Instructional Designer (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.,Instructional Designer (Volunteer)PromisePeople | Organizational Learning, Training & Knowledge SystemsOrganization Mentor A Promise (MAP)Location Hybrid / RemoteType VolunteerReports To Chief Operating Officer (COO)Works Closely With PromisePeople, PromiseOperations, PromiseLearning, PromiseShield, Leadership TeamAbout Mentor A PromiseMentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth experiencing housing instability through mentorship, education, and community. As the organization grows, the ability to clearly communicate knowledge, systems, and expectations internally becomes essential to consistency, quality, and scale.About PromisePeople | Training & Organizational DevelopmentPromisePeople is responsible for building strong internal systems that support people, learning, and organizational effectiveness. The division ensures that knowledge is structured, accessible, and aligned across all teams—so that everyone operates with clarity and purpose.Role OverviewWe are seeking an Instructional Designer to support the development and ongoing refinement of MAP’s organizational learning materials.This role plays a key part in ensuring that internal resources are clear, accessible, and consistently aligned with organizational needs. Reporting to the COO, the role also includes involvement in a range of special projects that support broader organizational priorities.The ideal candidate is skilled at transforming complex information into simple, engaging, and practical learning content, with a strong focus on usability and clarity.Key ResponsibilitiesLearning Content DevelopmentDevelop new organizational learning materials that are clear, engaging, and easy to useDesign structured resources that support onboarding, training, and internal alignmentEnsure materials are practical and applicable across teamsContent Review & RefinementReview, edit, and update existing materials for accuracy and consistencyImprove clarity, structure, and usability of internal documentationMaintain alignment with organizational standards and toneOrganizational Alignment & ReportingReport to the COO on priorities, progress, and content needsAlign learning materials with evolving organizational prioritiesSupport leadership in identifying gaps in internal knowledge systemsInformation Design & AccessibilityStructure information to improve usability and accessibilitySimplify complex processes into clear, step-by-step guidanceEnsure materials are easy to understand and implementCross-Functional Support & Special ProjectsContribute to special projects across the organization as neededCollaborate with multiple divisions to support knowledge sharingSupport development of systems that improve internal communicationContinuous ImprovementIdentify opportunities to improve how information is communicated internallyRecommend enhancements to training, onboarding, and documentation systemsSupport evolution of MAP’s internal knowledge infrastructureCommunication & ResponsivenessMaintain clear, timely communication via Google WorkspaceCollaborate effectively across teams and leadershipQualificationsRequiredExperience in instructional design, content development, learning design, or similar roleStrong ability to simplify complex information into clear, structured contentExcellent written communication and attention to detailAbility to manage multiple priorities and adapt to shifting needsStrong collaboration and cross-team communication skillsAlignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered valuesPreferredExperience in nonprofit, education, or mission-driven environmentsFamiliarity with learning frameworks or knowledge management systemsExperience creating digital learning materials or internal resourcesBasic design or content structuring skills (Canva, PowerPoint, or similar tools)CommitmentVolunteer roleApproximately 5–10 hours per weekMinimum 6-month commitment requiredHybrid / remoteWhat You’ll GainOpportunity to shape how organizational knowledge is shared and usedExposure to strategic and operational initiatives across MAPExperience working in a mission-driven, impact-focused organizationProfessional references and letters of recommendationA meaningful role contributing to clarity, structure, and effectivenessHow To ApplyInterested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submitResume (required)Cover letter (required) describing experience in instructional design or content developmentThis role turns complexity into clarity.Helping an entire organization understand, align, and move forward together.This role holds the pieces together.From research to outreach to execution—help ensure every story is fully built before it’s told.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.