Director, Partnerships & Services

Background

Worldreader gets families reading through our award-winning app, BookSmart. It’s an equitable, subscription-free, and often data-free app that helps families prepare young children for learning by fostering reading routines with culturally representative storybooks and play-based activities. Since 2010, we’ve delivered 80+ million digital books and reached 22+ million readers in 100 countries, giving young children around the world the pre-literacy and social-emotional skills they need to be ready to start school and succeed in the future.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and serving on the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Partnerships & Services leads the growth, delivery, and impact of Worldreader’s digital reading products across Kenya. This role blends product strategy, market growth, partnerships, and impact leadership, ensuring more children read, learn, and succeed. The ideal candidate is a mission-driven, product-oriented leader who thrives at the intersection of innovation and social change.

This is a full-time position based in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Duties/Responsibilities

Large-Scale Impact

• Design and lead Kenya market strategy for BookSmart with clear growth, impact, and sustainability targets aligned with global goals.
• Create a data-informed, innovative culture, ensuring insights from Kenya continuously shape global product direction.
• Lead and mentor a passionate Kenya-based team, cultivating high-performance and inclusivity.
• Champion user, partner, and market insights into the product office.

Leadership & Organization

• Serve as Worldreader’s senior representative in Kenya, engaging with government and regulatory bodies.
• Act as a global evangelist for BookSmart and mission-driven innovation.
• Oversee multi-year operating plans and budgets, ensuring strong financial and operational stewardship.
• Champion market and user insights into the product office to help shape BookSmart’s roadmap.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and governance requirements.
• Recruit, develop, and inspire a talented local team.

Partnerships & Representation

• Build high-value partnerships across education, FMCG, health, finance, telecom, and corporate innovation sectors.
• Deepen relationships with donors, UN agencies, NGOs, government leaders, and private sector partners.
• Amplify storytelling, engagement, and visibility.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Strategic thinker with a proven ability to scale mission-driven initiatives.
• Inspirational leader able to influence across cultures and sectors.
• Masterful communicator and relationship-builder.
• Creative problem-solver with resilience and adaptability.
• Strong financial management and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent presentation and storytelling skills.
• Highly organized, outcomes-focused, and comfortable in fast-paced environments.
• Passion for education equity and digital innovation.
• Understanding of Kenyan legal and regulatory frameworks.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred, in Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, or Health.
• Ten (10)+ years of senior leadership experience across nonprofits, government, social enterprise, or corporate innovation.
• Track record in product-led growth, partnerships, or program leadership.
• Demonstrated success in raising funds or forming high-impact partnerships.
• Experience in education, digital products, or emerging markets is an advantage.
• Familiarity with digital services or technology-enabled programs is a plus.

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Local travel up to 10%.

Salary

Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

Benefits

We hire and invest in smart and tenacious people who are committed to our mission and a fun, inclusive work environment. Some of our key benefits include: 

• Flexible working hours 
• Hybrid working environment 
• Two paid, week-long company closures per year
• Quarterly wellness days
• Competitive benefits 
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Birthday PTO

How to Apply

Worldreader is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from persons with disabilities, women, and other underrepresented applicants. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Kenya and can produce proof of authorization. 

Your personal data will be processed in accordance with Worldreader's candidate privacy notice.

Please submit your CV in English.