Head of Partnerships & Growth

About the role

Worldreader is a non-profit delivering digital books and play-based activities to young children through its BookSmart app. The Head of Partnerships & Growth reports to the CEO and leads the growth, delivery and impact of Worldreader's digital reading products across Kenya. The role combines market growth, strategic partnerships, programme delivery and impact leadership, and suits a mission-driven, product-oriented leader.

Key responsibilities

• Growth and market development: design and lead the Kenya market strategy for BookSmart with growth, impact and sustainability targets, identify new channels and partnerships, and personally lead field programmes, activations and community events including weekends.
• Culture and team: foster a data-informed, innovative culture, ensure insights shape global product direction, and lead and mentor a team while championing user, partner and market insights within the product team.
• Leadership and organization: represent Worldreader in Kenya with government and regulatory bodies, manage operating plans and budgets, ensure legal and governance compliance, and recruit and develop a local team.
• Partnerships and representation: build partnerships in education, FMCG, health, finance, telecom and corporate innovation, deepen ties with donors, UN agencies, NGOs and government, pursue business development and funding opportunities, and amplify Worldreader's visibility among stakeholders.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's preferred, in Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, Health or a related field.
• 6+ years of leadership, management, business development, partnerships, growth or programme leadership experience, ideally in nonprofits, social enterprises or corporate innovation.
• Track record in product-led growth, partnerships, business development or programme leadership, including scaling a product, service or programme.
• Proven success building partnerships, developing business opportunities or raising funds.
• Experience leading teams and managing budgets or operational plans.
• Hands-on involvement in field programmes and events.

Required skills

• Interest in technology and use of data and insights to inform growth and decisions.
• Interest in early childhood development and family engagement.
• Advantageous: experience in digital products, technology, emerging markets or social enterprise.