director policy & government affairs- Washington D.C.

Starbucks Coffee Company; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Tuition coverage

Job summary

Starbucks Coffee Company is seeking a director of policy & government affairs to lead federal advocacy strategy and represent the company before key federal agencies in Washington, D.C. This role shapes policy outcomes and advances business priorities.

You will guide senior leaders, cultivate industry coalitions, and develop clear advocacy materials that translate policy developments into business implications and recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, communications or related field preferred.
• Experience influencing policy on complex, high-impact issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication; stakeholder facilitation skills.
• Experience with federal legislative and regulatory processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead federal advocacy strategy aligned to enterprise priorities and policy goals.
• Represent Starbucks with stakeholders to shape policy outcomes.
• Advise senior leaders on political, legislative, and regulatory developments and implications for the company.
• Cultivate high-impact relationships with industry groups, policy experts and coalitions.
• Identify emerging policy trends; develop proactive strategies to advance Starbucks interests.
• Develop and deliver advocacy materials translating 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 and direction to team members and build a high-performing government affairs function.

Skills

Federal policy

Advocacy strategy

Stakeholder management

Policy expertise

Communication

Independent worker

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Now Brewing - director policy & government affairs- Washington D.C.! #tobeapartner

From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion and are guided by their service to others.

As director, director policy & government affairs, you will lead Starbucks federal advocacy strategy and represent the company before key federal agencies and officials. This role is responsible for shaping policy outcomes, advancing business priorities, and strengthening Starbucks position as a trusted and credible voice in Washington D.C.

Responsibilities

• Lead federal strategy developing and executing an integrated strategy aligned to 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 implications for the company.
• Cultivate high-impact relationships with industry groups, policy experts and coalitions.
• Identify emerging policy trends; develop proactive strategies to advance Starbucks interests.
• Develop and deliver clear 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 is conducted in alignment with lobbying, ethics, disclosure, and political compliance requirements.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to team members and contribute to building a high-performing government affairs function.

Qualifications

• Seven or more years of experience in federal government affairs or related roles.
• Industry experience in food & beverage, retail or related industries.
• 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. Practiced facilitator with excellent interpersonal and analytical skills.
• Ability to work well independently and with others.
• Self-starter with excellent judgement and high integrity.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred in political science, public policy, communications or a related field.

Benefits

As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits. Partners have access to short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement, paid vacation from date of hire*, sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year. Starbucks also offers eligible partners participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well-being tools. Additionally, Starbucks offers 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. You will also have access to backup care and DACA reimbursement. Starbucks will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, and in accordance with its plans and policies. This list is subject to change depending on collective bargaining in locations where partners have a certified bargaining representative. For additional information regarding partner perks and more detailed information about benefits, go to starbucksbenefits.com.

• If you are working in CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND or RI, you will accrue vacation up to a maximum of 120 hours (190 in CA) for roles below director and 200 hours (316 in CA) for roles at director or above. For roles in other states, you will be granted vacation time starting at 120 hours annually for roles below director and 200 hours annually for roles director and above.

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At Starbucks, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

We believe we do our best work when we're together, which is why we're onsite four days a week.

Join us and inspire with every cup.

Starbucks Coffee Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state and local ordinances.

Starbucks Coffee Company is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at [e-mail] or 1(888) 611-2258.