Director, Corporate Communications, Performance Marketing

Rakuten•San Mateo, CA

About The Position

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.

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.
Authority: You take personal ownership.
Influence: You are comfortable advising senior leaders and developing high-impact messaging for executive audiences. You can make things happen without formal authority.
Flexibility: You love the thrill of juggling multiple projects and clients simultaneously; multiple projects and shifting priorities are all part of a day’s work.
Industry Insight: You understand the forces shaping performance marketing, affiliate ecosystems, and digital commerce.
Clarity: You simplify complex topics and translate them into narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
Superior writing and editing skills: You are a disciplined, confident writer capable of producing executive messaging, thought leadership, and narrative frameworks.

Responsibilities

Strategic Narrative Leadership 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.
Media Relations & Public Relations Strategy 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.
Executive Communications Counsel 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.
Cross-Business Communications 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.