Now Brewing – director, Corporate Counsel (Marketing and Advertising) (Hybrid-Seattle, WA)! #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 committed to developing and supporting partners (employees) who share this passion and who are motivated to achieve their personal best.

In the role of director, Corporate Counsel (Marketing and Advertising), you will support and advise dynamic business organizations like Marketing, Starbucks Rewards (loyalty), Creative Studio, Global Communications, and Corporate Affairs. You will draft and negotiate commercial contracts that advance the company’s strategic initiatives and provide subject matter expertise to ensure that our promotional activities and communications comply with marketing, advertising, and consumer protection laws, related regulations, and industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Essential job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Draft and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts, including professional services agreements, ad agency and media agreements, influencer agreements, publicity releases, intellectual property licenses, sponsorships, commercial co-venture agreements, and other similar documents. Review marketing and advertising materials, promotional offerings, packaging, and strategic initiatives, taking a solutions-oriented, pragmatic approach to providing feedback to business stakeholders regarding potential risks, trends, and recommended action. Develop, review, and evaluate claims (e.g., green claims; health claims) to ensure compliance with applicable laws, guidelines, and regulations. Use sound legal and business judgment to conduct risk assessments and advise the Starbucks Rewards team on innovative solutions to reward loyal customers and drive brand engagement. Provide counsel on contests and sweepstakes compliance, including drafting rules. Guide and support paralegals on projects and work cross-functionally with colleagues in other practice groups, as well as business stakeholders across the company. Collaborate with the litigation team to defend against claims related to marketing and advertising activities. Develop, refine, and deliver training to enhance compliance with advertising laws.

Qualifications

We’d love to hear from people with:

Substantive experience in marketing transactions, advertising law, and consumer protection law. 9+ years in-house or law firm legal experience (at least 3+ years in-house preferred) drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, reviewing marketing and advertising content, and directly advising business stakeholders on risks, trends, and strategy. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Familiarity with trademark, copyright protection, and data privacy issues. A strong record of establishing and maintaining credibility and trust with business stakeholders and other colleagues. The motivation and aptitude to develop new skills. History as a strong and reliable teammate with the ability to work cross-functionally in a complex organizational structure. Sound risk assessment capabilities in rapidly evolving regulated areas. Demonstrated ability to quickly learn business requirements, analyze legal and commercial risks, and propose creative business solutions. Excellent judgment and organizational skills, with a proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and complete tasks accurately, on schedule, and with minimal supervision. Flexibility and willingness to take on new tasks in new or unfamiliar areas of the law. Exceptional levels of collegiality. Demonstrated success in innovating processes, streamlining operations, and increasing efficiency, transparency, and comprehension between internal stakeholders and the legal team.

Other favored skills:

 Familiarity with initiatives that promote sustainable practices and renewable energy programs. Experience working with agencies to hire SAG-AFTRA talent.

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.

Join us and inspire with every cup. Apply today!

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity and expression, genetic information, or any other factor protected by law.

We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes partners with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving customers throughout our global communities. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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