Director, Partnerships & Services at Worldreader

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.