Staff External Communications Manager

About the role

Aurora is a company dedicated to delivering the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly. The Media Relations Manager will play a key role in shaping the public narrative around autonomous freight, ensuring that Aurora's story is told accurately and proactively.

Responsibilities

• Own Aurora's media strategy in Texas, developing and executing plans that drive proactive coverage and build long-term credibility with regional and national press.
• Cultivate and maintain a robust network of regional and national reporters covering transportation, technology, business, and policy.
• Be the primary point of contact for media visits in Texas, delivering an excellent reporter experience — responsive, informed, and ahead of the story.
• Partner with internal stakeholders across communications, government relations, marketing, operations, and executive leadership to develop and align on announcements, messaging, and timing.
• Prepare and support Aurora spokespeople for media interviews, press events, and on-site engagements in Texas.
• Develop media materials including press releases, briefing documents, Q&As, and talking points tailored to specific audiences.

Requirements

• 7+ years of communications – either at an agency or in-house – with a track record of driving earned coverage in high-stakes environments.
• Deep familiarity and passion for media relations with a network of established relationships with reporters covering business, technology, transportation, or related beats.
• Experience serving or acting as a company spokesperson, working with and media training C-Level executives.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex, technical topics into clear and compelling narratives.
• Experience working cross-functionally to align on announcements and manage multi-stakeholder communications processes.

Qualifications

• Experience in autonomous vehicles, transportation, logistics, or technology (desirable).
• Captured by self-driving technology and its potential to transform how goods move (desirable).

Skills

• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution in the field.
• Ability to work closely with cross-functional partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in crisis communications in a high-scrutiny industry (desirable).

Benefits

This is a mid-senior-level management role that blends strategic thinking with hands-on execution in the field. The base salary range for this position is $115,000-$184,000 per year. Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future.

Pay

The base salary range for this position is $115,000-$184,000 per year.

Schedule

Working at Aurora is a hybrid work environment where Aurorans are in the office at least 3 days per week.