communications programs.
• Familiarity with defense, maritime, and national security issues.
• Experience using media monitoring and analytics platforms such as Meltwater, Cision, Sprinklr, or similar tools.
• Understanding of information operations, misinformation/disinformation trends, and strategic communications principles.
• Active Secret security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.

Operational Support Requirements

• Support a dynamic operational environment requiring timely production of media monitoring products, executive summaries, and communication assessments.
• Provide flexibility to support nontraditional work hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, as mission requirements dictate.
• Maintain the ability to respond to emerging events, breaking news, crisis communications, and high-visibility issues to ensure delivery of time-sensitive products and situational awareness reports.
• Support surge operations and short-notice tasking to meet customer requirements and reporting deadlines.
• Coordinate with government personnel and communication teams to ensure continuity of media monitoring and analysis during periods of heightened operational tempo.

Clearance Requirements

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements. Secret Clearance is required for continued employment.

Work Location: Washington Navy Yard; Onsite 5 days per week

• Our company prioritizes the benefits of flexibility and collaboration, whether that happens in person or remotely.
• If the position is remote or hybrid, you may periodically work from a Pantheon Data office location or client site.
• If this position is assigned to a Pantheon Data office location or client site, you'll work with colleagues and clients in person, as needed for specific client requirements.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $110,000. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.

Benefits Overview

We are always looking for good people! Pantheon Data is committed to providing its employees with competitive salaries and benefits in order to increase employee satisfaction and productivity. In addition to our benefits, we also offer SmartBenefits through the Washington Metro Area Transportation Authority, where you specify an amount of your pre-tax wages be paid directly to your SmarTrip account. In some cases, tuition assistance may be available for continuing education expenses and certifications related to their position. Additional details may be found at https://pantheon-data.com/careers/

Pantheon Data Important Information

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

As part of the application process, you are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our Talent Team at [email protected] or by phone (571) 363-4020.

This company uses E-Verify to confirm each employee's work authorization. For more information, click here E-Verify Participation Poster