Picture Book Art Director (Volunteer)

Mentor A Promise is a New York City–based nonprofit serving children and youth (ages 5–18) experiencing housing instability, grounded in the belief that every child is a Promise—full of potential, dignity, and possibility. We deliver consistent, high-quality programming across mentorship, literacy, social-emotional learning, and creative expression in shelters, schools, and community spaces, creating structured environments where students can grow, be seen, and build lasting skills. Through signature experiences like The Imagination Studio, The Kitchen Table, The Sound Lab, and The Story Space, we nurture academic development, emotional well-being, and creative voice, all within a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and accessibility-centered framework. Our work prioritizes dignity-protective storytelling, consent-driven engagement, and deep community partnership, ensuring that how we serve is as intentional as whom we serve. We are not only addressing immediate needs - we are building pathways to confidence, belonging, and long-term opportunity, so every child has the support and foundation to carry their promise forward.

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Description

Picture Book Art Director (Volunteer)

Organization Mentor A Promise

Location Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed

Type Volunteer (Unpaid, Senior Creative Leadership Role)

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a nonprofit organization supporting children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability in New York City. Through mentorship, literacy, social-emotional learning, and creative expression, MAP creates safe, joyful, and empowering spaces for children to grow and thrive.

Picture books are one of MAP’s most powerful tools for reaching young children—especially those navigating trauma, displacement, or instability. Our publishing work centers warmth, representation, emotional safety, and the belief that every child deserves to see themselves reflected with dignity and care.

Role Overview

The Picture Book Art Director leads the visual storytelling for MAP’s picture book program. This role shapes the artistic direction of books from concept through final art—ensuring every page is emotionally safe, developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and beautifully crafted.

The Art Director works closely with authors, illustrators, editors, and educators to create books that support literacy, healing, and imagination for children facing housing instability.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and maintain the visual style and artistic standards for MAP’s picture books
• Collaborate with authors and editors to interpret stories visually
• Guide illustrators from early sketches through final artwork
• Ensure illustrations are trauma-informed, inclusive, and age-appropriate
• Maintain consistency of characters, environments, and emotional tone
• Review layouts, pacing, and visual flow across pages
• Provide clear, supportive, and constructive creative feedback
• Ensure all artwork is production-ready for print and digital formats
  
  

Qualifications

• Professional experience in children’s publishing, illustration, or art direction
• Strong understanding of picture book storytelling, pacing, and visual narrative
• Sensitivity to trauma-informed and child-centered design
• Ability to lead creative teams with clarity, warmth, and high standards
• Experience collaborating with writers and editors
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Experience with diverse or underrepresented children’s audiences
• Familiarity with print production and digital publishing formats
• Background in literacy, education, or social-emotional learning
• Experience mentoring illustrators or creative teams
  
  

Commitment

• Volunteer leadership role
• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Fully remote with optional NYC-based collaboration
  
  

What You’ll Gain

• Creative leadership experience in mission-driven children’s publishing
• The opportunity to shape books that bring comfort, joy, and representation to children
• Collaboration with writers, educators, and talented illustrators
• Professional recognition and letters of recommendation
• A lasting impact through stories that help children feel seen and safe
  
  

How To Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist. Please add your resume and cover letter.

Help shape the visual worlds that welcome, soothe, and inspire young readers—one picture book at a time.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our organization. At this time, volunteer opportunities are limited to individuals based in the United States due to legal, safeguarding, data-privacy, and programmatic requirements. We appreciate your interest in our mission and your understanding of these constraints.