Staff External Communications Manager

Job Overview
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.

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.

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&A, 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

Compensation & Benefits
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.

EEO Statement
Aurora considers candidates without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy status, parent or caregiver status, ancestry, political affiliation, veteran and/or military status, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected by federal or state law. Aurora considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at careersiteaccommodations@aurora.tech.

California Employment Privacy Policy
For California applicants, information collected and processed as part of your application and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Aurora’s California Employment Privacy Policy.

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