About The Position

The Director, Policy & Government Affairs will lead Starbucks’ federal advocacy strategy and represent the company before key federal agencies and officials. The role shapes policy outcomes, advances business priorities, and strengthens Starbucks’ position as a trusted and credible voice in Washington, D.C. The director develops and executes an integrated federal strategy aligned with enterprise priorities and policy goals; advises senior leaders on political, legislative, and regulatory developments and their implications; and builds relationships with industry groups, policy experts, and coalitions. The role also identifies emerging policy trends, develops advocacy materials and recommendations, partners across business teams to align positions, and oversees trade associations, coalitions, and external consultants. It ensures advocacy complies with lobbying, ethics, disclosure, and political requirements, and provides leadership and coaching to team members. The position is onsite four days per week. Starbucks describes its workplace as one focused on connection and service to others.

Requirements

  • Seven or more years of experience in federal government affairs or related roles.
  • Proven experience developing and leading advocacy strategies and executing successful government affairs programs.
  • Deep understanding of federal legislative and regulatory processes and experience influencing policy on complex, high-impact issues.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong facilitation, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
  • Ability to work well independently and with others.
  • Self-starter with excellent judgment and high integrity.
  • Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Nice To Haves

  • Industry experience in food and beverage, retail, or related industries.
  • Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, communications, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute an integrated federal advocacy strategy aligned with enterprise priorities and policy goals.
  • Represent Starbucks with stakeholders to shape policy outcomes that support the business.
  • Advise senior leaders on political, legislative, and regulatory developments and their implications for the company.
  • Cultivate high-impact relationships with industry groups, policy experts, and coalitions.
  • Identify emerging policy trends and develop proactive strategies to advance Starbucks’ interests.
  • Develop and deliver advocacy materials, including executive briefings, policy memos, talking points, and legislative updates that translate complex policy developments into business implications and recommendations.
  • Partner across business teams to align on positions and advocacy strategies.
  • Oversee trade associations, coalitions, and external consultants to maximize impact.
  • Ensure advocacy activity complies with lobbying, ethics, disclosure, and political requirements.
  • Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to team members and contribute to building a high-performing government affairs function.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Basic and supplemental life insurance and other voluntary insurance benefits.
  • Short-term and long-term disability.
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Family expansion reimbursement.
  • Paid vacation from date of hire.
  • Accrued sick time.
  • Eight paid holidays and two personal days per year.
  • Eligible partners may participate in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
  • Discounted company stock program (S.I.P.).
  • Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock).
  • Incentivized emergency savings and financial well-being tools.
  • Upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan.
  • Student loan management resources and access to other educational opportunities.
  • Backup care.
  • DACA reimbursement.
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