lead writer, Creative Studio

Starbucks Corp.; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) with employer match

Tuition coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

Starbucks Coffee Company is seeking a lead writer for the Creative Studio in Seattle to shape our tone across channels and mentor a team of writers. You will craft brand stories and product narratives, develop strategic concepts, and elevate the Starbucks voice globally.

You will balance hands‑on writing with leadership, collaborating across disciplines to push campaigns beyond the brief and raise creative standards while guiding junior writers and partnering with internal and external partners.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of writing or copywriting experience at an agency or in‑house team.
• Portfolio of brand storytelling across channels.
• Ability to shape and steward voice and tone systems.

Responsibilities

• Write compelling brand stories and product narratives for omnichannel campaigns.
• Define and steward Starbucks voice globally; mentor writers.
• Lead writing‑forward projects from concept to completion.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to shape narratives and presentations.
• Mentor junior writers and provide feedback.

Skills

8+ years writing

Brand storytelling

Voice & tone

Concept development

Presenter / facilitator

Mentoring others

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Now Brewing – lead writer, Creative Studio! #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.

We’re not just brewing coffee. We’re brewing culture.

Starbucks Creative Studio is on a mission to build world‑class creative from the inside out. We’re an in‑house crew of makers who care deeply about craft, storytelling, and creating work that moves people. Our goal? Raise the bar on what internal creative can be—and then raise it again.

The lead writer plays a key role in shaping Starbucks’ tone and voice across channels. You’ll craft compelling brand stories and product narratives, develop strategic concepts, and create high‑quality copy for omnichannel campaigns. As a leader within the writing discipline, you’ll help define and steward the Starbucks voice globally while mentoring fellow writers. You’ll move fluidly between hands‑on writing and leading writing‑forward projects from concept through completion, partnering closely with the broader creative team.

As a lead writer, you will…

• Write with purpose. 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 the work beyond baseline expectations.
• Partner across disciplines. Work with lead art directors, ACDs, creative project managers, designers, studio leadership and cross‑functional teams to shape narratives, presentations, and conceptual work.
• Make the brief better. Partner with ACDs to analyze insights, resolve gaps, define success, structure creative approaches, and articulate the logic behind copy decisions.
• Raise the creative bar. Facilitate brainstorms, critiques, and voice/tone sessions, champion stronger conceptual thinking, and translate cultural and creative trends into relevant storytelling strategies.
• Grow the craft. Mentor junior writers and consult with internal partners and external agencies on brand voice, narrative, and creative excellence.

You Might Be The One If

• You’ve got 8+ years of writing or copywriting experience at an agency or in‑house creative team.
• You have a portfolio of brand storytelling, product narratives, and integrated campaign work that shows range, craft, and conceptual strength.
• You can shape and steward voice and tone systems, turning standards into practical guidance, feedback, and tools for other writers.
• You know how to turn briefs, insights, and business priorities into strong creative concepts and copy across channels.
• You’re a clear, persuasive presenter and facilitator who can lead brainstorms, critiques, and creative discussions with diverse audiences.
• You thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment and can manage multiple complex projects while adapting to changing priorities.
• You’re a generous creative partner and mentor who builds strong relationships with writers, art directors, internal partners, and agencies.

A Few Things To Know

• This role is based in Seattle. We’re in‑office, in the mix, and in it together.
• You’ll be part of a team that’s redefining what in‑house creative can be.
• We care about our people. We treat each other with respect, kindness, and a shared commitment to doing great work.

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.

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 applicantaccommodation or 1(888) 611-2258.