📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Strategic Communications Manager
🔹 Company: City of Aurora
🔹 Location: Aurora, CO
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid
🔹 Category: Government Administration
🔹 Date Posted: April 21, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Intermediate (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies for Aurora911
- Managing public relations programs and serving as a department spokesperson
- Collaborating with various departments to ensure consistent and effective messaging
- Providing strategic communications guidance to Aurora911's executive team
- Training Aurora911 members on public information delivery and on-camera presence
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Plan, organize, and implement a comprehensive communications strategy for Aurora911, including public information, digital communications, publications, public input and engagement, internal communications, and crisis communications
✅ Manage public relations programs to raise awareness of Aurora911's positive work within the community and serve as a department spokesperson when needed
✅ Serve as a consultant to Aurora911's executive team by helping prepare talking points, communications plans for specific programs, and writing speeches for executive team members with public speaking engagements
✅ Develop internal communications plans to be delivered to Aurora911's workforce, constantly evaluating and measuring their effectiveness
✅ Research leading practices, trends, and policies for public safety communications and assess how Aurora911 can maintain credibility within the community
✅ Establish and maintain a variety of digital communications strategies on behalf of Aurora911, including social media, website, advertising, community education, and engagement, and recruiting
✅ Create and deliver communications and on-camera training to Aurora911 members who may be called upon to deliver public information during and outside of regular business hours
✅ Collaborate with the Public Safety Strategic Communications Program Manager in the city's Communications and Marketing Department to ensure all external and internal messaging aligns with the city's strategic plans, priorities, and messaging
✅ Elevate news media inquiries and other issues that involve multiple subject areas, are controversial, political, of broad public interest, or could damage the reputation, image, and brand of Aurora911 and/or the city to the Director of Aurora911 and the Public Safety Strategic Communications Program Manager in accordance with established city policy
✅ Perform additional duties as assigned
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, the ability to work independently with limited supervision, and the capacity to handle sensitive situations and maintain confidentiality.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Communications, Journalism, or a directly related field
Experience: At least three years of progressively responsible experience in public relations and communications strategy development
Required Skills:
- Excellent written communication skills, including reporting, conceptual editing, copy editing, and proofreading
- Media production skills, including creating content suitable for various media platforms and communicating effectively with individuals or groups
- Crisis management abilities to handle unexpected issues and maintain the organization's reputation
- Copywriting skills to create engaging and persuasive content across various formats
- SEO skills to increase online visibility
- Analytics proficiency in using tools like Google Analytics to track and analyze communication campaigns
- CRM familiarity with customer relationship management systems
- Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with a variety of stakeholders
- Organizational skills to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
- Technical skills to understand and utilize modern communication tools and platforms
- Ability to work collaboratively with internal communications groups and stakeholders
- Knowledge of public policy and its impact on strategic communication
Preferred Qualifications:
- At least one year of experience in a public sector environment
- At least one year of experience in media outreach
Licenses and Certifications:
- Valid Colorado Driver’s License
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with additional relevant experience, certifications, or a master's degree in a related field may be given preference.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $74,855 - $116,960 annually, based on qualifications exceeding minimum requirements
Benefits:
- Competitive total compensation package
- Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
- On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Continuing education and development opportunities
- High-performance bonus
- Free, secure parking
- Free electric vehicle (EV) charging
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the information given in the job description. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Government Administration, focusing on public safety and community engagement
Company Size: Large (1,001-5,000 employees), with a significant impact on the local community
Founded: 1891, with a rich history and a strong commitment to public service
Company Description:
- The City of Aurora is a great place to live, work, and play, with a diverse population and a culturally rich environment
- The city is known for its award-winning departments, including the 911 dispatch center and water treatment plants
- The City of Aurora is committed to public safety, with a focus on safety-first initiatives and exceptional public safety services
- The city adheres to its Core 4 values: integrity, respect, professionalism, and customer service, driving its operations and employee culture
Company Specialties:
- Municipality
- Public Safety
- Human Resources
- Public Works
- Court Administration
- Parks, Recreation, & Open Spaces
- Library & Cultural Services
- Finance
- Public Defender
- Water
- City Attorney
- Communications & Marketing
- Information Technology
- Planning & Development
Company Website: http://www.auroragov.org
ASSUMPTION: The City of Aurora offers a wide range of services and opportunities for employees to grow and develop their careers within the organization.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Executive Director of Aurora911 and collaborates with the Public Safety Strategic Communications Program Manager in the city's Communications and Marketing Department
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work, determined by department needs
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a higher-level communications role within the organization
- Opportunities to gain experience in various aspects of public safety communications and crisis management
- Possibility to work on high-profile projects and initiatives that impact the local community
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within the City of Aurora.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work
Office Location(s): 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012, US
Geographic Context:
- Aurora is located along the front range of the Rocky Mountains, offering easy access to outdoor recreation and scenic views
- The city is part of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area, with a population of over 700,000
- Aurora is the third most populous city in Colorado and the 54th most populous city in the United States
