Global Director, Early Mathematics Program

Global Director, Early Mathematics Program

Room to Read is expanding its early learning portfolio to include mathematics alongside literacy. Building on our research-based global literacy modules, the Global Director, Early Mathematics Program will lead the development of complementary global mathematics modules to guide curriculum design, instructional materials, and teacher professional development across diverse country contexts.

Reporting to the Vice President, Literacy, this role provides strategic and technical leadership for Room to Read’s global early mathematics portfolio. The Director will oversee module development, support country implementation, contribute to funding strategy, and represent Room to Read externally in advancing high-quality early mathematics instruction within government systems. This is a fixed-term position ending on December 31st, 2026, with the possibility of extension dependent upon funding. This role is open to candidates throughout Africa, with a preference for those based in Kenya, South Africa, or Tanzania.

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Technical Leadership: Set the strategic vision and technical direction for Room to Read’s early mathematics portfolio in alignment with the broader early literacy strategy. Lead development of global mathematics modules, including curriculum guidance, student materials, teacher guides, and aligned professional development resources. Ensure coherence and alignment between early literacy and early mathematics approaches. Translate global research and best practices into scalable, contextually adaptable program models.
• Program Design & Implementation Support: Provide technical oversight and hands-on guidance to country teams implementing early mathematics programming. Review program implementation and recommend adjustments to improve quality and impact. Partner with the Global Research, Monitoring & Evaluation team to design and refine systems to assess mathematics teaching and learning outcomes. Advise on the development of low-cost mathematics manipulatives and mathematics-themed children’s books.
• Business Development & Partnerships: Lead technical design of mathematics-focused funding proposals and custom projects. Support donor engagement by contributing technical content and participating in external meetings as needed. Represent Room to Read with ministries of education, multilateral organizations, NGOs, universities, and sector partners. Identify and cultivate opportunities for collaboration to scale and sustain mathematics programming within government systems.
• Management & Operations: Recruit, manage, and develop program staff and technical consultants as needed. Contribute to annual planning, budgeting, and quarterly reporting processes in collaboration with the VP of Literacy and Operations team. Support Marketing & Communications and Development teams in developing program messaging and materials.

Qualifications

To excel as the Global Director, Early Mathematics Program, you should possess a robust background in education and leadership.

• Technical Leadership & Expertise: Minimum 10 years of professional experience in education, with significant focus on early mathematics. Demonstrated experience designing mathematics curricula, instructional materials (e.g., student books, teacher guides), and aligned professional development resources. At least 3 years of direct experience teaching mathematics to children. Advanced degree in mathematics education or closely related field (or equivalent combination of advanced degree and relevant experience). Strong understanding of early mathematics instruction in low-resource and government partnership contexts.
• Implementation & Systems Strengthening: Experience supporting implementation of education programs across multiple country contexts, including providing technical guidance to field teams. Experience collaborating with research, monitoring & evaluation teams to design assessment tools and measure learning outcomes. Proven ability to translate research into scalable, practical program models.
• Management & Organizational Leadership: Experience recruiting, managing, and developing staff and/or technical consultants. Experience contributing to planning, budgeting, reporting, and performance tracking processes. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a global, matrixed organization.
• Partnerships & External Engagement: Proven experience engaging with ministries of education, multilateral organizations, NGOs, universities, or similar stakeholders. Experience contributing technical input to funding proposals and donor-facing materials. Established networks within the early mathematics or foundational learning sector. Full professional proficiency in English.
• Other: Ability and willingness to travel internationally (up to 10%).

Compensation and Benefits

Room to Read offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits. Benefits vary based on the local requirements and best practices in the country where the position is based, but all employees are provided with comprehensive medical coverage, retirement savings contributions and/or pension plan matches, and paid time off. The non-monetary compensation includes a unique opportunity to be part of an innovative, meaningful, and growing organization that is changing the world through the lifelong gift of education.

Key skills/competency

• Early Mathematics Instruction
• Curriculum Development
• Instructional Design
• Teacher Professional Development
• Program Management
• Global Program Implementation
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Monitoring & Evaluation
• Business Development
• Strategic Leadership