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

Worldreader seeks a dynamic, mission-driven Director of Global Growth to lead the expansion of BookSmart as a national family reading solution in multiple countries across Africa and Latin America. The ideal candidate combines strategic business development skills with a deep understanding of education systems, early literacy, and digital transformation in emerging markets. Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Global Growth will be a part of Worldreader’s Advancement team.

This is a full-time remote position based in the United States, with preference for Georgia, Maryland, Virginia, or DC.

Duties/Responsibilities

1. Partnership Development

• Identify and secure country-level partnerships with ministries of education, health, ICT, and/or other public agencies to integrate BookSmart into national early literacy strategies.
• Develop and close multi-year government, CSR, and philanthropic agreements to fund large-scale deployments.
• Manage complex, multi-stakeholder negotiations involving policy, technology, and financing components.

2. Strategic Business Development

• Support the CEO and Board in advancing Worldreader’s strategic goal of reaching $1M by 2030.
• Develop tailored value propositions that demonstrate how BookSmart strengthens early literacy, improves school readiness, and boosts education system efficiency.
• Represent Worldreader at regional and global education and innovation forums.

3. Cross-Sector Collaboration

• Partner with corporations to co-design national reading challenges and family engagement campaigns.
• Engage local NGOs, educators, and early childhood networks to drive adoption, inclusivity, and measurable use of BookSmart in homes.
• Collaborate with international funders to secure catalytic grants for new country launches, content localization, and innovation pilots.
• Work with internal teams to design localization, content, and implementation plans tailored to each country.

4. Data, Impact, and Advocacy

• Use evidence of BookSmart’s proven results to strengthen the business case for national adoption.
• Translate outcomes and ROI data into compelling proposals and policy briefs that inspire action.
• Contribute to global and regional advocacy around early literacy, digital inclusion, and parental engagement in learning.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Fluency in English required; Spanish proficiency strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of education systems, early childhood development, and digital learning solutions in low- and middle-income contexts.
• Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Excellent writer with the ability to translate data and research into persuasive narratives for diverse stakeholders.
• Cross-cultural fluency and comfort working remotely in multilingual, international environments.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, English, or related field required; Master’s degree in International Development, Business, or Education preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, or education innovation, with a strong record in Africa and/or Latin America.
• Proven ability to close multi-million-dollar, multi-year agreements with governments, multilaterals, or large corporations.

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• International travel up to 10-20%.

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
• Remote working environment
• Two paid, week-long company closures per year
• 403(b) employer matching
• 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 the United States 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.