Lead External Affairs

This position requires in-office presence up to three days per week. The role is available only in the location(s) posted, and relocation assistance is not offered.

Overall Purpose

Responsible for supporting strategic communications and stakeholder engagement efforts that advance the organization’s public policy objectives. This role manages External Affairs strategy and execution for the New Mexico and West Texas regions. The position plays a critical role in maintaining External Affairs responsiveness, advancing company priorities, and minimizing legal, operational, and reputational exposure in one of the company’s most important regions.

This individual will provide active, in-market engagement with local elected officials, staff, and stakeholders as needed to maintain momentum, resolve permitting challenges in real time, and protect deployment timelines. A dedicated market presence is critical to advancing brand awareness and policy priorities related to FirstNet and other key issues that cannot be effectively supported through remote or shared coverage.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

Typical tasks may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Policy Analysis and Legislative Advocacy: Analyze legislation and regulatory issues. Advocate for the company’s regulatory agenda during public hearings and meetings with state and local legislators, policymakers, and staff.

• Stakeholder and Community Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, community organizations, nonprofit leaders, educational institutions, business groups, and third-party coalitions. Represent the company on local boards and commissions and serve as the face of the corporation in communities across assigned Texas and New Mexico markets.

• Event Coordination and Community Relations: Organize and manage community events to strengthen relationships between the community, elected officials, and the company. Promote the company’s initiatives and address constituent concerns.

• Other Duties as Assigned: Support processes related to Political Action Committee activity, internal collaboration, strategy development, lobbying activities, negotiations, constituent concern resolution, and/or grant management.

Job Contribution

An experienced professional recognized as an expert in creatively resolving complex issues through broad and in-depth knowledge. Leads significant projects with strategic autonomy and influences executive decisions. Mentors less experienced staff, implements long-term plans that impact the organization, and frequently collaborates with senior leadership.

Supervisor: No

Education/Experience

Bachelor’s degree, BS/BA, desired. 5+ years of related experience. Certification may be required in some areas.

Joining our team comes with amazing perks and benefits:

• Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
• 401(k) plan
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Paid Time Off and Holidays (based on date of hire, at least 23 days of vacation each year and 9 company-designated holidays)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Caregiver Leave
• Additional sick leave beyond what state and local law require may be available but is unprotected
• Adoption Reimbursement
• Disability Benefits (short term and long term)
• Life and Accidental Death Insurance
• Supplemental benefit programs: critical illness/accident hospital indemnity/group legal
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Extensive employee wellness programs
• Employee discounts up to 50% off on eligible AT&T mobility plans and accessories, AT&T internet (and fiber where available) and AT&T phone

Weekly Hours:

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AT&T and its subsidiaries are committed to equal employment opportunity. All hiring, promotion, and other employment decisions remain merit-based and free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, pregnancy, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, AT&T will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. AT&T is a fair chance employer and does not initiate a background check until an offer is made. Click here to learn more or request an application accommodation here.