Fashion 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.

About Thread & Promise

Thread & Promise is Mentor A Promise's fashion, apparel, and merchandise initiative dedicated to creating products that inspire conversation, celebrate resilience, and advance social impact. Through thoughtfully designed apparel, accessories, and lifestyle products, Thread & Promise transforms stories of mentorship, community, creativity, and hope into wearable experiences that strengthen awareness and support MAP's mission. Every product is designed with purpose. Every collection carries a story. Every purchase helps create opportunity for children and families experiencing housing instability.

About the Role

The Fashion Designer serves as a creative contributor responsible for designing apparel, accessories, and merchandise that reflect the mission, values, and visual identity of Mentor A Promise. Working closely with Thread & Promise leadership, PromiseBrands, PromiseStudios, and MAP's creative teams, this role helps develop collections that combine thoughtful design, compelling storytelling, and mission-driven impact. The Fashion Designer contributes to concept development, design execution, trend research, product innovation, and creative collaboration while helping shape the future of MAP's growing social enterprise and apparel initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Fashion Design & Product Development
  • Design apparel, accessories, and merchandise under the Thread & Promise brand
  • Develop original concepts, sketches, mood boards, and design presentations
  • Create technical design files and production-ready assets
  • Support product development from concept through launch
  • Ensure designs align with MAP's mission and visual identity
• Collection Development
  • Contribute ideas for seasonal collections and limited-edition releases
  • Participate in collection planning and creative brainstorming
  • Develop products that support storytelling, fundraising, and audience engagement
  • Help create merchandise that reflects community, resilience, and hope
  • Support expansion of Thread & Promise product offerings
• Creative Research & Innovation
  • Research fashion trends, consumer preferences, and emerging design directions
  • Explore sustainable materials and ethical production opportunities
  • Identify innovative approaches to apparel and merchandise design
  • Monitor industry best practices and social-impact fashion trends
  • Contribute new ideas that strengthen product relevance and engagement
• Brand Storytelling Through Design
  • Translate mission-driven narratives into meaningful products
  • Support campaigns that connect fashion with social impact
  • Ensure designs reflect MAP's values and community-centered approach
  • Help create products that inspire conversation and awareness
  • Strengthen emotional connections between customers and the mission
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with PromiseBrands on campaign and product initiatives
  • Collaborate with PromiseStudios and creative teams on storytelling projects
  • Support merchandise launches and fundraising campaigns
  • Work closely with social enterprise leadership and product teams
  • Contribute to organizational creative initiatives as needed
• Communication & Professional Accountability
  • Monitor and respond to role-related communications regularly
  • Maintain timely and professional communication with team members
  • Complete assigned tasks and deliverables within agreed timelines
  • Participate in team meetings and creative planning sessions
  • Continuously evaluate and improve design processes and creative output

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in fashion design, apparel design, or related creative fields
• Strong portfolio showcasing design work and creative thinking
• Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, CLO3D, or similar design software
• Knowledge of garment construction, textiles, and apparel production
• Ability to translate concepts into compelling, wearable designs
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Passion for mission-driven design and social impact

Skills

• Experience with sustainable and ethical fashion practices
• Knowledge of sourcing, production, merchandising, or apparel manufacturing
• Experience supporting social enterprise or nonprofit initiatives
• Illustration and custom artwork capabilities
• Experience developing branded merchandise collections

Why This Role Matters

Fashion has the power to communicate values, tell stories, and bring people together. The Fashion Designer helps transform Thread & Promise into more than an apparel brand—it becomes a platform for awareness, advocacy, creativity, and opportunity. Through thoughtful design, this role helps create products that celebrate resilience, strengthen community, and support children and families experiencing housing instability.

Success Measures

• Quality and creativity of design contributions
• Collection and product launch success
• Brand alignment and visual consistency
• Audience engagement with merchandise
• Contribution to fundraising and social enterprise initiatives
• Innovation and creative problem-solving
• Collaboration across teams and projects

Volunteer Expectations

• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment
• Maintain timely and professional communication
• Collaborate through MAP systems and communication platforms
• Support MAP's safeguarding standards, mission, and organizational values
• Participate in creative reviews, planning meetings, and product development discussions

What You'll Gain

• Opportunity to help build a mission-driven fashion and apparel brand
• Hands-on experience contributing to a growing social enterprise initiative
• Collaboration with creative, marketing, publishing, and executive leaders
• Portfolio-building projects with real-world impact
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• Meaningful impact supporting children and families experiencing housing instability

At this time, volunteer opportunities are limited to individuals based in the United States due to legal, safeguarding, data-privacy, and programmatic requirements associated with our work.