director, crisis and issues communications
Starbucks
- Location
- 2401 Utah Ave S #800, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Staff
- Posted
- 1h ago
About this role
Now Brewing – director, crisis and issues communications! #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. This role leads some of Starbucks most visible and fast-moving reputation work, notably risk mitigation, and crisis and issues response. The person in this role partners closely with Legal, Partner Resources, Coffeehouse Operations, Government Affairs and Investor Relations to navigate complex, high-profile business and coffeehouse issues, creating and executing scenario plans, playbooks and response strategies. Success requires strong judgment, the ability to make decisions and communicate effectively in rapidly changing situations, the ability to influence across the enterprise, and experience building teams, processes and systems that enable confident, coordinated responses at scale. The ideal candidate is a seasoned communications leader with proven media relations experience and who thrives in a dynamic environment. This role balances long-term reputation strategy with real-time business priorities. As a director of crisis and issues communications, you will… Protect and Strengthen Starbucks Reputation - Lead a small team responsible for communications strategy and response for issues that could impact the business or trust in Starbucks, ensuring the company communicates quickly, thoughtfully and consistently across external and internal audiences, including partners (employees) as well as traditional and social media. Advise Leaders Through Complex Business Challenges - Serve as a trusted, solutions-oriented communications counselor to cross-functional leaders, partnering closely with Legal, Partner Resources, Operations, Government Affairs and Investor Relations to assess risk, shape messaging and guide decisions in fast-moving situations. Build and Lead the Company's Issues Response Capability - Develop and maintain the processes, plans, relationships and team readiness needed to identify emerging issues early, coordinate responses at scale and ensure Starbucks is prepared for both anticipated and unexpected challenges. We’d love to hear from people with: 10+ years of experience in crisis and issues communications from consumer brand, retail, political campaigns or similar high-profile, high-volume organizations. Proven experience in influencing perceptions through deep media relations and navigating a fast-moving social media landscape. Proven experience in leading cross functional teams to solve complex problems with urgency, including leading up to top organizational leadership. 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