Staff External Communications Manager

Who we are Aurora's mission is to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly. The Aurora Driver will create a new era in mobility and logistics, one that will bring a safer, more efficient, and more accessible future to everyone. At Aurora, you will tackle massively complex problems alongside other passionate, intelligent individuals, growing as an expert while expanding your knowledge. For the latest news from Aurora, visit aurora.tech or follow us on LinkedIn. What we are looking for Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all. At Aurora, our mission is to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly. We are storytellers, blending data-driven insights, product innovation, and unique voices to shape the public narrative, differentiate our brand, and inspire external audiences. Through our stories, we show and tell, advance business goals, and strengthen our market position. 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 onsite 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 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 Aurora At 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. Our commitment to inclusion 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr AURORA