Communication Strategist Senior - Wild Horse Reservoir

JOB LOCATION

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

Full salary range: $35.99 - $56.23/hour

Anticipated hiring salary: $35.99 - $44.98/hour

Salary to be commensurate with experience

This position is classified as VHBE (Variable Hour Benefit Eligible), where the selected candidate will work up to 40 hours per week.  The selected candidate will be eligible to elect Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits as well as accrue paid time off and receive 11 paid holidays.   

The deadline to submit an application to this position Sunday, April 13, 2025. However, it is subject to close at any time once a qualified pool of applications is obtained.

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.

Aurora Water serves over 400,000 customers and has assets and infrastructure in three river basins across 15 counties. Aurora Water has identified the need for additional water storage to support future growth and ensure reliability and resiliency of its water supply. Stakeholder outreach and engagement is required throughout National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permitting and will continue through reservoir construction. A short-term tactical approach and a long-term strategic plan must be implemented to ensure the success of the project and to preserve and enhance Aurora Water’s reputation with our customers, governance body, and external stakeholders

Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Internal & External Relations, the Senior Communication Strategist is responsible for providing strategic leadership and implementation of public and stakeholder communication and engagement for the proposed Wild Horse Reservoir Project.  This role is responsible for planning and managing a public relations program including community, stakeholder, and media relations in support of Aurora Water’s proposed Wild Horse Reservoir project.

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 and with stakeholders
• Establishes a high level of credibility with consumers, lawmakers, regulators, and the media and to inform key constituents through advisories, news releases, community forums, 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 relevant to the Wild Horse Reservoir project
• Manages the media and public relations program related to the Wild Horse Reservoir project
• Coordinates and directs the activities of professional consultants engaged in communications-related activities
• Devises, prepares, and administers a comprehensive communications plan for the project in coordination with the Executive Director of the Wild Horse Reservoir Program, the Deputy Director of Internal and External Affairs and the Public Relation Manager
• Develops programs to educate and increase the public’s awareness of the proposed Wild Horse Reservoir project
• Compiles and develops informational literature, press releases, and other items to promote understanding of project operations
• Responds to media inquiries
• Represents the city and various departments through participation in organizations, committees, and intergovernmental activities
• Assists in internal communications efforts
• May work directly with elected officials and key community leaders as needed
• Performs additional 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 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public relations.

Preferred Qualifications:

            At least 1 year of communications, public relations, or marketing experience in a public sector environment

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record

Knowledge:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations planning and the services and activities of local governments, public projects, and environmental permitting

Skills: 

• Strong interpersonal, decision making, analytical, and negotiating skills
• Excellent oral and written presentation skills

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 decisionmakers
• 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

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 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 computers and office equipment
• Foot/eye for operation of motor vehicle to presentation sites
• Vision to read and interpret reports and other written documents
• Frequent speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens

Work Environment:

• Work shall include both office and field work in Park County or other project related areas

Equipment Used:

• Operates motor vehicle
• Frequently uses computer keyboard, standard office equipment, and telephone
• This position may require the incumbent to regularly 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.