What are the responsibilities and job description for the Photojournalist position at Hoplite Group?
Opportunity: Photojournalist
Bottom Line Up Front: Hoplite Group is seeking a Photojournalist to support contracted services for the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Public Affairs Directorate (CCPA). This contract will include executing communication strategies and ensuring accurate, timely information to U.S. and regional audiences. It will employ digital tools to monitor, collect, translate, and analyze traditional and social media across CENTCOM’s 21-nation area of responsibility, supporting senior leader decision-making, correcting misinformation, and aiding counter-propaganda efforts. Services will include strategic communication planning, media engagement, crisis response, training, and quality assurance. Photojournalists are responsible for capturing and editing high-quality photo and video coverage of CENTCOM events, activities, and leadership engagements, while crafting feature stories and detailed captions in AP Style for publication on CENTCOM’s website and social media platforms. They collaborate closely with the Social Media and Website Content Manager and Regional Media Specialists to ensure content aligns with CENTCOM’s communication strategies and resonates with diverse regional audiences. This role involves traveling with the CENTCOM Commander as directed to document key engagements and producing compelling, accurate, and ethically sound narratives through visual storytelling, video production, and interviews. Photojournalists must be proficient in operating professional camera and audio equipment, as well as video editing software, and are expected to maintain a repository of historical photos, videos, and stories for CENTCOM’s archives and DVIDS. Given the dynamic mission environment, they must also be prepared to provide 24/7 surge support during crises or unforeseen events as directed by CCPA leadership.
Location: Primary: CENTCOM HQ, MacDill AFB; other anticipated work locations include TBD travel locations within CONUS, or at locations within the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR).
Travel: May be required to support CENTCOM exercises held in the CONUS, and OCONUS, specifically, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, and Jordan. The component exercises are held in: Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Israel. Travel can include travel both inside and outside of the CENTCOM AOR.
Throughout the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC), the Photojournalist will be required to travel to one or more of the following CENTCOM-hosted planning conferences in support of the exercise: Initial Planning Conference (IPC), Mid Planning Conference (MPC), and Final Planning Conference (FPC), and if required, exercise execution. Additionally, Media Operations Specialists and Photojournalists should be prepared to travel in support of the CENTCOM commander and the CCPA Director to countries within the CENTCOM AOR, excluding Afghanistan, Iran, and Yemen.
Level of Effort: Full-time
Availability: Anticipate Spring-Summer 2026 start date.
Objective: Execute the following job responsibilities in support of the CENTCOM Public Affairs Directorate:
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Bottom Line Up Front: Hoplite Group is seeking a Photojournalist to support contracted services for the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Public Affairs Directorate (CCPA). This contract will include executing communication strategies and ensuring accurate, timely information to U.S. and regional audiences. It will employ digital tools to monitor, collect, translate, and analyze traditional and social media across CENTCOM’s 21-nation area of responsibility, supporting senior leader decision-making, correcting misinformation, and aiding counter-propaganda efforts. Services will include strategic communication planning, media engagement, crisis response, training, and quality assurance. Photojournalists are responsible for capturing and editing high-quality photo and video coverage of CENTCOM events, activities, and leadership engagements, while crafting feature stories and detailed captions in AP Style for publication on CENTCOM’s website and social media platforms. They collaborate closely with the Social Media and Website Content Manager and Regional Media Specialists to ensure content aligns with CENTCOM’s communication strategies and resonates with diverse regional audiences. This role involves traveling with the CENTCOM Commander as directed to document key engagements and producing compelling, accurate, and ethically sound narratives through visual storytelling, video production, and interviews. Photojournalists must be proficient in operating professional camera and audio equipment, as well as video editing software, and are expected to maintain a repository of historical photos, videos, and stories for CENTCOM’s archives and DVIDS. Given the dynamic mission environment, they must also be prepared to provide 24/7 surge support during crises or unforeseen events as directed by CCPA leadership.
Location: Primary: CENTCOM HQ, MacDill AFB; other anticipated work locations include TBD travel locations within CONUS, or at locations within the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR).
Travel: May be required to support CENTCOM exercises held in the CONUS, and OCONUS, specifically, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, and Jordan. The component exercises are held in: Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Israel. Travel can include travel both inside and outside of the CENTCOM AOR.
