2D Animator (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.,Description2D Animator (Volunteer)Organization Mentor A Promise (MAP)Location Remote with NYC-based collaboration as neededType Volunteer (Creative Production Role)About Mentor A PromiseMentor A Promise (MAP) is a NYC-based nonprofit serving children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, literacy, social-emotional learning, and creative expression. Animation allows MAP to tell stories in ways that feel safe, magical, and emotionally accessible—especially for children who have experienced trauma or disruption.Our animated storytelling brings characters, lessons, and hope to life across digital media, books, and educational platforms.Role OverviewThe 2D Animator brings MAP’s stories, characters, and educational content to life through expressive, trauma-informed animation. This role works closely with writers, illustrators, art directors, and educators to create animated content that is joyful, sensitive, and developmentally appropriate.This is an ideal role for an animator who wants to use their craft to support healing, literacy, and imagination.Key ResponsibilitiesAnimate characters, scenes, and educational content for MAP projectsWork from storyboards, scripts, and visual assetsCollaborate with art directors, writers, and editorsEnsure animation style is warm, inclusive, and child-safePrepare files for web, video, and educational platformsMeet project timelines and creative standardsQualificationsExperience with 2D animation (Adobe Animate, Toon Boom, After Effects, or similar tools)Strong understanding of motion, timing, and visual storytellingAbility to animate in expressive, child-friendly stylesComfort working collaboratively in a remote creative teamAlignment with MAP’s trauma-informed and equity-centered missionPreferred SkillsExperience with children’s media or educational animationStoryboarding or character animation experienceFamiliarity with audio syncing or simple editingInterest in social-impact storytellingCommitmentVolunteer roleApproximately 5–10 hours per weekMinimum 6-month commitment preferredFully remote with optional NYC-based collaborationWhat You’ll GainA strong portfolio of mission-driven animated workReal-world impact through storytelling for children in needCollaboration with illustrators, writers, and filmmakersProfessional references and letters of recommendationThe opportunity to bring hope, joy, and learning to life through animationHow To ApplyInterested candidates should apply directly through Idealist.For any additional questions or concerns, please email us directly at hr@mentorapromise.orgHelp turn stories into motion—and motion into meaning for children who need it most.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.