Position Overview
Room to Read is expanding its early learning portfolio to include mathematics alongside literacy. Building on our research-based global literacy modules, the Director, Early Mathematics 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.
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
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, and 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:
The salary range for this role is $120,000 to $150,000. The posted range reflects the anticipated hiring range for this role. We encourage candidates with experience or skills that exceed the core requirements to apply, as compensation may be considered flexibly based on role alignment, scope, and demonstrated expertise.
- 100% employer-paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 22 days of PTO + 11 paid holidays
- Immediate enrollment in a 401(k) plan with up to a 6% match
- Certified Great Place to Work
Room to Read is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds.
Room to Read is a child-safe organization; all personnel must adhere to Room to Read’s Child Protection Policy, Child Protection Code of Conduct and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy.
This position was originally posted by Room to Read and has been curated by PurposePhil Career. To apply, please visit the original listing on the "apply" link on the side. We are not affiliated with the employer organization of this job ad or consultancy, and provide this curated listing as a service to our users.
