Communications Strategist

JOB LOCATION

Aurora, Colorado 80016-2946

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, andCustomer 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

Anticipated Hiring Salary: $58,960 - $73,700/year

Full Salary Range: $58,960 - $92,125/year

The deadline to apply for this position is Thursday, June 12, 2025.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT

Under the direction of the Manager of Water Public Relations, the Communication Strategist will help with planning, development and implementation of public involvement and outreach programs for capital construction projects.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinates with Capital Project Delivery Services and Operations project managers to develop community outreach plans appropriate for individual projects
• Plans and executes community outreach to stakeholders impacted by capital projects utilizing mailings, community meetings, phone calls, and individual in-person meetings
• Identifies stakeholders and utilizes GIS to and other data resources to develop contact lists
• Writes, edits and assists in developing collateral such as project related fact sheets, meeting announcements, presentation materials, newsletter articles, traffic advisories and more
• Assists in monitoring capital projects from the design and planning phase through construction
• Attends capital project construction meetings onsite or remotely
• Assists with internal coordination and communication related to capital projects
• Prepares monthly status reports on capital projects
• Works with interdepartmental offices to prepare graphics, maps, translations, and responses to customer questions and concerns
• Helps streamline and manage workflow processes
• Participates in maintaining accurate and updated information on website and SharePoint
• Helps ensure consistency with the city brand cultural identity
• Provides courteous, high-quality service to members of the public by personally responding to inquiries and project related concerns
• 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 English,journalism,communication,projectmanagement,business, construction management, engineering or directly related field

Experience:

• Two years' experience professionalexperienceincommunity/stakeholderengagement, public relations, and/or communications, preferably related to project delivery.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual (Spanish)
• At least 1 year experience in a public sector environment
• A general knowledge of project management, construction issues and municipal government

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Colorado Driver’s License with a good driving record

Knowledge:

• Knowledge in Project management
• Personal computers, related hardware, and related software application packages
• Knowledge of graphic design and printing process
• Analytical skills to forecast and identify trends.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated capabilities in public relations, marketing, brand management, communications, and presentation skills.
• Strong skills in using computer and related software to successfully complete job function.

Abilities:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, citizens, sponsors, and media.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement special events.
• Ability to handle sensitive or stressful situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Must be a collaborator and be able to work in a fast-paced environment with emphasis on collaborative teamwork.
• Ability to be positive and compelling.

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 lifting at least 20 pounds with or without assistance.
• May require the ability to lift a maximum of 40 pounds with or without assistance.
• Some walking and standing.
• May require some bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and climbing.
• Hand/eye coordination to operate a computer keyboard.
• Vision to read reports and other written material.
• Frequent speech communication and hearing to maintain communications with employees, volunteers, citizens, and media.

Work Environment:

• Works primarily in clean, comfortable indoor environment
• May require some outdoor work with exposure to dust and noise.

Equipment Used:

• Frequently uses standard office equipment including personal computers and common office software such as email, internet, Word, Excel, and menu driven databases.
• This position may require the incumbent to 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.