Communications Specialist Jobs in Seattle, WA

INTRODUCTION

Now Brewing – senior manager, Retail Partner Communications – Partner Experience! #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.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The senior manager, Retail Partner Communications – Partner Experience is the strategic communications lead for partner experience‑impacting work across North America coffeehouses. This role owns internal communications strategy, narrative leadership, and execution for policies, programs, compensation updates, operational changes, and high‑risk issues that directly affect coffeehouse partners. The work requires senior‑level judgment, strong cross‑functional leadership, and the ability to bring clarity to complex, sensitive, and fast‑moving situations.

This is a senior individual contributor role that operates with a high degree of autonomy and serves as a trusted advisor to leaders across multiple departments including Coffeehouse Excellence, Partner Resources Organization, Legal and others.

As a manager, Retail Partner Communications, you will...

Retail partners experience changes through communication. This role helps ensure partner-facing messages are clear, accurate, and aligned—reducing confusion and supporting trust, stability and engagement across North America coffeehouses.

Lead Communications Strategy

• Own the partner communications strategy for PRO-aligned, partner-impacting initiatives.
• Set messaging, tone, sequencing, and channel approach across retail internal channels.
• Anticipate legal, operational, partner-experience and reputational risks and guide communication decisions accordingly.

Drive Narrative & Clarity at Scale

• Translate complex PRO, Legal, and Operations decisions into clear, partner-ready guidance – bringing structure and clarity during periods of ambiguity or rapid change.
• Create narrative frameworks that explain what is changing, why it matters, and what partners need to do with consideration for how internal messaging may be interpreted externally.
• Develop and lead end-to-end internal communications for major partner programs including partner experience surveys, compensation programs, etc.
• Manage strategy, messaging, reviews, production, and follow-through.

Communications Counsel & Leader Readiness

• Provide strategic counsel to leaders of all levels on internal messaging, risks, and tradeoffs.
• Shape narrative direction and prepare leaders for high-visibility internal moments across mediums - written, video, broadcast, etc.
• Influence decision-making by representing the partner experience early in the process shaping not only messaging but timing, sequencing, and risk tradeoffs.

Cross-Functional Integration

• Orchestrate alignment across PRO, Legal, Operations, Retail Leadership, Channels, Global Communications, and more.
• Resolve competing inputs to ensure partners receive one clear, consistent message.
• Ensure internal communications are aligned with broader enterprise context when needed.

Issues & Rapid Response

• Lead retail partner communications during sensitive or urgent partner-impacting events (e.g., payroll issues, policy changes, safety incidents).
• Establish facts quickly, align partners, and set clear direction under pressure.
• Protect partner trust while minimizing escalations and confusion.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of experience in internal, employee, retail or enterprise communications in a retail or retail-adjacent environment.
• Proven experience operating with independent judgment and accountability in complex, sensitive or ambiguous situations.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to simplify complexity.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-functional work with PRO/HR, Legal, Operations, and senior leaders.
• Executive presence and comfort advising senior leaders.
• Experience with external communications and issues is preferred.

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.

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Join us and inspire with every cup. Apply today!

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@starbucks.com or 1(888) 611-2258.