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible hours based on department needs
ASSUMPTION: The City of Aurora offers a dynamic and engaging work environment, with opportunities for employees to connect with the local community and make a positive impact on the city's residents.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
- Final interview with the executive director or other senior leadership
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Crisis management and problem-solving abilities
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Project management and organizational skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with the City of Aurora's Core 4 values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the City of Aurora's mission, values, and the specific needs of the Strategic Communications Manager position
- Showcase your ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit
ATS Keywords: Strategic Communications, Public Relations, Crisis Management, Digital Communications, Media Outreach, Stakeholder Management, Project Management, Government Communications, Public Sector, Community Engagement
ASSUMPTION: The City of Aurora's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for the organization and the Strategic Communications Manager role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office 365 and associated applications
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
- Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)
- Content management systems (CMS) for website updates and maintenance
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics)
- Design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
ASSUMPTION: The City of Aurora provides the necessary tools and technologies for employees to perform their jobs effectively and efficiently.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards and acting with honesty and transparency
- Respect: Valuing diversity, promoting inclusivity, and treating all individuals with dignity and courtesy
- Professionalism: Maintaining a high level of expertise, delivering quality services, and conducting oneself in a manner that reflects positively on the City of Aurora
- Customer Service: Focusing on the needs of the community, providing exceptional service, and continuously seeking ways to improve and innovate
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a focus on collective success and shared goals
- Adaptable and flexible, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic and changing environment
- Results-driven, with a strong commitment to achieving objectives and delivering high-quality work
- Customer-focused, with a deep understanding of the community's needs and a passion for serving the public
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with the City of Aurora's Core 4 values?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully managed a complex project or crisis, and how did you ensure effective communication throughout the process?
- How do you approach building and maintaining positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, and can you share an example of a successful collaboration with a wide range of partners?
ASSUMPTION: The City of Aurora seeks candidates who are strongly aligned with its Core 4 values and possess the necessary skills and experience to thrive in a dynamic and customer-focused work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The City of Aurora is a large and complex organization, with numerous departments and stakeholders, which can present challenges in terms of communication, coordination, and project management
- The role may require working irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to manage crises and other time-sensitive communications
- The City of Aurora is subject to budget constraints and political influences, which can impact the organization's priorities and resources
- The role may require navigating complex regulations, policies, and procedures, which can be time-consuming and challenging
ASSUMPTION: The City of Aurora offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development, but also presents unique challenges that candidates should be prepared to address.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to private sector communications roles, this position offers the opportunity to work on high-profile projects that directly impact the local community and have a significant impact on public safety and quality of life
- Government communications roles often require a higher level of political awareness and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures and stakeholder relationships
- This role offers the potential for career advancement within the City of Aurora, with opportunities to move into higher-level communications or management positions
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider the unique aspects of government communications and the potential for career growth within the City of Aurora when evaluating this role.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy for a major city-wide initiative, such as a new public transportation system or a large-scale community engagement campaign
- Managing a crisis communications plan for a natural disaster, such as a wildfire or flood, ensuring the safety of the community and maintaining the City of Aurora's reputation
- Creating and executing a targeted marketing campaign to promote a specific city service or program, such as a new recycling initiative or a community health and wellness event
ASSUMPTION: The City of Aurora offers a wide range of projects and initiatives for the Strategic Communications Manager to work on, with the potential for significant impact on the local community.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the City of Aurora's approach to crisis communication, and how has it evolved over time?
- How does the City of Aurora support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the communications and marketing field?
- Can you provide an example of a successful community engagement campaign led by the City of Aurora, and what made it effective?
- How does the City of Aurora balance the need for transparency and accountability with the need to protect sensitive information and maintain the security of its systems?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the City of Aurora in the next five years, and how can the Strategic Communications Manager contribute to addressing them?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should use the interview process to gain a deeper understanding of the City of Aurora's communications strategies, organizational culture, and the specific needs of the Strategic Communications Manager role.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the following link: https://auroragov.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers/job/Tallyns-Reach-Library/Strategic-Communications-Manager_JR106546
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on your communication skills, project management abilities, and cultural fit with the City of Aurora's Core 4 values
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit
- Research the City of Aurora's mission, values, and recent initiatives to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and your commitment to the Strategic Communications Manager role
- Follow up with the hiring manager or human resources representative within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
