Lead External Affairs
San Diego, California
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 AT&T’s External Affairs strategy and execution for San Diego Proper and is essential to maintaining strong External Affairs responsiveness, advancing company priorities, and minimizing legal, operational, and reputational exposure in one of the company’s most critical regions in California.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
Typical responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Policy Analysis and Legislative Advocacy: Analyze legislation, regulatory issues, and public policy developments. Advocate for the company’s regulatory agenda during public hearings, legislative meetings, and engagements with state legislators, staff, and other public officials.
Stakeholder and Community Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, community organizations, and third-party coalitions. Represent the company on local boards and commissions and serve as a company representative in the communities it serves.
Event Coordination and Community Relations: Organize and manage community events that strengthen relationships among the company, community stakeholders, and elected officials. Promote company initiatives and help address constituent or community concerns.
Additional Responsibilities: Support activities related to Political Action Committee activity, internal collaboration, strategy development, lobbying efforts, negotiations, constituent issue resolution, and/or grant management. Perform other duties as assigned.
Job Contribution
Experienced professional recognized as a subject matter expert with broad and in-depth knowledge. Creatively resolves complex issues, leads significant projects with strategic autonomy, and influences executive-level decisions. Mentors less experienced employees, implements long-term plans that impact the organization, and frequently collaborates with senior leadership.
Supervisory Responsibility: No
Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree desired. Five or more years of related experience preferred. Certification may be required in some areas.
Our Lead External Affairs jobs earn between $130,700.00 - $196,100.00 USD Annual. Not to mention all the other amazing rewards that working at AT&T offers. Individual starting salary within this range may depend on geography, experience, expertise, and education/training.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:
40Time Type:
RegularLocation:
San Diego, CaliforniaSalary Range:
$130,700.00 - $196,100.00AT&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.
Job ID R-117975 Date posted 08/04/2026
Benefits
Your needs? Met. Your wants? Considered. Take a look at our comprehensive benefits.
- Paid Time Off
- Tuition Assistance
- Medical and dental plans
- Discounts
- Training & Development
Our hiring process
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