UX/UI 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.,PromisePlay Studio, Product Strategy & Management DivisionOrganization Mentor A Promise (MAP)Location Remote with NYC-based collaboration as neededType VolunteerReports to Morgan Hamilton, Project ManagerAbout Mentor A PromiseMentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit empowering youth experiencing housing instability through mentorship, education, and community. Our work is grounded in dignity, consistency, and the belief that every child deserves to be seen, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.About PromisePlayWe are developing a mobile game app designed to deliver social-emotional lessons to children ages 10-12 experiencing homelessness in NYC, within a fun and fantastic setting. The game blends creativity, empathy, and evidence-based concepts to create an engaging digital experience that supports learning, resilience, and connection. The team is composed of volunteer game designers, story developers, instructional designers, and artists..Role OverviewWe are seeking a Volunteer UX/UI Designer to help bring our game to life. You’ll collaborate with a small team of game designers and story developers to help build our mobile game app, tentatively titled “Phantom Train.”This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both the technical and creative sides of game development and is excited by mission-driven work.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign intuitive, user-centered interfaces for a mobile gameCollaborate with developers, product leads, and other volunteers to turn ideas into usable featuresConduct lightweight user research, usability reviews, and feedback gatheringImprove usability, accessibility, and visual consistency across the platformDevelop and maintain design systems, style guides, and reusable UIcomponentsIterate on designs based on testing, stakeholder feedback, and project goalsEnsure responsive and mobile-friendly design standards are followedPresent design concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical team membersHelp prioritize user needs while balancing technical and time constraints in a volunteer environmentContribute creatively to product strategy and overall user experience directionQualificationsExperience in UI/UX design for mobile applicationsUnderstanding of UX principles, interaction design, accessibility, and responsive designAbility to create wireframes, user flows, high-fidelity mockups, and clickable prototypesStrong communication and collaboration skills in a remote team settingComfortable receiving feedback and iterating quicklyBasic understanding of front-end development constraints (HTML/CSS/React familiarity is a plus)Passion for mission-driven, volunteer, nonprofit, or community-focused projectsAvailability for regular remote check-ins and collaborative planning sessionsBonus Experience with design systems, branding, user testing, or developer handoff workflowsWhat We’re Looking ForA problem-solver who can work independently and collaborativelyPassion for games and player experienceStrong communication skills and attention to detailCommitmentVolunteer roleApproximately 5–10 hours per weekMinimum 6-month commitment preferredFully remoteWhat You’ll GainHands-on experience developing a mission-driven educational gameCollaboration with educators, researchers, and program leadersProfessional references and letters of recommendationThe opportunity to shape learning experiences for youth facing instabilityA meaningful role in advancing equity-centered educationHow to ApplyInterested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submitResume (required)Cover letter (required) describing game development experience and interest inMAP’s missionSample work (website, portfolio, etc.)Closing StatementThis 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 missions and your understanding of these constraints.