Researcher at Media Matters for America

[Andrea L. Alford]

Apply here: https://mmfa.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=81

Researcher

Research · Washington, District of Columbia

Researcher 

Media Matters for America -- a progressive, Washington, D.C.-based, nonprofit research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media -- seeks a candidate with strong research instincts, intellectual curiosity, and enthusiasm for our mission to join our Research Department team as a Researcher.  

Role Summary: The Researcher works within a team of fellow Researchers and Senior Researchers to tackle short- and long-term media research tasks on a daily basis. Researchers’ daily responsibilities include media monitoring; identifying emerging narrative trends and styles of conservative misinformation; fielding short-term, timely media research and fact-check requests; producing polished internal research products on specific topics, media narratives, or emerging stories; and working collaboratively on long-term, large-scale research projects. Researchers also regularly produce research-heavy written content for the Media Matters website. Researchers are generalists who must quickly get up to speed on the stories of the day, but they also have the support structure and opportunities to develop specialized interests within this set of core responsibilities. 

Reporting Structure: 

The Researcher reports directly to the Research Directors and works closely and collaboratively with fellow Researchers and Senior Researchers. 

Responsibilities:  
Strategic Research 

·       Complete timely, short-term research assignments, using Media Matters’ internal databases, external research tools, and/or independent online research 

·       Package research into easily accessible and understandable internal research products 

·       Contribute to collaborative, long-term research projects as assigned 

·       Develop deep familiarity with Media Matters’ priority outlets, shows, and media figures

·       Pitch and execute independent research projects and content, harnessing strategic thinking and intellectual curiosity 

Content Production 

·       Quickly draft public-facing Media Matters web content that presents context and facts in a compelling, streamlined, and research-centered way

Media Monitoring 

·       Contribute to organization-wide pool of daily media monitoring by tracking and internally flagging select broadcast, cable, radio, print and online news stories, as well as social media monitoring as assigned

·       Perform standard exploratory media monitoring tasks for specialized outlets and media landscapes, such as local news or issue-specific media

·       Develop a strong familiarity with Media Matters’ best practices for identifying and synthesizing emerging trends and potential priority segments and narratives during regular media monitoring 

Required Qualifications:  

·       Demonstrated interest in media and understanding of the effects conservative misinformation has on the public debate

·       Demonstrated strategic, creative, and thorough approach to completing research tasks large and small 

·       Meticulous attention to detail and uncompromising commitment to accuracy in research

·       Ability to quickly synthesize information about new topics and identify the most critical or interesting parts of a specific news story

·       Ability to multitask and adjust in fast-paced and high-pressure situations within a 24/7 news cycle 

·       Flexibility to work within rapid news cycles, often outside of typical 9-5 hours 

·       Ability to adapt to new technologies and systems quickly and effectively

·       Strong writing and analysis skills

Preferred Qualifications: 

·       Experience in producing deadline-oriented web content and/or complex research reports against hard deadlines

·       Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Media Studies, Political Science, Public Policy, Sociology, or a related field, or equivalent work experience

·       Familiarity with AP style for writing and grammar

·       Familiarity with media research tools such as LexisNexis 

Compensation: Media Matters for America offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. This role is part of the Media Matters Union represented by the Service Employees International Union Local 500. The salary for this position starts at $42,000, and is commensurate with experience.

How to Apply:

Please visit https://www.mediamatters.org/jobs to apply through our online portal. No phone calls, please. 

Media Matters for America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, national