About the Role:The Media Programs Research Lead will join Planet's Communications team to support the operations of the Media and Think Tank Program (MTTP). The MTTP works with reporters and subject matter experts at think tanks to use Planet's images and products to report on disasters, environmental stories, geopolitical events, and other news of global interest. This person will collaborate internally with a broad range of Planet stakeholders, including Marketing, technical and NGO-focused teams, as well as externally with journalists and experts to provide insights into, and on top of, Planet data.
The ideal candidate is well-versed in geopolitics and has experience working with satellite data, is curious with an eye for compelling stories, and enjoys developing creative approaches to visualizing and explaining complex subjects.
This is a full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our San Francisco, CA or D.C. office in Arlington, VA 3 days per week.
Impact You'll Own:- Proactively identify and develop stories relevant to current events that showcase the value of Planet's data and analytic products
- Analyze satellite data as well as other earth observation data to document and explain events of general interest
- Collaborate with Communications and Data Visualization teams on ideas for proactive storytelling and image packages to send to media and research customers and partners
- Support rapid response efforts during crisis news events with image identification and analysis
- Build and maintain relationships with reporters, analysts, and subject matter experts
What You Bring:- 4+ years experience working in a newsroom, think tank, or as a data analyst
- Experience analyzing and interpreting satellite imagery
- Experience with GIS tools and/or Adobe Photoshop
- Experience supporting multiple projects simultaneously
- Experience working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to work in a dynamic environment across multiple time zones
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills; fluent in written and spoken English
What Makes You Stand Out:- Experience working with open source investigative tools, datasets and methods
- Ability and comfort communicating results to external audiences
- Relationships within think tank and press communities
Application Deadline:September 11, 2026 by 11:59pm PM
Benefits While Working at Planet:These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy.
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution
- Generous Paid Time Off in addition to holidays and company-wide days off
- 16 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave
- Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Home Office Reimbursement
- Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
- Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
- Equity
- Commuter Benefits (if local to an office)
- Volunteering Paid Time Off
Compensation:The US base salary range for this full-time position at the commencement of employment is listed below. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives (bonus and equity). The final salary range is determined by job related experience, skills and location. The range displays our typical hiring range for new hire salaries in US locations only. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
San Francisco Salary Range
$90,200-$112,700 USD
US National Salary Range
$79,300-$99,100 USD
San Francisco Fair Chance OrdinancePursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
