Policy Analyst (Volunteer)

Mentor A Promise (MAP) 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.

Policy Analyst (Volunteer) | Hybrid/Remote | Reports to Director of Policy | Works closely with Chief of Policy, Advocacy & Public Engagement, Government Relations Lead, Disability Justice & Accessibility Team, PromiseMeasure, PromiseLearning, PromiseBridge.

About the role

We are seeking a Policy Analyst to support research, systems analysis, and policy development across education, housing, and accessibility. This role plays a critical part in ensuring that MAP’s policy positions are evidence-based, equity-driven, and inclusive of disability justice perspectives—helping translate complex systems into actionable insight.

Responsibilities

• Policy Research & Systems Analysis: Conduct research on policies impacting youth experiencing housing instability; Analyze intersections of housing, education, disability, and access; Identify systemic barriers, inequities, and policy gaps
• Disability Justice & Accessibility Integration: Ensure policy analysis incorporates disability justice frameworks; Examine accessibility implications across policies and systems; Support development of inclusive, equitable policy recommendations
• Data Integration & Insight Development: Collaborate with PromiseMeasure to integrate data into policy analysis; Translate research findings into clear, actionable insights; Support development of evidence-based policy recommendations
• Policy Writing & Documentation: Draft policy briefs, memos, and research summaries; Support development of advocacy and policy materials; Ensure clarity, accuracy, and accessibility in written outputs
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Work with advocacy and government relations teams to inform strategy; Collaborate with program and accessibility teams to ground work in lived experience; Support alignment across policy, programs, and partnerships
• Monitoring & Tracking: Track legislative, regulatory, and policy developments; Monitor changes impacting housing, education, and disability access; Maintain organized documentation of research and findings
• Systems & Communication: Support knowledge-sharing across teams; Maintain structured research documentation and outputs; Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via Google Workspace

Qualifications

Required:

• Strong research and analytical skills
• Strong writing and ability to synthesize complex information
• Ability to apply equity and systems-thinking approaches
• Interest in public policy, social justice, or systems change
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values

Preferred:

• Experience in policy research, social sciences, or public policy
• Familiarity with education, housing, and/or disability policy
• Understanding of disability justice and accessibility frameworks
• Experience writing policy briefs or research reports

Benefits

• Experience in policy research at the intersection of housing, education, and disability justice
• Opportunity to contribute to systems-level change and equity-driven work
• Collaboration with policy, advocacy, and accessibility leaders
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• A meaningful role shaping policies that impact youth and families

Schedule

• Volunteer role
• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6‑month commitment preferred
• Hybrid / remote with optional NYC‑based collaboration