Communications Manager

Summary

Description

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
 
Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The hiring range for this position is $107,158 – $133,947 annually.
The final salary offer will be commensurate with education and experience.

This position will close on Friday, March 21st, 2025. This position may close unexpectedly if we receive a sufficient pool of candidates.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT
The Communications Manager is a direct report to the Chief of Police, overseeing all strategic media relations, public information, and communication efforts for the Aurora Police Department (APD). This role is responsible for managing the Public Information Office (PIO) team, which includes Public Information Officers, digital content creators, and media specialists, ensuring effective internal and external communication.

The Communications Manager will proactively shape public perception of the department, maintain strong relationships with the media, and manage critical incident communications. The position is designed to enhance transparency, trust, and engagement between law enforcement, the community, and stakeholders at all levels of government.

This position requires an innovative, forward-thinking leader with experience handling high-profile public safety communications and crisis management.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Media Relations & Crisis Communication

• Oversee all reactive media responses, ensuring accurate, timely dissemination of critical information to the press and public.

• Lead proactive media engagement efforts, positioning APD as a trusted source for law enforcement news, initiatives, and policy updates.

• Develop and execute crisis communication plans for major incidents, including officer-involved shootings, public safety emergencies, and controversial events.

• Act as the primary spokesperson for APD when required, managing high-stakes media interactions.

• Coordinate joint messaging with partner agencies (local, state, and federal law enforcement).

• Ensure compliance with First Amendment rights, public records laws, and ethical journalism practices.

Strategic Public Information Oversight

• Direct the Public Information Office (PIO) team, ensuring alignment with APD’s mission and Chief of Police’s vision.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive law enforcement media strategy, including digital platforms, community engagement, and press conferences.

• Establish and oversee news monitoring processes, providing leadership with real-time updates on public sentiment and media coverage.

• Advise the Chief of Police and senior leadership on emerging communication challenges and recommend response strategies.

• Develop department-wide media policies, ensuring all personnel follow approved messaging and engagement protocols.

Internal & External Communications Strategy

• Create and maintain internal communication systems to ensure consistent messaging and organizational transparency.

• Develop training programs for officers and command staff on media interactions, crisis messaging, and public engagement.

• Coordinate and write briefing documents for media interviews, press conferences, and city council presentations.

• Represent APD in regional and national law enforcement communication forums, ensuring alignment with best practices.

• Utilize social media, video messaging, and live-streaming platforms to enhance direct communication with the public.

• Develop and execute public engagement campaigns on crime prevention, community policing, and public safety initiatives.

Policy & Training Development

• Develop crisis communication protocols based on major city law enforcement standards.

• Create a Rapid Response Media Team (RRT) within APD’s PIO Office to handle breaking news, urgent inquiries, and social media engagement in real-time.

• Train officers and command staff on handling high-profile

•  incidents, media briefings, and legal considerations of public statements.

• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for social media use, public records releases, and critical incident briefings.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

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

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, public relations, communications, Marketing, Political Science, or directly related field.

Experience: 

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in media relations, public information, or journalism, preferably in law enforcement, government, or a public-sector setting.

• At least three (3) years of progressive management experience, demonstrating the ability to lead teams and develop strategic communication initiatives.

• Experience handling high-profile, controversial, or crisis scenarios.

• Preferred experience in a law enforcement or emergency management communications role.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Colorado Driver's License with a good driving record. Must be kept current as a condition of employment.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience managing public relations during high-risk or crisis situations involving law enforcement or government entities.

• Proficiency in digital communication platforms, and social media strategy development.

• Advanced knowledge of First Amendment law, public records requests, and media access regulations.

• Understanding of digital forensics and misinformation detection in law enforcement communications.

• Familiarity with government transparency laws (Colorado Open Records Act, Freedom of Information Act).

Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of law enforcement communication strategies and public engagement methods.

• Proficiency in press release writing, media training, and strategic messaging.

• Ability to analyze media trends and public sentiment to shape communication strategies.

• Knowledge of journalism, marketing, public and media relations strategies, principles, and techniques.

• Knowledge of government and working in a governmental/political environment.

Skills: 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to draft high-quality statements, reports, and media briefings.

• Strong leadership ability to manage PIO personnel and coordinate department-wide communication efforts.

• Ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion, professionalism, and political acumen.

Abilities: 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, executive staff, citizens, and elected officials.

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

• Highly organized and dependable, able to multi-task, work quickly and effectively manage numerous deadlines.

Working Conditions

• On-call responsibility for critical incident response and media inquiries.

• Work environment includes indoor office settings, field media briefings, and emergency response situations in all weather conditions with exposure to dust and noise.

• May also work in an office setting with overhead lighting and long periods of screen time.

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:

• Light physical work lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with or without assistance with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

• Occasional walking and standing.

• Accommodation: Ability to bring objects into focus.

• Depth Perception: Ability to judge distances and space relationships.

• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Performing work through using two or more body parts or other devices.

• Fingering: Picking and pinching, through use of fingers or otherwise.

• Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, through use of hands, fingers, or other means.

• Hearing: Perceiving and comprehending the nature and direction of sounds.

• Lifting: Moving objects weighing no more than 30 pounds from one level to another.

• Reaching: Extending the hands and arms or other device in any direction.

• Repetitive motions: Making frequent or continuous movements.

• Sitting: Remaining in a stationary position.

• Talking: Communicating ideas or exchanging information.

For Veterans preference:  Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
           
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer.  We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants.  It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
                                         
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace.  A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.

Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check and drug screening. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.