After passing through a variety of inspector-level positions, Kiyomaro was in 743 promoted to assistant director of the Jingi-kan and granted the rank of ju go-i no ge (従五位下).

In 747, in the last days of the court of Emperor Shōmu, he was moved to a regional position as governor of Owari Province.

In 762 he rose to ju shi-i no ge (従四位下), and at the end of the year Kiyomaro was promoted to sangi, joining the ranks of the kugyō along with Nakamaro's sons Kusumaro and Asakari.

In this same year he also served with Kusumaro and Kamitsumichi no Hitatsu (上道斐太都) in the empresses' palace, transmitting imperial decrees.

At the banquet after Kōken's re-enthronement ceremony as Empress Shōtoku, Kiyomaro was in attendance as director of the Jingi-kan.

The Empress praised him for his integrity and industry in his long service in that organization,[1] and he was promoted to ju san-mi (従三位).