Communication Strategist Senior - Wild Horse Reservoir

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, 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 progra