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Threat Intelligence Analyst

Summary

Monitors online extremism and targeted violence in the US, analyzing discourse across platforms to identify threats to public officials, communities, and critical infrastructure. Produces evidence-based intelligence reports, flash bulletins, and deep dives using OSINT methods, data analysis, and writing.

Moonshot is currently recruiting an Analyst to support delivery of threat intelligence reports monitoring online extremism and targeted violence in the US. You will analyze discourse across online spaces to identify patterns and threats to public officials, vulnerable communities, and critical infrastructure.

Candidates must be based in MA, CO, NY, VA, GA, PA, MD, WI, TN, OR, NJ, or DC. Occasional travel may be required.

In this role, you will gather and analyze open source data, and carry out aspects of delivery for insights products designed for a variety of US based customers. We are seeking a candidate with strong research instincts, sound analytical judgment, and excellent writing ability. A core responsibility will be continuously scanning and monitoring online spaces associated with targeted violence, and translating findings into clear, evidence based written products.

While there will be room to grow into the role, we expect the successful candidate to have some prior experience monitoring extremist activity online, whether in a professional, academic, or independent research capacity. Familiarity with data analysis or visualization tools, such as Python, Tableau, or Kibana, is a plus.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Continuous monitoring of online spaces relevant to targeted violence, to identify threats toward public officials, vulnerable communities, and critical infrastructure.
  • Drafting weekly intelligence reports and flash bulletins, with clear, evidence based sections and analytical assessments.
  • Identifying, collecting, and analyzing information from a range of data sources, including social media, violent extremist materials, and other sources covered by our in house tools.
  • Maintaining databases, and conducting regular reviews of social media and messaging platforms for inclusion in the project.
  • Researching and drafting deep dives into trends and themes identified within online extremist ecosystems.
  • Working to demanding, high tempo reporting schedules for clients.
  • Developing and sharing subject matter expertise related to violent extremism and online harms across the organization.
  • Participating in client briefings, adjusting delivery and framing based on the audience and their familiarity with the subject matter.
  • Identifying inefficiencies in monitoring or reporting workflows, and proposing process improvements to team leadership.
  • Building relationships with clients, and supporting business development by identifying opportunities for new projects of interest to them.

Requirements

Essential:

  • Professional, academic, or independent research experience monitoring extremist or violent online ecosystems.
  • Comfort working with content depicting violence and harassment.
  • Professional experience involving analysis and investigation using open source investigation (OSINT) methods, particularly on mainstream and fringe social media platforms.
  • Strong analytical writing, with the ability to distinguish between evidence and assessment.
  • An ability to problem solve, troubleshoot, and develop innovative solutions to complex research issues.
  • Ability to scan large volumes of data and identify the most valuable pieces of information.
  • Experience using AI tools to support research or writing workflows, or a strong interest in learning to do so.
  • A demonstrable ability to work under strict timelines, take action, and get things done, both in managing your own workload and as part of a team.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently manage a body of ongoing work with minimal oversight.
  • Excellent teamworking skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and respond flexibly to challenges.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Candidates must be eligible to work in the US, and will be required to undertake and pass any relevant security clearance procedures per client needs.

Desirable:

  • Familiarity with threat assessment frameworks.
  • Background in political violence, security studies, or a related field.
  • Understanding of different ideological threat landscapes.
  • Experience working with social listening tools.
  • Familiarity with quantitative or data visualization tools, such as SQL, Python, Tableau, or Kibana.
  • Interest in deepening subject matter expertise, and taking on greater ownership of reporting streams over time.
  • Fluency in languages other than English, particularly Arabic.

Benefits

  • 15 days paid vacation leave, plus Federal holidays and 1 day additional paid leave for Native American Heritage Day.
  • Flexible public holiday policy with the option to work federal holidays in exchange for a day off at another time.
  • Full private healthcare package, including coverage for partners and children.
  • Dental & Vision Insurance.
  • Life & Disability Insurance.
  • 24/7 access to free counseling via our Employee Assistance Program.
  • 3% matched 401k contributions.
  • 401(k) Roth Contributions.
  • Generous maternity and paternity leave: 26 weeks paid maternity leave, 8 weeks paid paternity leave.
  • All permanent employees are granted share options upon employment.

Salary: $60,000 - $75,000 (depending on skills and experience).

What this application asks

workable

First name, Last name, Email, Phone, Resume, Cover letter, Current notice period, Expected Annual Salary

  • Are you currently based in, or willing to relocate to, one of these states before the role begins: MA, CO, NY, VA, GA, PA, MD, WI, TN, OR, NJ, or DC? yes / no
  • Describe your experience monitoring or researching extremist activity online, whether professional, academic, or independent. What platforms or spaces did you focus on, and how have you translated your findings into written analysis? written answer
  • Walk us through a piece of analytical writing you have produced that distinguished between evidence and assessment. What was the finding, and how did you support it? written answer
  • You are reviewing a large volume of online content and come across a post that could indicate an emerging threat, but the context is ambiguous. How would you decide whether it warrants escalation? written answer
  • This role involves regular exposure to disturbing and graphic content, including material depicting violence. Please describe how you manage your wellbeing when working with this kind of content over sustained periods, including any strategies you use to maintain resilience, and how you have handled similar material in previous roles. written answer

See also