Staff External Communications Manager

Aurora Innovation$115K — $184K *
Transportation
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of communications experience in agency or in-house environments with proven results in high-stakes media coverage.
  • Strong relationships with reporters in business, technology, and transportation sectors.
  • Experience acting as a spokesperson and training executives for media interactions.
  • Exceptional ability to simplify complex topics for diverse audiences through written and verbal communication.
  • Skilled in cross-functional collaboration on announcements and stakeholder communication.

Responsibilities

  • Own and execute media strategy in Texas to enhance proactive coverage and credibility.
  • Build and maintain a strong network of regional and national media contacts.
  • Serve as the primary media liaison for reporter visits in Texas to ensure a positive experience.
  • Collaborate with internal teams on messaging and timing for announcements.
  • Prepare spokespeople for media interviews and events, ensuring they are well-equipped and informed.
  • Produce tailored media materials such as press releases and talking points.

Benefits

  • Eligible for annual bonuses and equity compensation.
  • Hybrid work environment with at least 3 days in the office per week.
  • Focus on safety and a culture of trust across the organization.
  • Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in autonomous vehicles.
Full Job Description
Texas is central to Aurora's DNA: it's where our trucks are running today and where our story is being written in real time. As Media Relations Manager, you will own Aurora's media presence in Texas, build and sustain relationships with the reporters, outlets, and editorial voices that shape how the public understands autonomous freight. You'll be embedded in Dallas, work with our operations team to develop and facilitate engaging onsite media experiences. You'll also stay deeply connected to the regional and national media landscape and be responsible for ensuring Aurora tells a compelling, accurate, and proactive story.

This is a mid-senior-level management role that blends strategic thinking with hands-on execution in the field. You will work closely with cross-functional partners - including executive leadership, our operations team, business development, investor relations, government relations and other partners - to develop announcements, drive news, and create standout media moments in the heart of our commercial operations.

In this role, you will
  • 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.
  • Serve as 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.

Required Qualifications
  • 7+ years of communications - either at an agency or inhouse - 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

Desirable Qualifications
  • Experience in autonomous vehicles, transportation, logistics, or technology
  • Captivated by self-driving technology and its potential to transform how goods move
  • Crisis communications experience in a high-scrutiny industry

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. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

Working at AuroraAt Aurora, we bring together extraordinarily talented and experienced people united by the strength of our values. We operate with integrity, set outrageous goals, and build a culture where we win together - all without any jerks.

We believe in-person work increases collaboration, empathy and our ability to lead effectively. As a result, we operate in a hybrid work environment where Aurorans are in office at least 3 days per week.

Our Careers page provides insight into what it is like to work at Aurora, and you can find all the latest updates in our Newsroom.

Our commitment to safety

At the core of everything we do is our commitment to safety. Building best-in-class self-driving technology will take time, and we believe that each employee at Aurora has a role in contributing to safety, every step of the way. Aurora expects commitment to our safety policies from every employee, and seeks candidates who take an active responsibility, can contribute to building an atmosphere of trust, and invest in the organization's long-term success by prioritizing working safely, no matter what.

About Aurora Innovation

Aurora Innovation is a technology company that develops self-driving car technology. The company was founded in 2017 by a team of experts in the field of autonomous vehicles, including former executives from Google, Tesla, and Uber. Aurora's technology is designed to enable vehicles to operate safely and efficiently in a variety of driving conditions, and the company has partnerships with a number of major automakers, including Volkswagen and Hyundai. Aurora is based in Boston, Massachusetts.
Learn more about Aurora Innovation
Size
600 employees
Market Cap
$1.3 billion
Industry
NASDAQ

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