Chief of Policy & Advocacy (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. , Chief of Policy & Advocacy (Volunteer) PromisePublic | Policy, Advocacy & Systems Change Organization Mentor A Promise (MAP) Location Hybrid / Remote Type Volunteer (Senior Leadership) Reports To Executive Director (CEO) Works Closely With Chief of Communications (PromiseVoice), Government Relations Lead, Advocacy Teams, PromiseLearning, PromiseBridge, PromiseMeasure About Mentor A Promise Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth experiencing housing instability through mentorship, education, and community. Beyond direct service, MAP is committed to addressing the systemic conditions that impact students and families through thoughtful, ethical, and community-centered advocacy. About PromisePublic | Policy, Advocacy & Public Engagement PromisePublic is MAP’s public-facing division responsible for policy, advocacy, public engagement, and systems change. The division ensures that MAP’s voice, advocacy efforts, and policy positions are aligned with its mission, grounded in lived experience, and executed with integrity and compliance. Role Overview We are seeking a Chief of Policy & Advocacy to lead MAP’s policy strategy, advocacy initiatives, and systems change efforts. This role is responsible for defining policy priorities, guiding advocacy strategy, and ensuring all external engagement aligns with nonprofit compliance requirements and organizational values. The Chief of Policy & Advocacy serves as the central leader connecting policy, community voice, and institutional influence. Key Responsibilities Policy Strategy & Development Define and lead MAP’s policy priorities aligned with mission and program insightsDevelop policy positions informed by student, family, and community needsEnsure policy work reflects equity, dignity, and lived experience Advocacy Leadership Oversee advocacy strategy, campaigns, and public engagement effortsGuide responsible and compliant advocacy practices (non-lobbying and lobbying boundaries)Support development of advocacy materials including briefs, op-eds, and public statements Government & External Engagement Work closely with Government Relations to support engagement with policymakers and agenciesHelp prepare testimony, briefings, and external communicationsRepresent or support MAP’s presence in policy and advocacy spaces Compliance & Risk Management Ensure all advocacy work complies with nonprofit regulations and lobbying limitationsEstablish internal guidelines for advocacy and public engagement activitiesCoordinate with legal and compliance teams as needed Cross-Division Alignment Collaborate with PromiseVoice to ensure consistent messagingWork with PromiseLearning and program teams to ground policy in real program experienceAlign advocacy with partnerships and community engagement efforts Leadership & Systems Development Build and guide advocacy structures, workflows, and prioritiesAdvise executive leadership on policy positioning and strategic directionMaintain timely, professional responsiveness via Google Workspace Qualifications Required Experience in public policy, advocacy, or government relationsStrong understanding of policy development and systems changeStrong writing, communication, and public speaking skillsAbility to navigate complex regulatory and compliance environmentsAlignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values Preferred Experience in nonprofit advocacy or public sector workFamiliarity with NYC or state-level policy environmentsExperience with coalition building and stakeholder engagementExperience drafting policy briefs, testimony, or advocacy materials Commitment Volunteer senior leadership roleApproximately 5–10 hours per weekMinimum 6-month commitment preferredHybrid / remote with optional NYC-based collaboration What You’ll Gain Senior leadership experience shaping policy and advocacy strategyDirect collaboration with executive leadership and cross-functional teamsOpportunity to influence systems impacting youth and familiesProfessional references and letters of recommendationA meaningful role advancing equity, access, and long-term change How To Apply Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit Resume (required)Cover letter (required) describing relevant experience in policy, advocacy, or government relations and interest in MAP’s mission This role shapes how the organization influences systems. Help ensure that our work not only supports students—but changes the conditions around them. 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.