Researcher, Housing Instability & Youth Impact (Volunteer)

About the role

Mentor A Promise is a New York City–based nonprofit serving children and youth (ages 5–18) experiencing housing instability. The Researcher, Housing Instability & Youth Impact (Volunteer) role supports leadership, special initiatives, advocacy efforts, partnership development, organizational planning, and innovation projects through rigorous research and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Research & Analysis
• Conduct research on housing instability, student homelessness, educational outcomes, youth development, poverty, and family well-being
• Review academic literature, government publications, nonprofit research, and policy reports
• Analyze local, state, and national data related to children and families experiencing housing instability
• Identify trends, barriers, opportunities, and emerging issues
• Monitor developments across housing, education, child welfare, and related sectors
• Strategic Projects
• Support high-priority organizational initiatives requiring research and analysis
• Conduct background research for executive leadership and special projects
• Develop research briefs, executive summaries, reports, and presentations
• Investigate innovative solutions and emerging opportunities
• Contribute recommendations that support organizational strategy and growth
• Data & Insights
• Compile and interpret quantitative and qualitative data
• Translate research findings into clear, actionable recommendations
• Identify patterns and insights relevant to MAP's mission
• Support evidence-based decision-making across the organization
• Develop concise and accessible research deliverables
• Organizational Learning & Innovation
• Research innovative programs, interventions, and best practices
• Benchmark leading nonprofits, schools, and community organizations
• Identify opportunities to strengthen MAP's programs and services
• Explore emerging trends that may impact children and families
• Support a culture of learning and continuous improvement
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with teams across programs, education, advocacy, housing, development, and leadership
• Support research needs for grant development and partnership opportunities
• Assist with organizational planning and special initiatives
• Contribute expertise to mission-driven projects and discussions

Qualifications

• Strong research, analytical, and critical-thinking skills
• Excellent written communication and presentation abilities
• Ability to synthesize complex information into concise recommendations
• Interest in housing, education, youth development, public policy, social impact, nonprofit management, or related fields
• Experience with research, policy analysis, program evaluation, or data analysis is preferred
• Familiarity with issues affecting children and families experiencing housing instability is a plus

Why This Role Matters

This role helps Mentor A Promise better understand the realities facing the children and families we serve while identifying opportunities to strengthen programs, inform advocacy, support innovation, and create greater long-term impact. This role helps ensure that MAP's work remains informed, thoughtful, strategic, and responsive to community needs.

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 research meetings and project discussions

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist and include their resume, cover letter, writing sample, research sample, or relevant project work. Please highlight experience involving research, policy analysis, education, housing, social impact, nonprofit strategy, program evaluation, or related disciplines. Help generate the insights that strengthen programs, inform decisions, and create better outcomes for children and families through Mentor A Promise. 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 understanding of these constraints.