Tax Manager - External Tax Policy

AT&T•Dallas, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position requires office presence of a minimum of 5 days per week and is only located in the location(s) posted. No relocation is offered. At AT&T, we empower leaders to drive change in a fast-evolving, connected world. Your strategic vision will help serve customers and transform lives through innovative solutions and impactful connections Overall Purpose: The External Tax Policy Manager plays a mission-critical role in advocating for tax legislation across all corporate tax types impacting the telecommunications industry. This individual will serve as a key liaison between all areas of the Tax department, External Affairs, Public Policy, Public Affairs, and industry peers providing rapid, comprehensive analysis and strategic guidance during legislative sessions and planning during off-season. The successful candidate will possess broad knowledge of the legislative process, state taxation, policy, advocacy, and skills with technology (AI, PowerBI dashboards) with the ability to operate in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) desired.
5+ years of related experience.
Certification is required in some areas.

Nice To Haves

5+ years of experience in state and local tax policy, legislative analysis, or corporate state tax roles (telecom, cable, or regulated industries preferred but not required).
Demonstrated experience with multi-state legislative processes and advocacy.
Proven track record of bill analysis, tax modeling, and drafting legislative or regulatory language.
Exceptional analytical and research skills; able to interpret complex tax legislation across multiple jurisdictions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft clear and persuasive advocacy materials.
Strong relationship-building and coalition management skills.
Ability to work independently and under tight deadlines during peak legislative season.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, PowerBI, Artificial Intelligence.
Existing relationships with state policymakers, national tax organizations (e.g., NCSL, COST, CTIA, Streamlined Sales Tax Board, NESTOA), and industry peers.
Experience representing corporate interests in public forums and legislative hearings.
Familiarity with telecom and technology sector tax issues

Responsibilities

Review, analyze, and prioritize tax-related bills and legislative proposals across all states and tax types, identifying risks and opportunities affecting the business.
Draft bill summaries, position statements, and advocacy materials for use by External Affairs and Public Affairs teams.
Form teams within Tax to understand each issue and its value.
Provide real-time support and technical expertise during legislative sessions, including rapid bill interpretation and solution development.
Develop ongoing proactive objectives based on understanding the issues with compliance, audits, and planning.
Compile weekly and quarterly legislative reports using workflow systems.
Communicate moving legislation to appropriate tax teams and forecast quarterly ETR (Effective Tax Rate) and cash tax impacts of proposed and pending legislation.
Develop talking points, draft legislative language, and assist in the creation and advancement of proactive tax policy initiatives.
Understand the proactive and reactive policy objectives and issues.
Evaluate legislative and regulatory proposals for impacts across income, property, sales/transaction tax, telecom fees, regulatory surcharges, and emerging taxes.
Serve as a single point of coordination for tax-related legislative matters, partnering closely with subject matter experts and business leaders.
Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with industry peers, national tax organizations, and coalition partners.
Represent the company at State Chamber of Commerce meetings, national tax forums, and coalition-building activities.
Monitor and report on emerging state and national tax issues, trends, and threats to company interests.

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