Account Manager

Rakuten Advertising•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Rakuten International is a division of Rakuten Group, Inc., a Japanese global technology leader in services that empower individuals, communities, businesses and society. Headquartered in San Mateo, California with more than 4,000 employees worldwide, the Rakuten International business portfolio includes market leaders in e-commerce, digital marketing, advertising, communications and entertainment. We create products and services that provide exceptional value by aligning members and the businesses that want to engage them in a shared community. Rakuten Advertising provides advertising technology and consumer insights to the world’s leading brands and retailers. Working with agencies and brands around the world, Rakuten Advertising unites technology, client strategy and consumer insights to deliver advertising experiences that drive increased brand awareness and marketing performance. With access to Rakuten’s diverse media properties and audiences, combined with an award-winning performance network and proprietary consumer research, Rakuten Advertising creates the right conditions to reach new customers and sustain long-lasting loyalty. Job Summary: Join Rakuten Advertising as a strategic Account Manager and drive growth for leading brands across the Financial Services, Travel, and Technology sectors! As a pivotal member of our commercial team, you will cultivate and expand high-value partnerships with key decision-makers and digital marketing leaders within your dedicated client portfolio. You will be the architect of success for their affiliate marketing programs, leveraging Rakuten Advertising's innovative solutions to achieve and surpass ambitious revenue goals. This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate cross-functionally, ensuring our clients receive unparalleled service and strategic guidance that consistently exceeds their expectations. In this role, you will be responsible for relationship management with an assigned portfolio of clients. You will serve as a client liaison throughout the delivery of client service engagements or outsourced solutions. You will be strategically focused and responsible for maintaining client satisfaction by ensuring consistent and proactive communications with clients while completing tasks that support the overall management of client relationships.

Requirements

Genuine interest in and a desire to deeply engage with the Financial Services, Travel, and Technology verticals.
Proven track record of developing and executing successful, data-driven affiliate marketing strategies that demonstrably grow client portfolios.
Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail in client management, project execution, and administrative tasks.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize effectively, strategize based on client objectives, and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
A creative and analytical mindset with a strong desire to solve complex problems, think critically, and apply sound professional judgment.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (for data analysis, reporting) and PowerPoint (for compelling client presentations).
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with a natural talent for engaging presentations and articulating complex information clearly.
3+ years of progressive experience in affiliate marketing, with a significant focus on client-facing account management.
Demonstrated strong understanding and practical experience with affiliate marketing platforms and technologies.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience within financial services, travel, or technology affiliate marketing is a distinct advantage.

Responsibilities

Strategic Program Management: Design, implement, and meticulously track comprehensive affiliate marketing strategies and action plans tailored to each client's unique objectives.
Client Relationship & Growth: Serve as the primary point of contact, fostering deep, trusted relationships with key client stakeholders through regular strategic communication (video calls, email, in-person meetings).
Revenue Generation & Optimization: Partner closely with clients to define, achieve, and consistently exceed aggressive revenue targets through data-driven insights and innovative strategic initiatives.
Thought Leadership & Advisory: Provide proactive, strategic recommendations and thought leadership to optimize client profitability, mitigate risks, and identify new growth opportunities.
Performance Storytelling: Develop and deliver compelling, data-rich business reviews and presentations that showcase program performance, articulate value, and align with client strategic imperatives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Seamlessly collaborate with internal teams including Client Services, Analytics, Compliance, Product, Marketing, and Sales to deliver holistic solutions and exceptional client outcomes.
Platform Expertise & Enablement: Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Rakuten Advertising's proprietary affiliate marketing technology, guiding clients on best practices and maximizing their utilization of our tools and resources.
Product & Solution Integration: Become an expert on Rakuten Advertising's full suite of products and services, strategically aligning them with client goals to drive mutual success.