Research Assistant
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 to serve as a Research Assistant in the Editorial Department. Position will be remote through at least June 1, 2020, but is typically an on-site role in Washington, D.C.
Role Summary:
The Research Assistant will work with Editorial staff -- including the Senior Fellow, Research Fellow, Investigative Reporter, and Editor-at-Large -- to monitor daily and breaking news; identify long-term trends and undercovered issues; and help with the production of fact-checks, qualitative and quantitative analyses, and investigative pieces.
Reporting Structure:
- The Research Assistant Reports to the Editorial Director but works collaboratively with all members of the Editorial Department. This is not a managerial position.
Responsibilities:
- Monitoring: Helps to identify false or harmful narratives that advance a conservative agenda by watching targeted news outlets and listening to prominent right-wing radio shows, reading blogs and traditional print publications, and identifying emerging or trending falsehoods. Cuts video and audio using Media Matters tools as needed.
- Research Support: Researches, reviews, compiles, and synthesizes data and information on a broad range of topics related to the traditional and right-wing media. Cuts video and audio clips using Media Matters tools. Develops familiarity with a wide variety of reputable resources. Balances demands for timeliness and thoroughness.
- Data Analysis Assistance: Aids in the production of long-term data analysis projects, including helping develop concepts for such projects, producing methodologies, data collection, and analysis.
- Reporting: Helps with the reporting of investigative pieces by conducting research, interviews, and monitoring.
- Synthesis: Writes summary reports, chronologies, and briefing memos to help the Editorial team produce narrative posts, analyses, and investigative work.
Qualifications:
- 1+ year professional experience in research, media, politics, public policy, or related field; or, related and comparable educational experience
- Strong research, writing, and communication skills
- Ability to adapt to new technologies and systems quickly and effectively
- Broad knowledge and awareness of current political and policy issues
- Demonstrated interest in media and understanding of the effects conservative misinformation has on the public debate
- Alignment with Media Matters’ work culture, including:
- - Ability to operate effectively both independently and in a team setting
- - Demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines on a daily basis, organize long-lead projects, and quickly adapt to new challenges in a fast-paced news cycle
- - Receptivity and responsiveness to both concrete and abstract feedback
- - Dedication to accuracy, with the ability to prioritize and give keen attention to detail
Preferred qualifications:
- Familiarity with media research tools such as LexisNexis and content management systems
- Working knowledge of quantitative research methods
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. We can respond only to candidates whom we are contacting for an interview.
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 origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or disability.