Senior Director of Advocacy, Policy & Public Engagement (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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Senior Director of Advocacy, Policy & Public Engagement (Volunteer)

PromisePublic | Advocacy, Policy & Public Trust Division

Organization Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed

Type Volunteer

Reports To CEO / Executive Director

Works Closely With Chief of Advocacy, Policy & Public Engagement

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit serving children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, literacy, education, social-emotional learning (SEL), creative expression, housing innovation, and community-based programs. MAP works at the intersection of direct service and systems change, recognizing that long-term impact requires both care for individual children and advocacy for structural solutions.

About PromisePublic | Advocacy, Policy & Public Trust

PromisePublic is MAP’s advocacy, policy, and public engagement division. The division advances policies, narratives, and partnerships that improve conditions for children and families experiencing housing instability, while protecting dignity, safety, and public trust. PromisePublic ensures MAP’s public voice is ethical, evidence-informed, and grounded in lived experience.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior Director of Advocacy, Policy & Public Engagement to lead MAP’s advocacy strategy, policy engagement, and public-facing efforts related to housing stability, education equity, and child well-being. This senior leadership role connects on-the-ground program experience with policy, research, and public discourse.

The Senior Director works closely with the Chief of Advocacy, Policy & Public Engagement, as well as the CEO / Executive Director, Legal & Compliance, Education leadership, Data & Research, and Communications teams to ensure MAP’s advocacy is responsible, strategic, and aligned with mission and law.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead MAP’s advocacy and policy strategy at the local, state, and federal levels
• Identify and advance policy priorities related to housing instability, education, and youth well-being
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, coalitions, and advocacy partners
• Translate program insights and data into responsible policy recommendations
• Oversee public engagement efforts, including briefings, convenings, and stakeholder outreach
• Partner with Legal to ensure advocacy activities comply with nonprofit and lobbying regulations
• Collaborate with Communications and Storytelling teams to align messaging and public narrative
• Represent MAP in policy forums, coalitions, and public discussions as appropriate
• Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via email and chat in Google Workspace
  
  

Qualifications

• Experience in advocacy, public policy, government relations, or public engagement
• Strong understanding of housing, education, or social services policy landscapes
• Ability to synthesize research, program data, and lived experience into policy positions
• Experience building coalitions and working across sectors
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Sound judgment when navigating public, political, or sensitive issues
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Experience in nonprofit, public sector, or advocacy organizations
• Familiarity with child welfare, education equity, or housing policy
• Experience working with vulnerable populations or community-based organizations
• Background in policy analysis, legislative advocacy, or civic engagement
• Experience collaborating with legal, research, and communications teams
  
  

Commitment

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

What You’ll Gain

• Senior leadership experience shaping advocacy and policy strategy
• Direct influence on systems-level change affecting children and families
• Collaboration with executive leadership and cross-division partners
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• A meaningful role advancing ethical, evidence-informed advocacy
  
  

How To Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required) describing relevant advocacy or policy experience and interest in MAP’s mission
  
  

For any additional questions or concerns, please email us directly at hr@mentorapromise.org

Help elevate the voices of children and families—and translate care into lasting change through thoughtful advocacy and public engagement.

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.