director policy & government affairs- Washington D.C.

Starbucks Coffee Company•New York, NY

17h•$166,500 - $283,500•Onsite

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 works across business teams to align company positions and advocacy strategies. The position also cultivates relationships with industry groups, policy experts, and coalitions; identifies emerging policy trends and develops proactive strategies; and creates advocacy materials that translate complex policy into business implications and recommendations. The director oversees trade associations, coalitions, and external consultants, ensures advocacy complies with lobbying, ethics, disclosure, and political requirements, and provides leadership and coaching to team members. This role is onsite four days per week. Starbucks offers eligible partners a range of insurance, leave, retirement, stock, education, and other benefits.

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 independently and collaboratively.
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, preferably in political science, public policy, communications, or a related field.

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.
Build 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 executive briefings, policy memos, talking points, and legislative updates that explain business implications and recommendations.
Partner with business teams to align company 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 help build a high-performing government affairs function.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Basic and supplemental life insurance
Voluntary insurance benefits
Short-term and long-term disability
Paid parental leave
Family expansion reimbursement
Paid vacation
Sick time
Eight paid holidays
Two personal days per year
401(k) retirement plan with employer match for eligible partners
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
Student loan management resources and other educational opportunities
Backup care
DACA reimbursement