senior manager, communications & strategic programs, Office of the CTO (OCTO)

Starbucks Corp.; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with employer match

Tuition coverage via Starbucks College

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Backup care and DACA reimbursement

Job summary

Starbucks Coffee Company seeks a senior manager of communications & strategic programs within the Office of the CTO (OCTO) to lead strategic communications and programs for the global Technology organization, supporting the CTO and Technology Leadership Teams.

You will craft internal and external communications that amplify the voice and priorities of Starbucks Technology, while designing programs that elevate rhythms of business and delivery channels across the technology organization.

Job description

Now Brewing – senior manager, communications & strategic programs, Office of the CTO (OCTO) team!

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 a Starbucks senior manager, communications & strategic programs on the Office of the CTO team, you will . . .

Lead strategic communications and strategic programs for the global Starbucks Technology organization, supporting the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Technology Leadership Teams. You will also be responsible for crafting and executing internal and external communications that amplify the voice and priorities of Starbucks Technology, while designing programs and processes that elevate the rhythms of business and delivery channels across the technology organization.

Who you are...

• A strategic storyteller
• Systems designer
• Trusted advisor who thrives in a fast-paced matrixed environment
• Growth-minded, solution-oriented, and eager to learn continuously

Key Resonsibilties:

• Develop and execute a communications strategy aligned to Starbucks Technology priorities, enterprise goals, and the Back to Starbucks roadmap, shaping a clear technology narrative that connects delivery, operational excellence, and business value.
• Maintain clear, consistent communications across managed channels, senior and executive leader messaging, events, and programs with autonomy, sound judgment, and strong cross-functional influence.
• Partner with Enterprise Communications, Global Communications, the Office of the CEO, and ST Strategy & Operations to align and amplify technology communications.
• Translate the CTO’s vision into strategic programs, operating rhythms, and engagement platforms that align Starbucks Technology priorities and drive measurable business value.
• Own and evolve the rolling delivery narrative and Board of Director materials, connecting key milestones to Starbucks’ mission, enterprise priorities, and the technology vision.
• Design and manage leadership forums, partner experiences, and communications channels that build alignment, recognize progress, and strengthen engagement across Starbucks Technology.

What you’ll do:

• Translate the CTO’s vision into strategic programs, operating rhythms, and engagement platforms that align Starbucks Technology priorities and drive measurable business value.
• Own and evolve the rolling delivery narrative and Board of Director materials, connecting key milestones to Starbucks’ mission, enterprise priorities, and the technology vision.
• Design and manage leadership forums, partner experiences, and communications channels that build alignment, recognize progress, and strengthen engagement across Starbucks Technology.
• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to the CTO and Starbucks Technology Leadership Team, shaping message strategy, sequencing, leader readiness, and audience cascade.
• Build strong relationships across the enterprise to align, amplify, and advance technology communications and strategic delivery priorities.
• Lead high-visibility, confidential, and time-sensitive communications with autonomy, sound judgment, and strong cross-functional influence.
• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to the CTO and Starbucks Technology Leadership Team, shaping message strategy, sequencing, leader readiness, and audience cascade.
• Build strong relationships across the enterprise to align, amplify, and advance technology communications and strategic delivery priorities.
• Lead high-visibility, confidential, and time-sensitive communications with autonomy, sound judgment, and strong cross-functional influence.

We’d love to hear from people with...

• Experience in a global retail brand or technology environment.
• Background in organizational development, change management, or employee engagement.
• Familiarity with Starbucks mission, values, and partner culture.
• Experience with designing large scale evets and communications platforms
• Demonstrated willingness to learn continuously, adopt new technologies and approaches, and share knowledge
• Growth-minded, solution-oriented, and curious!

What We’re Looking For...

• 8+ years of experience in strategic internal communications or program management roles.
• Proven experience supporting senior executives in a communications or advisory capacity.
• Strong writing, presentation design, and storytelling skills with a keen understanding of tone, voice, and audience.
• Experience driving internal engagement or transformational initiatives.
• Ability to navigate complex, matrixed organizations and influence without authority.
• Passion for technology, designed experiences, and employee engagement.

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.

• 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 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.