Creative Director, Thread & Promise (Volunteer)
About Mentor A Promise
Mentor A Promise is a New York City–based nonprofit organization serving children and youth experiencing housing instability. We deliver consistent, high-quality programming across mentorship, literacy, social-emotional learning, and creative expression in shelters, schools, and community spaces.
Role Overview
The Creative Director, Thread & Promise serves as the senior creative leader responsible for the artistic vision, design direction, collection development, storytelling strategy, and overall creative identity of the Thread & Promise brand.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and lead the creative vision for Thread & Promise
Establish artistic direction across all collections and campaigns
Define the visual and emotional identity of the brand
Ensure consistency across products, storytelling, and audience experiences
Guide the long-term creative evolution of Thread & Promise
Fashion & Collection Development
- Lead creative development of apparel, accessories, and merchandise collections
- Guide seasonal collection planning and product storytelling
- Review concepts, sketches, prototypes, and creative presentations
- Ensure collections align with brand values and audience needs
- Support innovation in product design and development
Campaigns & Visual Storytelling
- Direct creative concepts for marketing campaigns and product launches
- Oversee lookbooks, photoshoots, video content, and promotional materials
- Collaborate with photographers, filmmakers, designers, and content creators
- Ensure storytelling remains authentic and mission-centered
- Strengthen emotional connections between products and audiences
Brand Experience & Consumer Engagement
- Shape how audiences experience Thread & Promise across all channels
- Develop creative experiences that deepen customer engagement
- Support collaborations, partnerships, and special projects
- Strengthen brand loyalty and community connection
- Ensure every touchpoint reflects the quality and values of the brand
Social Impact Fashion Leadership
- Integrate MAP's mission into the creative process
- Develop collections that inspire awareness, conversation, and action
- Explore opportunities for socially conscious and purpose-driven design
- Promote ethical, inclusive, and community-centered creative practices
- Strengthen the connection between fashion and impact
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with PromiseStudios on storytelling and content creation
- Collaborate with PromiseBrands on marketing and audience engagement
- Support social enterprise initiatives and product launches
- Work closely with publishing, animation, and creative teams on intellectual property opportunities
- Align creative initiatives with organizational priorities
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in fashion design, creative direction, apparel branding, merchandising, art direction, lifestyle brands, or related creative industries
Strong portfolio demonstrating creative leadership and design excellence
Experience leading collections, campaigns, or brand initiatives
Strong understanding of fashion, consumer products, and brand storytelling
Exceptional creative vision and communication skills
Passion for social-impact entrepreneurship and mission-driven brands
What You'll Gain
Opportunity to help build a mission-driven fashion brand from the ground up
Senior creative leadership experience
Collaboration with designers, photographers, storytellers, marketers, and executive leaders
Portfolio-building fashion and branding projects
Professional references and letters of recommendation
Meaningful impact supporting children and families experiencing housing instability
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist and include their resume, portfolio, and cover letter. Please highlight experience involving fashion design, creative direction, apparel branding, merchandising, lifestyle brands, campaign development, visual storytelling, or related creative disciplines.