[Hiring] Director, Corporate Communications, Performance Marketing @Rakuten

Role Description

Rakuten International is seeking a strategic communications leader to shape how the company is positioned within the evolving performance marketing ecosystem. As part of the Corporate Communications team, this role will lead narrative development, media relations, and industry engagement for Rakuten International’s performance marketing businesses, including Rakuten Rewards and Rakuten Advertising.

Working closely with executive leadership, marketing teams, commercial partners, and senior leaders, the Director will translate complex product innovations, partnerships and industry developments into a clear and compelling narrative that resonates with merchants, advertisers, publishers, partners, and the broader marketing ecosystem.

This role reports to the Senior Director, Corporate Communications and works closely with senior leaders at Rakuten Advertising, Rakuten Rewards, and Rakuten International.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Narrative Leadership:
  • Lead the development and execution of Rakuten International’s external narrative within the performance marketing ecosystem.
  • Translate strategic initiatives, product innovation, and partnerships into clear and compelling market-facing narratives.
  • Collaborate with marketing and research teams to develop narrative-driven reports and industry insights.
  • Monitor developments across the affiliate, retail media, and performance marketing landscape.
• Media Relations & Public Relations Strategy:
  • Develop and lead media strategies that elevate the presence of Rakuten International’s performance marketing businesses.
  • Lead communications strategy for major announcements including product launches, partnerships, and reports.
  • Identify opportunities to generate high-impact earned media coverage and thought leadership.
• Executive Communications Counsel:
  • Serve as the strategic communications advisor to senior leadership.
  • Develop keynote speeches, bylined articles, executive messaging, and briefing materials.
  • Prepare executives for media interviews, public speaking opportunities, and key industry conferences.
• Cross-Business Communications:
  • Align communications across Rakuten Advertising and Rakuten Rewards.
  • Partner with product, marketing, and commercial teams to support key launches and initiatives.
  • Provide communications guidance to senior stakeholders on complex industry developments.

Qualifications

• 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.

Requirements

• Authority: You take personal ownership.
• Influence: Comfortable advising senior leaders and developing high-impact messaging.
• Flexibility: Ability to juggle multiple projects and clients simultaneously.
• Industry Insight: Understanding of forces shaping performance marketing and digital commerce.
• Clarity: Simplifying complex topics into resonant narratives.
• Superior writing and editing skills: Capable of producing executive messaging and thought leadership.

Travel Requirements

This role includes domestic and international travel to support major industry events, executive speaking engagements, and strategic initiatives.

Benefits

• Discretionary bonus
• Health, vision, dental insurance
• 401k matching
• PTO
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
• Other employee benefits as the company implements

Compensation

The expected base compensation for this role is within the range of USD $113,157.00 - $211,032.00 annually. Individual compensation will vary based on job-related factors.