Contractor, Digital Marketing (Japanese Proficiency Required)

CACTUS is hiring a Digital Marketing Specialist to support its client services in Japan, focusing on campaigns that target researchers and academics to drive traffic and conversions to the client’s webshop.

We are looking for an India-based specialist with hands-on experience in the Japanese digital advertising ecosystem to manage campaign setup, execution, and optimization. The role will involve planning and running digital campaigns aimed at effectively reaching the academic and research community in Japan. You will primarily work with platforms such as Yahoo! Japan Search Ads, Yahoo! Display Ads (YDA), SmartNews, and ResearchGate.

This is a 6-month contractual opportunity.

Job Responsibilities

• Set up and manage paid search and display campaigns on Yahoo! Japan Search Ads and Yahoo! Display Ads (YDA).
• Plan and execute SmartNews sponsored content campaigns targeting researchers and academic audiences in Japan.
• Manage ResearchGate advertising campaigns for the Japan market.
• Write and localize ad copy, headlines, and CTAs in natural Japanese, tailored to each platform.
• Monitor campaign performance daily, tracking CTR, CPC, impressions, and conversion rates.
• Optimize keyword bids, audience targeting, and creatives based on performance insights and data analysis.
• Prepare monthly campaign performance reports for internal stakeholders and client review.
• Collaborate with the account manager to secure campaign approvals and incorporate creative feedback.
• Proactively identify and flag platform-specific issues, compliance requirements, or emerging audience trends.

Qualifications and Prerequisites

• Full Japanese language proficiency (written and spoken); JLPT/NAT certification will be an added advantage.
• At least 2 years of experience in digital marketing or paid media campaign management, with hands-on experience managing campaigns on Yahoo! Japan Search Ads and/or Yahoo! Display Ads (YDA).
• Strong familiarity with the Japanese digital advertising ecosystem, including an understanding of researcher and academic audience behaviour.
• Proficiency in campaign performance tracking, analysis, and reporting to drive optimization and results.
• Experience working with SmartNews or other Japanese content discovery advertising platforms will be preferred.
• Prior exposure to academic publishing, research services, or B2B digital marketing is a plus.
• Familiarity with ResearchGate or other researcher-focused advertising platforms, along with experience marketing to researchers, graduate students, or academic institutions in Japan, will be an advantage.