Throughout the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC), the Photojournalist will be required to travel to one or more of the following CENTCOM-hosted planning conferences in support of the exercise: Initial Planning Conference (IPC), Mid Planning Conference (MPC), and Final Planning Conference (FPC), and if required, exercise execution. Additionally, Media Operations Specialists and Photojournalists should be prepared to travel in support of the CENTCOM commander and the CCPA Director to countries within the CENTCOM AOR, excluding Afghanistan, Iran, and Yemen.
Level of Effort: Full-time
Availability: Anticipate Spring-Summer 2026 start date.
Objective: Execute the following job responsibilities in support of the CENTCOM Public Affairs Directorate:
- Capture and edit photo and video coverage of command-related events and activities, crafting feature stories and detailed captions in AP Style for publication on CENTCOM’s website and social media platforms
- Document the commander’s engagements, meetings, and interactions
- Collaborate with the Social Media and Website Content Manager to align visual content with CENTCOM’s communication strategies and messaging goals
- Work with Regional Media Specialists to incorporate regional perspectives and interests, tailoring content for diverse audiences across the CENTCOM AOR
- Travel with the CENTCOM Commander as directed to capture and publish visual information
- Support emergent 24/7 surge requirements outside normal working hours during crises, unforeseen events, or as directed by CCPA leadership
- Shoot and edit video footage, conduct interviews, and narrate or report on topics, events, or news stories while ensuring content accuracy, balance, and adherence to journalistic ethics
- Operate professional camera equipment, audio recording devices, and video editing software to produce high-quality content
- Produce engaging print, photo, and/or video stories that highlight command-related events, exercises, and activities, ensuring all work follows AP Style and includes detailed captions for publication
- Maintain a comprehensive repository of historical photos, videos, and stories for CENTCOM’s archives, both locally and on DVIDS
- Information Gathering: search and collect data from diverse sources, including online platforms, databases, publications, and reports. Analysis: analyze the collected information to identify trends, patterns, and insights that may be valuable for the organization. This will involve data analysis, content analysis, or other analytical techniques
- Assessment of Credibility: evaluate the credibility and reliability of the information gathered to ensure that accurate and trustworthy data is used for decision-making
- Reporting: prepare reports, summaries, or presentations based on analysis to communicate findings to relevant stakeholders within the organization
- Monitoring and Alerting: continuously monitor sources for new information relevant to the organization and set up alerts or notifications to ensure timely awareness of important developments
- Risk Assessment: assess potential risks and opportunities based on the information gathered, helping the organization to make informed decisions and mitigate potential threats
- Collaboration: collaborate with other Specialists or departments within the organization to share insights and coordinate responses to emerging issues
- Tool and Technology Utilization: stay updated on tools and technologies used for information gathering and analysis, such as data mining software, social media monitoring tools, and analytical platforms
- Stakeholder Engagement: engage with external stakeholders to exchange information, collaborate on analysis efforts, and build partnerships for mutual benefit
- Legal and Ethical Compliance: ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards governing the collection and use of publicly and commercially available information, including privacy laws and intellectual property rights
- Training and Development: provide training to colleagues on effective methods for gathering and analyzing publicly and commercially available information or contribute to the development of best practices within the organization
- Crisis Response: During crisis situations or emergencies, provide real-time updates and analysis to support decision-making and response efforts
- Quality Assurance: ensure the accuracy, relevance, and reliability of the information analyzed, employing rigorous quality assurance processes to maintain high standards of data integrity
- Strategic Planning: participate in strategic planning processes by providing insights and recommendations based on the analysis of publicly and commercially available information, helping to shape the organization's goals and priorities
- Proven professional experience in photojournalism, videography, or multimedia production, preferably within military, government, or international contexts
- Proficiency in AP Style writing for captions, feature stories, and cutlines
- Strong skills in photography and videography, including shooting, editing, and post-production
- Experience conducting interviews, narrating stories, and developing accurate, balanced, and ethically sound content
- Proficiency with professional camera equipment, audio recording devices, and video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, Lightroom)
- Ability to craft engaging multimedia content for publication across websites, social media platforms, and traditional news outlets
- Familiarity with archiving practices, including maintaining historical photo and video repositories (e.g., DVIDS)
- Strong understanding of digital and social media platforms, including content optimization for online distribution
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with content managers and regional specialists
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to ensure accuracy and completeness in captions, cutlines, and reporting
- Ability to travel with the CENTCOM Commander and other leadership as directed to capture and produce content
- Flexibility to support 24/7 surge operations during crises, unforeseen events, or at the direction of CCPA leadership
- SECRET Security Clearance Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Photojournalism, Communications, Media Studies, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience)
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