Public Affairs Research & Media Analyst

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Description

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY

Earthjustice is the nation's leading environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, preserve magnificent places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. We are here because the Earth needs a good lawyer .

Driven by a passion for justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence, our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected.

Position Summary

In addition to a talented cadre of environmental lawyers and legislative advocates, Earthjustice has an amazing Communications department that works in partnership with every other department at the organization.

The Public Affairs Research & Media Analyst supports the Public Affairs and Communications (PAC) team by providing strategic insights grounded in media monitoring, research, and message analysis. This role is responsible for message and polling research, as well as tracking and analyzing media coverage across issue areas, identifying trends, and translating findings into actionable recommendations that strengthen organizational messaging and campaign strategy.

The Analyst develops regular media reports and briefing memos for the PAC team, synthesizing research, polling, and message testing to inform decision-making. They collaborate closely with Creative, Marketing, and Digital teams to ensure message guidance is aligned across channels and campaigns. This role also supports PAC leadership with research-driven project management, administrative coordination, and cross-team collaboration.

In addition, the Analyst manages key media intelligence tools and subscriptions, including Muckrack, ensuring the team has accurate, timely access to coverage, journalist insights, and industry trends. Through ongoing engagement with coalitions and the broader environmental community, the Analyst stays current on emerging message frameworks, research, and best practices to continuously strengthen the organization’s communications approach.

This is a non-supervisory position.

The Public Affairs and Communications Media Analyst is expected to work a full-time (37.5 hours/week) schedule. Preference will be given to candidates willing to work hybrid from our DC office, but remote candidates within the US will also be considered.

What You’ll Do

  • Media Monitoring & Analysis (40%)
    • Track and analyze daily media coverage across all issues to identify narrative trends, emerging risks, and opportunities
    • Produce regular media reports and insight for the PAC team and senior leadership, as well as manage media tools, like Muckrack.
    • Develop data-informed recommendations to strengthen messaging, spokesperson strategy, and campaign framing
    • Produce accurate, quality, and timely work in an ever-shifting landscape of news, technology, politics, and law. Adopt a flexible approach to meeting rapid response moments and pivot strategies where needed.

  • Research, Polling, & Message Testing (30%)
    • Support PAC research initiatives, including polling analysis, message testing, and audience research
    • Synthesize complex research findings into clear, actionable guidance for communications staff
    • Maintain a repository of research, polling, and messaging guidance resources for team use
    • Set data-informed, mission-driven goals and benchmarks. Continuously test and refine strategies to ensure they are delivering positive outcomes for Earthjustice.

  • Strategic Briefing & Cross-Team Collaboration (20%)
    • Draft briefing memos based on compiled research across issue areas.
    • Collaborate with communication teams to ensure message alignment across channels and engage with coalitions and partner organizations to stay current on message guides, polling, and best practices.
    • Work collaboratively across teams to build and/or execute integrated strategies that support institutional and departmental priorities.
    • Support campaign planning by providing research-backed strategic input during key moments

  • Administrative and Professional Development (10%)
    • Attend and contribute to team meetings, support project management, and collaborate across the department on knowledge sharing and content planning.
    • Attend events, webinars, and trainings as professional development.
    • Attend internal DEI learning opportunities to increase awareness of creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment.
What You’ll Bring

  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, political science, public policy, or a related field or comparable work experience.
  • 2+ years in media monitoring, communications research, public affairs, or related field, and familiarity with environmental, social justice, or public interest advocacy communications.
  • Demonstrated experience analyzing media trends and synthesizing findings into strategic recommendations.
  • Strong research skills, including experience supporting polling, message testing, or audience research projects.
  • Experience drafting memos, message guidance, or strategic communications materials for internal stakeholders.
  • Proficiency managing media monitoring tools and subscriptions (e.g., Muckrack or similar platforms).
  • Experience collaborating cross-functionally with Creative, Marketing, and Digital teams.
  • Ability to translate complex issues into compelling, accessible communications.
  • Ability to prioritize, manage multiple deadlines, and respond quickly to new opportunities and developments.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with other staff to meet shared cross-team goals and give honest, constructive, respectful feedback.
  • Demonstrated commitment to Earthjustice’s values of Justice, Excellence, Inclusion, and Partnership.

Physical Requirements

This role may require the ability to:

  • Sit for extended periods with occasional standing and walking
  • Type, file, and/or handle office equipment
  • Lift and carry materials
  • Read documents, conduct computer work and document review
  • Conduct consultations, meetings, court proceedings, and have telephone communications (applies for active litigating roles)
  • Travel to courts, client locations and other legal proceedings as required (applies for active litigating roles)

Salary & Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and excellent, comprehensive benefits. We also offer a casual and congenial work environment.

Salaries at Earthjustice are determined by working location and are commensurate with the experience required.

  • Salary range in San Francisco, CA and New York, NY: $104,300 - $115,900
  • Salary range in Washington, D.C., Chicago, IL, Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA: $99,200 - $110,200
  • Salary range in Denver, CO and Philadelphia, PA: $94,000 - $104,400
  • Salary range in Miami, FL, Bozeman, MT, and New Orleans, LA: $88,700 - $98,600
  • Remote salary range will vary depending on specific location: $88,700 - $115,900

TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit the following materials via Jobvite. Applications submitted by March 6 will be given priority, and applications received after the priority deadline may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the role is filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

  • Resume.
  • Cover letter.

Information about our hiring process and tips for success can be found at https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/hiring-process. Please reach out to [email protected] if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application.

PLEASE NOTE

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for personnel so classified.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.

For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.