Staff External Communications Manager

Aurora Innovation•Dallas, TX

3d•$115,000 - $184,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

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&As, and talking points tailored to specific audiences.