Manager of Water Public Relations

Summary

Description

OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT
Plans and manages a comprehensive public relations program including community and media relations, crisis communication, risk communication and capital projects communication under the direction of the Deputy Director of Internal & External Relations.

Aurora Water is responsible for enhancing and protecting the quality of life for Aurora citizens by providing quality water, sewer, and stormwater services in a manner that balances social, environmental, and economic needs. Responsibilities and roles within the organization include: operation and maintenance of the water, sewer, and stormwater systems; water purification and reuse water treatment; utility financial monitoring, planning, customer billing, and revenue collection; infrastructure planning and engineering, inspections, and management of the capital improvement program; public information and water conservation; water resources planning, acquisition, and development; permitting, watershed protection, and water and wastewater regulatory compliance; and administration.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Internal & External Relations, manages Aurora Water’s public communication programs to build goodwill in the community, establish a high level of credibility with consumers, lawmakers, regulators, and the media and to inform key constituents including customers and lawmakers through advisories, news releases, community forums, bill inserts and other public information tools.

• Recommends legislative and communications strategies for both internal and external agencies.

• Represents the department and serves as a resource for committees, government bodies, stakeholder groups, and the various customer groups served by the utility.

• Develops programs to educate and increase the public’s awareness of utility projects and operations.

• Manages the department’s media and public relations program.

• Coordinates and directs the activities of professional consultants engaged in communications-related activities.

• Devises, prepares, and administers the department’s comprehensive communications plan.

• Develops policies and publicity programs in coordination with other departments and community groups, activities, and staff.

• Makes recommendations to the Deputy Director regarding selecting, hiring, training, evaluation, and disciplining of assigned employees.

• Supervise and lead direct reports, this includes but is not limited to making recommendations regarding selection, hiring, training, evaluating and disciplining of assigned

• Performs other related duties as assigned. 
   

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, or a related field.

Experience:

• At least 5 years progressively responsible experience in public relations.

• At least 3 years supervisory/managerial experience.

Knowledge:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations planning and the services and activities of local governments.

Abilities:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials.

• Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing and synthesize complex information into a more useful format for decision makers.

• Establish and fulfill goals and objectives.

• Direct and effectively supervise a large diverse workforce.

• Administer budgets.

• Prepare and complete special reports or projects.

• Work as part of a strategic planning team.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal, decision making, analytical, and negotiating skills.

• Excellent oral and written presentation skills.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Colorado Driver's License with a good driving record.

Essential Personnel:

• When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the city, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.

Physical Demands:

• Sedentary physical work requiring ability to lift a maximum of 10 pounds.

• Occasional walking and standing.

• Some lifting and carrying of materials for presentations and displays.

• Hand/eye coordination for operation of computer.

• Foot/eye for operation of motor vehicle to presentation sites.

• Vision to read and interpret reports and other written documents.

• Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens.

Work Environment:

• Works primarily in a clean, comfortable environment.

Equipment Used:

• Operates motor vehicle.

• Uses standard office equipment including personal computer.

• This position may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.