Director, Corporate Communications, Performance Marketing

Rakuten International is a division of Rakuten Group, Inc., a Japanese global technology leader in services that empower individuals, communities, businesses and society. The company is seeking a strategic communications leader to shape its position within the performance marketing ecosystem, leading narrative development, media relations, and industry engagement for its performance marketing businesses.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of Rakuten International’s external narrative within the performance marketing ecosystem, positioning the company as a leading voice in performance marketing, loyalty-driven commerce, and digital advertising
• Translate strategic initiatives, product innovation, and partnerships into clear and compelling market-facing narratives that resonate with merchants, advertisers, publishers, partners, and the broader marketing community
• Collaborate with marketing and research teams to develop narrative-driven reports and industry insights that reinforce Rakuten’s market positioning
• Monitor developments across the affiliate, retail media, and performance marketing landscape and translate emerging industry dynamics into narrative opportunities for Rakuten
• Develop and lead media strategies that elevate the presence of Rakuten International’s performance marketing businesses in key conversations shaping the future of digital advertising, commerce, and loyalty
• Lead communications strategy for major announcements including product launches, partnerships, and reports
• Identify opportunities to generate high-impact earned media coverage and thought leadership in business and industry outlets
• Serve as the strategic communications advisor to senior leadership in articulating Rakuten’s narrative on performance marketing
• Develop keynote speeches, bylined articles, executive messaging, and briefing materials for industry events and media engagements
• Prepare executives for media interviews, public speaking opportunities, and key industry conferences
• Align communications across Rakuten Advertising and Rakuten Rewards to ensure a cohesive performance marketing narrative
• Partner with product, marketing, and commercial teams to support key launches, strategic partnerships, and initiatives
• Provide communications guidance to senior stakeholders on complex industry developments and market opportunities

Requirements:

• 8-10+ years experience in public relations (in-house or agency), communications, journalism or a related field
• Proven experience developing and executing media relations strategies in technology, advertising, commerce, or digital platforms
• Strong understanding of trends shaping digital advertising, performance marketing, retail media, or affiliate ecosystems
• Experience working closely with senior executives to develop thought leadership and keynote speeches
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical or commercial concepts into clear, compelling narratives
• Experience operating in highly cross-functional environments with multiple stakeholders
• Strong writing and storytelling skills across multiple formats