Summary of Job Duties
The hiring range for this position is $72,674– $90,843 / Annually
The full salary range for this position is $72,674 - $113,553 / Annually

All applications must include a Cover Letter and Resume, including at least 3 professional references.

The Communications Specialist Sr reports to the supervisor of the Aurora Police Department Media Relations Unit within the Office of the Chief of Police, works collaboratively and strategically to promote a positive image of the city through earned media. The person in the position, in coordination with the Media Relations Unit supervisor, will be responsible for responding to media partners in line with Department and city media strategy, as well as writing compelling content on city issues, projects and priorities, assisting with talking points and speeches.  

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 wellness programs
• Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation work spaces

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The Aurora Police Department
The Aurora Police Department is responsible for providing law enforcement services to a growing, urban/suburban community with unique and ever-changing needs. We strongly believe that the challenges facing the police department can only be addressed effectively by connecting with community leaders, school administrators, members of the business community, non-profit organizations, other government agencies, neighborhood groups and most importantly, individual residents. It is through this spirit of partnership that we will continue to see further reductions in crime and we will enhance the quality of life for those who live, work and play in our city.

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.

To be employed by the Aurora Police Department you will need to successfully pass a background check, polygraph test, and fingerprint screening, along with other conditions of employment; drug test and verification of employment.  Because of this, there is a longer recruitment process, we thank you in advance for your patience.

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PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Address day-to-day requests from media and mayor and city council, city leadership, department director, deputy director and city management team
• Respond with urgency and accuracy to media and public inquiries in coordination with Aurora Police Department members, APD Command Staff, the city’s Communications Department and other departments
• Create media lists and manage outreach
• Build and maintain professional relationships with relevant local reporters and editors
• Staff, coordinate, write briefing documents
• Prepare APD staff for media interviews
• Handle news monitoring processes and work with unit supervisor and city Communications Department to create reports and share relevant news with city leaders and other staff
• Research, draft and edit high-quality content including but not limited to press releases, media advisories, guest columns, articles, statements, social media posts, and quotes for officials?
• Provide strategy and materials for editorial boards as needed
• Identify and proactively pitch police stories to the media
• Identify opportunities for police subject matter experts to be in the media
• Produce talking points and summaries of issues for Chief of Police, Mayor, City Council Members and City Leadership
• Work closely with the city’s Communications Department staff on joint projects and strategies
• Execute deliverables independently while maintaining a strong team relationship
• Participate in initiatives key to the broader organization
• Performs other related duties as assigned

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education:
Bachelor's Degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing, broadcasting, video production and/or directly related fields
Experience:
At least 3 years o