Summary
Description
City of Aurora, Colorado
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
Salary to be commensurate with experience
The hiring range for this position is $71,290.01- $89,112.51/annually
The full salary range for this position is $71,290.01 – $111,390.64/annually
The deadline to submit applications is Monday, November 4, 2024. Please note, The City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first come, first-serve basis; as soon as we determine to have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice.
The Media Relations Strategist Senior under the direction of the Deputy Director and Director coordinates and implements a comprehensive media relations program to promote and provide information about the City of Aurora to internal and external customers, residents, and the media, with special emphasis on media outlets, social networking sites, digital communication, and outreach to Spanish-speaking audiences. Coordinates special projects for the Department Director, Deputy Director, and Public Relations Manager.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develops and implements communications strategies for both internal and external customers.
- Plans, organizes, and coordinates communications and public information and engagement activities for various City departments.
- Generates original story pitches for earned media and city platforms
- Manages interviews and information requests from earned news media.
- Responds to media inquiries and develops media strategy as assigned.
- Responds to breaking news and crisis situations with pragmatic solutions.
- Assembles talking points and remarks
- Performs spokesperson duties as directed representing the city, aligned with brand messaging as assigned.
- Builds and maintains strong relationships with media/newsrooms/reporters
- Produces, shoots, edits occasional video statements and announcements for news content.
- Monitors news climate by staying abreast of current events, knowledge of key leaders in Aurora/Denver metro area
- Logs daily news stories about Aurora and proactively addresses inaccurate and/or inconsistent reporting
- Contributes to and/or leads social media strategy, monitoring, posting, and engagement.
- Collaborates on the department’s Spanish and non-English-language communications strategy, including media interviews in Spanish and advisement on outreach to non-English-speaking communities as needed.
- Compiles and develops informational literature, press releases, and other items to promote understanding of the City and City department operations.
- In coordination with the Public Relations team, creates and implements public engagement and input opportunities for residents and customers through EngageAurora.org and other outreach platforms.
- Represents the City and various departments through participation in organizations, committees, and intergovernmental activities.
- Develops policies and publicity programs with other departments and community groups.
- Maintains and develops city web pages.
- Assists in internal communications efforts.
- Participates in emergency response exercises and contributes to crisis communications planning.
- Recognizes, values, and engages diverse communities.
- May work directly with elected officials and key community leaders as needed.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
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 communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or directly related field.
Experience:
- At least 4 years of work experience in a journalism and/or public relations position(s)
Preferred:
- At least one year of experience in a public sector environment.
- Bilingual Communications experience—reading, writing, and speaking Spanish in communication, public relations, media, or related field
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of principles and practices of public and media relations, media communications, public relations, and municipal issues
- Audio visual and video equipment; personal computers and related software applications
- Strong understanding of metro area media market and evolving newsgathering practices and strategy
- Familiarity with various social media networks, trends, and advertising
Skills:
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English (and Spanish, if applicable)
- HTML, CSS knowledge a plus.
Abilities:
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, residents, and media.
- Handle sensitive or stressful situations with tact and diplomacy.
- Excellent judgment, intuition and instinct, especially in political environments
- Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Make public presentations.
- Ability to meet tight and multiple deadlines.
- Spanish/English Bilingual preferred
Licenses and Certifications:
- Valid driver's license with a clean Motor Vehicle Report
WORKING CONDITIONS
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 the ability to lift 50 pounds with or without assistance.
- Occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing.
- Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens.
- Vision to read and interpret reports and other written documents.
- Hand/eye coordination for operation of computer.
Work Environment:
- Works in a clean, comfortable, office environment.
- Some outdoor and “in the field” work.
- Some after-hours, weekend and on-call work required.
Equipment Used:
- Frequently uses computer keyboard, standard office equipment, and telephone.
- This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.
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.
