Media Programs Research Lead

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

Benefits

Additional Information

Welcome to Planet. We believe in using space to help life on Earth. Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. This constellation delivers an unprecedented dataset of empirical information via a revolutionary cloud-based platform to authoritative figures in commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors. We are both a space company and data company all rolled into one. Customers and users across the globe use Planet's data to develop new technologies, drive revenue, power research, and solve our world's toughest obstacles. As we control every component of hardware design, manufacturing, data processing, and software engineering, our office is a truly inspiring mix of experts from a variety of domains. We have a people-centric approach toward culture and community and we strive to iterate in a way that puts our team members first and prepares our company for growth. Join Planet and be a part of our mission to change the way people see the world. Planet is a global company with employees working remotely world wide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.

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