Masterclass Director (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. , Masterclass Director (Volunteer) PromiseRise | Masterclasses, Professional Learning & Expert-Led Experiences Organization Mentor A Promise (MAP) Division PromiseRise Department Masterclasses & Professional Learning Location Remote with NYC-based programming as needed Type Volunteer Leadership Role Commitment Approximately 5–10 hours per week Minimum Commitment 6-month Commitment Required Works Closely With PromiseRise Leadership, Program Teams, Partnerships, Communications, Creative Teams, Subject-Matter Experts, Instructors, and Guest Speakers About Mentor A Promise Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit supporting children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, education, literacy, social-emotional learning, creative expression, career development, and community-centered opportunity. MAP believes access matters. Young people should have opportunities to learn directly from people who have developed extraordinary knowledge, skills, experiences, and perspectives across different professions and creative disciplines. About MAP Masterclasses MAP Masterclasses will create high-quality learning experiences led by professionals, practitioners, artists, educators, entrepreneurs, executives, creators, and subject-matter experts. Masterclasses may explore areas such as Creative writing and storytellingFilm, animation, photography, and mediaMusic and audio productionFashion, art, and designTechnology and engineeringEntrepreneurship and businessLeadership and communicationCareer developmentFinancial literacyJournalism and publishingMarketing and communicationsCivic leadership and community impactOther emerging areas of student interest The goal is not simply to invite impressive speakers. The goal is to create experiences where expertise becomes accessible, practical, inspiring, and connected to possibility. Role Overview Mentor A Promise is seeking a strategic, creative, and highly organized Masterclass Director to build and lead MAP’s masterclass program. This person will develop the program from the ground up establishing its structure, identifying topics, recruiting instructors and guest experts, developing programming standards, coordinating sessions, building the supporting team, and evaluating the quality and impact of each experience. The Director should constantly ask Who could our young people learn from that they might otherwise never have the opportunity to meet? And equally important How do we turn that access into a meaningful learning experience? Key Responsibilities Build the Masterclass Program Develop the vision, structure, standards, and annual programming strategy for MAP Masterclasses.Establish a diverse calendar of masterclasses aligned with youth interests and developmental needs.Create repeatable systems for planning, producing, delivering, and evaluating sessions.Develop different masterclass formats where appropriate, including workshops, demonstrations, conversations, project-based sessions, and multi-part learning experiences.Establish clear learning objectives and expectations for each masterclass.Continuously improve the program based on participant feedback and outcomes. Recruit Exceptional Experts Identify and recruit compelling instructors, professionals, creators, and subject-matter experts.Develop relationships with individuals across industries and disciplines.Collaborate with PromiseBridge and other MAP teams on outreach and partnerships.Evaluate prospective instructors based not only on professional accomplishments but also on their ability to communicate, engage young people, and support MAP’s values.Build a growing network of professionals interested in sharing their knowledge with young people. Learning Experience & Quality Work with instructors to transform professional expertise into engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences.Help develop session objectives, outlines, activities, demonstrations, discussions, and takeaways.Encourage active participation rather than lecture-only programming.Ensure complex subjects are presented accessibly without unnecessarily simplifying them.Establish consistent quality standards across the masterclass portfolio.Observe sessions and provide constructive feedback to strengthen future programming. Build & Lead the Team The Masterclass Director will help build the team necessary to support the program as it grows. This may include recruiting and developing Masterclass CoordinatorsProgram AssistantsInstructor Relations CoordinatorsCurriculum or Learning Experience DesignersResearch AssistantsProduction SupportStudent Engagement SupportEvaluation and Feedback Support The Director will establish clear responsibilities, communication systems, workflows, and accountability across the team. Youth Voice & Career Exposure Incorporate student interests into masterclass planning.Create opportunities for young people to recommend topics and professionals they want to learn from.Connect masterclasses to career exploration and future pathways where appropriate.Help participants understand not only what professionals do, but how they got there, what they learned along the way, and what young people can begin doing now.Create opportunities for questions, interaction, experimentation, and reflection. Cross-Division Collaboration Work across MAP to develop masterclasses connected to organizational expertise and initiatives. For example, the Director may collaborate with PromiseStudios — film, animation, photography, music, and creative productionPromisePages — writing, publishing, illustration, and literary artsPromiseBrands — fashion, design, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurshipPromiseStack — technology and engineeringPromisePublic / PromiseVoice — communications, journalism, marketing, and mediaPromiseBridge — external experts and institutional partnershipsPromiseLearning — educational design and learning supportPromiseRise — leadership, careers, professional development, and pathways Safeguarding & Program Standards Ensure masterclasses involving young people follow MAP safeguarding requirements.Coordinate appropriate instructor screening, orientation, and expectations.Maintain appropriate adult-youth boundaries.Ensure applicable permissions are obtained for recording, photography, or media.Collaborate with MAP leadership when sessions involve sensitive subjects.Ensure learning environments remain respectful, inclusive, accessible, and developmentally appropriate. Ideal Candidate Strong candidates may have experience in Program developmentEducationMasterclass or workshop programmingLearning and developmentYouth developmentCareer readinessProfessional developmentEvent programmingSpeaker programmingTalent or instructor relationsCurriculum developmentPartnershipsCreative or cultural programming The strongest candidates will demonstrate Ability to build programs from concept to executionExcellent project-management and organizational skillsStrong relationship-building abilityConfidence engaging senior professionals and subject-matter expertsStrong understanding of engaging learning experiencesAbility to lead and develop a volunteer teamExcellent written and verbal communicationStrong judgment regarding program qualityCreativity and intellectual curiosityAbility to manage multiple programs and relationships simultaneouslyCommitment to youth voice and opportunityAlignment with MAP’s mission and values What Success Looks Like Success means MAP develops a masterclass program known for quality, access, curiosity, and exceptional learning experiences. Young people encounter professions and possibilities they may never have considered. Experts leave feeling that their time and knowledge were used meaningfully. Students participate rather than simply listen. Masterclasses lead to curiosity, projects, skills, mentorship, career exploration, and further learning. And over time, MAP develops a network of extraordinary people willing to open doors of knowledge for the next generation. Why This Role Matters Sometimes one conversation changes what a young person believes is possible. Meeting a filmmaker can make filmmaking feel attainable. Writing alongside an author can transform a student’s relationship with words. Speaking with an engineer can turn curiosity into a career possibility. Learning from an entrepreneur can reveal that ideas can become organizations. A masterclass should do more than teach a skill. It should expand a young person’s sense of possibility. The Masterclass Director helps build those moments intentionally. Commitment Approximately 5–10 hours per weekMinimum 6-month commitment requiredRemote with NYC-based programming as neededRegular participation in program planning and team meetingsReliable leadership, communication, and follow-throughCompletion of applicable MAP onboarding, safeguarding, and organizational requirements What You’ll Gain Opportunity to build a masterclass program from the ground upLeadership experience developing a multidisciplinary educational initiativeRelationships with professionals and experts across industriesExperience recruiting and managing instructors and guest speakersOpportunity to build and lead a growing volunteer teamCollaboration across MAP’s education, creative, technology, career, and partnership divisionsProfessional references and letters of recommendationMeaningful opportunity to connect young people with knowledge, people, professions, and possibilities they may not otherwise encounter How to Apply Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist and submit Resume or CVCover letter or brief statement of interestRelevant experience in education, programming, professional learning, youth development, events, partnerships, or program leadership Please tell us how you would approach building a masterclass program that attracts exceptional professionals while creating experiences that are genuinely valuable and engaging for young people. Don't just organize classes. Build access to worlds young people may not yet know are open to them.