Music Instructional 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. 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. , Learning Design & Educational Programs Organization Mentor A Promise (MAP) Location Remote Type Volunteer (ELA Leadership & Instructional Design Role) About Mentor a Promise Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit serving children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, literacy, social-emotional learning (SEL), and creative expression. MAP designs learning experiences that are safe, engaging, culturally responsive, and grounded in dignity. Instructional design at MAP is not abstract—it directly shapes how young people learn, regulate emotions, build skills, and experience consistency during instability. Role Overview The Music Team Member (Volunteer) supports the design, development, and refinement of MAP’s math-based learning materials. Music learning design at MAP directly shapes how young people explore rhythm, expression, creativity, and experience consistency during instability. This role helps translate program goals, trauma-informed practices, and developmental needs into structured, accessible music learning experiences for children and youth. Team Members collaborate with educators, program leaders, writers, and researchers to ensure materials are effective, age-appropriate, and aligned with MAP’s mission. Key Responsibilities Design and refine music instructional materials for youth programs, SEL curricula, and learning modulesTranslate program goals into clear music-focused learning objectives and outcomesApply trauma-informed, child-centered, and culturally responsive instructional strategiesSupport development of lesson plans, facilitator guides, and learning activitiesReview and improve existing music materials for clarity, accessibility, and engagementAlign art instructional content with developmental stages (K-12 as applicable)Collaborate with program, research, and creative teamsSupport evaluation and iteration based on feedback and outcomes Qualifications Experience in instructional design, curriculum development, music education, or learning sciencesStrong understanding of creative development, learning objectives, scaffolding, and assessmentAbility to design for diverse learners and learning environmentsComfort collaborating with educators, writers, and program teamsStrong organizational and communication skillsAlignment with MAP’s mission and trauma-informed values Preferred Skills Educational background in Music Education, Music Performance, Arts Integration, Curriculum & Instruction (music focus), or a closely related fieldExperience with SEL, youth development, or trauma-informed music instructionFamiliarity with Universal Design for Learning (UDL)Experience designing for informal or nonprofit learning environmentsComfort working with digital or blended learning formatsBackground in music, creative expression, or instructional technology Commitment Volunteer roleApproximately 5-10 hours per weekMinimum 6-month commitment preferredFully remote What You’ll Gain Hands-on experience designing mission-driven art enrichment contentCollaboration with educators, researchers, and program leadersProfessional references and letters of recommendationThe opportunity to shape musical learning experiences for youth facing instabilityA meaningful role in advancing equity-centered education How To Apply Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit Resume (required)Cover letter (required) describing music instructional design experience and interest in MAP’s missionSample work (lesson plan, curriculum, or learning design sample preferred) For questions, email hr@mentorapromise.org Help design music experiences that offer structure, safety, and possibility - when young people need it most. 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 understand