Director of Creative Writing (Volunteer)

About the role

The Director of Creative Writing will lead the vision, structure, and quality of MAP’s creative writing initiatives within PromisePages. This senior leadership role sets the creative and pedagogical direction for youth writing programs and oversees alignment across education, publishing, and storytelling efforts.

Responsibilities

• Set the creative writing philosophy and standards across PromisePages initiatives
• Oversee youth creative writing programs, workshops, and literary projects
• Ensure writing spaces are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and accessible
• Collaborate with Education and SEL leadership to align writing with learning goals
• Partner with Publishing and Editorial teams to guide narrative quality and integrity
• Support youth voice, identity development, and authorship across programs
• Guide facilitators, editors, and contributors through clear creative frameworks
• Establish review, feedback, and quality assurance processes
• Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via email and chat in Google Workspace

Qualifications

• Experience in creative writing, literature, publishing, or writing program leadership
• Strong understanding of youth-centered and trauma-informed writing practices
• Experience developing or overseeing writing programs or editorial initiatives
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to mentor writers and collaborate across disciplines
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values

Preferred Skills

• Experience in nonprofit education, youth arts, or literary organizations
• Background in poetry, fiction, memoir, journalism, or hybrid literary forms
• Experience working with editors, educators, or teaching artists
• Familiarity with culturally responsive and identity-affirming pedagogy
• Experience supporting distributed creative teams

Commitment

A volunteer senior leadership role, approximately 5–10 hours per week, with a minimum 6-month commitment preferred. The position is fully remote with optional NYC-based collaboration.

What You’ll Gain

• Leadership experience shaping youth-centered creative writing at scale
• Direct impact on youth literacy, voice, and storytelling power
• Collaboration with executive leadership and creative teams
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• A meaningful role advancing ethical, dignity-centered literary work

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit:

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required) describing relevant creative writing or literary leadership experience and interest in MAP’s mission

For any additional questions or concerns, please email us directly at hr@mentorapromise.org