lead/AD (art director), Creative Studio

Now Brewing – lead/AD (art director), 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/AD will work with the in-store experiences squad. Someone who loves design, thrives on collaboration, and knows how to make ideas look amazing. You’ll concept and craft seasonal campaigns, packaging, cards, in-store creative, signage (digital, motion design and print), and whatever else we dream up. You’ll flex between designing hands-on and leading projects from concept to completion to bring the Starbucks brand to life.

As a lead/AD, you will…

• Design like a pro. Jump into the work with a sharp eye for detail and storytelling.
• Lead projects. Own the creative development from kickoff to final delivery—concepts, photography, motion design, layout—driving the project and keeping everything on-brand and on point.
• Collaborate like crazy. Partner with ACDs (associate creative directors), project managers, copywriters, designers, producers, and cross-functional teams to make sure everything aligns, sings, and ships on time.
• Push boundaries. Help evolve how Starbucks shows up visually, emotionally, and experientially.
• Keep it fresh. Bring cultural and design trends into the work in smart, unexpected ways.
  
  

We’d Love To Hear From People With

• You’ve got 8+ years of art direction experience at an agency or in-house creative team.
• You’re fluent in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD) and know your way around Figma.
• You’ve art-directed complex campaigns, photoshoots, motion design and production—and your portfolio proves it.
• You’re obsessed with craft and details but never lose sight of the big picture.
• You know how to present creative work with clarity, strategy, and just enough flair.
• You thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and can juggle multiple priorities without breaking a sweat.
• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts/Visual Design/Visual Communication/Graphic Design, related creative certification or evaluated by relevant experience.
• Applying exemplified mastery of creative and design principles to create and art direct work.
• Skilled at graphics file creation optimized for digital, social, media, packaging and/or print
• Sharply attuned to cultural, consumer, and design trends and applying insights with a keen eye for shaping concepts, aesthetics, and details
• Excels at sharing ideas and feedback clearly and thoughtfully with teammates and possesses excellent presentation skills
• Possesses high EQ with an exceptional ability to build effective working relationships with cross-functional teams and executives
• An understanding of integrated marketing and its various components
• Has an outstanding portfolio demonstrating a wide range of creative projects
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills; ability to multi-task, set priorities, and adhere to deadlines
• Ability to work independently, lead and inspire in a team environment, and build agency/in-house culture.
• Proficient in Mac programs. Highly Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD, Acrobat, and Creative Cloud. Understanding of programs like Procreate, After Effects, Premiere Pro, Opal, and Figma
  
  

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.
  
  

If you read all this and thought, “This sounds like my kind of gig,” then we want to hear from you.

Please include a link to your portfolio with your application.

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.

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 or 1(888) 611-2258.