lead writer, Creative Studio
About The Position
Starbucks Creative Studio is an in-house creative team focused on craft, storytelling, and work that moves people. The Lead Writer shapes Starbucks’ tone and voice across channels by creating brand stories, product narratives, strategic concepts, and high-quality copy for omnichannel campaigns. As a leader in the writing discipline, this role helps define and steward the Starbucks voice globally while mentoring fellow writers. The Lead Writer alternates between hands-on writing and leading writing-forward projects from concept through completion, in close partnership with the broader creative team. The position is based in Seattle and is in-office four days per week. Applicants should include a link to a writing portfolio or work samples with their application.
Requirements
- At least 8 years of writing or copywriting experience at an agency or in-house creative team.
- A portfolio of brand storytelling, product narratives, and integrated campaign work demonstrating range, craft, and conceptual strength.
- Ability to shape and steward voice-and-tone systems and turn standards into practical guidance, feedback, and tools for other writers.
- Ability to turn briefs, insights, and business priorities into strong creative concepts and copy across channels.
- Clear, persuasive presentation and facilitation skills, including the ability to lead brainstorms, critiques, and creative discussions with diverse audiences.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, manage multiple complex projects, and adapt to changing priorities.
- Collaborative approach and mentoring ability, with skills in building relationships with writers, art directors, internal partners, and agencies.
- Applicants should include a link to a writing portfolio or work samples.
Responsibilities
- Craft compelling brand stories and product narratives that elevate the Starbucks voice globally, with clarity and consistency across channels.
- Shape and maintain voice and tone standards; lead ongoing dialogue with writers; and serve as a hub for copy feedback, decisions, guidelines, and tools.
- Develop strategic concepts and high-quality copy for large campaigns, leading writing-forward projects and pushing work beyond baseline expectations.
- Partner with lead art directors, ACDs, creative project managers, designers, studio leadership, and cross-functional teams to shape narratives, presentations, and conceptual work.
- Partner with ACDs to analyze insights, resolve brief gaps, define success, structure creative approaches, and explain the reasoning behind copy decisions.
- Facilitate brainstorms, critiques, and voice-and-tone sessions; champion stronger conceptual thinking; and translate cultural and creative trends into relevant storytelling strategies.
- Mentor junior writers and advise internal partners and external agencies on brand voice, narrative, and creative excellence.
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 and family expansion reimbursement.
- Paid vacation from date of hire and 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.) and Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock).
- Incentivized emergency savings and financial well-being tools.
- 100% 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 and DACA reimbursement.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
