Director of Community Engagement & Partnerships (Volunteer)

Director of Community Engagement & Partnerships (Volunteer)

PromiseBridge Division | Community Relations, Local Partnerships & Community Development

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Division: PromiseBridge

Location: Remote, with NYC-based community engagement as needed

Position Type: Volunteer Leadership (Unpaid)

Commitment: Approximately 5–10 hours per week

Minimum Commitment: 6 months

Reports To: PromiseBridge Leadership

Collaborates With: PromisePrograms, PromiseRooted, PromiseLearning, PromiseRise, PromiseGiving, PromisePublic, and other MAP divisions

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 opportunities.

We believe every child deserves a promise kept.

Position Overview

MAP is seeking an outgoing, strategic, and relationship-driven Director of Community Engagement & Partnerships to strengthen our connections with communities throughout New York City.

The Director will identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with community organizations, neighborhood leaders, schools, libraries, local businesses, cultural institutions, and service providers.

This position is about more than establishing contacts. It is about understanding community needs, building trust, creating opportunities for collaboration, and developing partnerships that produce meaningful benefits for the children and families we serve.

The ideal candidate is passionate about community development, relationship-building, and bringing people and organizations together around a shared mission.

Key Responsibilities

Community Outreach & Relationship Development

• Identify and engage community organizations, local leaders, neighborhood associations, and grassroots initiatives.
• Develop and maintain relationships with schools, libraries, community centers, businesses, and cultural institutions.
• Represent MAP at approved community meetings, networking opportunities, and local events.
• Build relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and shared goals.
• Maintain consistent communication and follow-up with community partners.
• Identify opportunities to expand MAP's community presence and local connections.

Partnership Development & Collaboration

• Explore opportunities for educational, cultural, recreational, and community-based partnerships.
• Connect MAP programs with organizations offering resources, expertise, activities, or learning opportunities.
• Develop collaborative initiatives that support youth development and family engagement.
• Coordinate with PromiseBridge leadership on partnership priorities and agreements.
• Facilitate introductions between community partners and appropriate MAP divisions.
• Support the development of long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.

Community Engagement & Events

• Identify opportunities for MAP to participate in neighborhood events and community initiatives.
• Help organize collaborative workshops, educational activities, family engagement opportunities, and community gatherings.
• Encourage participation from community partners and local stakeholders.
• Work with MAP program leaders to ensure activities reflect participant needs and interests.
• Strengthen community awareness of MAP's mission and programs.

Community Listening & Needs Assessment

• Engage community stakeholders to better understand local challenges, priorities, and opportunities.
• Gather feedback from partners and community representatives.
• Identify gaps in resources and opportunities affecting children and families experiencing housing instability.
• Share community insights with MAP leadership to inform program development.
• Promote culturally responsive, inclusive, and community-centered engagement.

Partnership Management & Leadership

• Develop and maintain a community partner directory and outreach tracker.
• Document partnership discussions, commitments, and follow-up actions.
• Establish relationship-building goals and engagement priorities.
• Recruit and coordinate community outreach volunteers where approved.
• Provide regular updates to PromiseBridge leadership.
• Evaluate partnership effectiveness and recommend opportunities for growth.

First 90-Day Priorities

• Review MAP's existing community relationships and partnership priorities.
• Identify prospective partners in neighborhoods where MAP operates.
• Develop a community engagement and outreach strategy.
• Establish a partner contact directory and relationship-tracking process.
• Begin outreach and introductory meetings with priority organizations.
• Identify opportunities for collaborative activities and community events.
• Present an initial partnership development report to leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in community engagement, outreach, partnership development, nonprofit leadership, or public relations.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Familiarity with New York City communities and neighborhood organizations.
• Ability to engage diverse stakeholders and build trust.
• Experience organizing community events or collaborative initiatives.
• Strong organizational skills and consistent follow-through.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate across teams.
• Passion for youth development, community empowerment, and MAP's mission.

Experience working with schools, libraries, community-based organizations, local businesses, or neighborhood associations is especially valuable.

Responsibilities & Expectations

• Commit approximately 5–10 hours per week for at least six months.
• Participate in relevant team meetings and community engagement activities.
• Maintain professional, respectful communication with partners.
• Document outreach, meetings, and partnership opportunities.
• Coordinate proposed commitments and agreements through authorized MAP leadership.
• Respect confidentiality, safeguarding, privacy, and organizational policies.
• Avoid making unauthorized financial, contractual, or program commitments.
• Provide at least two weeks' notice when ending volunteer service whenever possible.

Measures of Success

• Stronger relationships with community organizations and neighborhood leaders.
• An organized and active community partnership network.
• Increased collaboration with schools, libraries, businesses, and local institutions.
• New opportunities for educational activities, mentorship, enrichment, and family support.
• Consistent engagement and follow-through with community partners.
• Greater community awareness, trust, and participation in MAP initiatives.
• Sustainable partnerships that create measurable value for children and families.

Why This Role Matters

Strong communities are built through relationships.

A local library can become a place of discovery. A neighborhood business can open doors to career exploration. A cultural institution can introduce young people to new experiences. A community organization can help families connect with essential resources.

At Mentor A Promise, we believe meaningful partnerships can expand what is possible for every child.

As Director of Community Engagement & Partnerships, you will help turn introductions into relationships, relationships into collaboration, and collaboration into lasting community impact.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through Idealist with a resume or CV and cover letter highlighting experience in community engagement, relationship development, outreach, partnerships, or nonprofit leadership.

Join Mentor A Promise and help us build stronger community connections that create greater opportunities for children and families.

Because every child deserves a promise kept.

This is an unpaid volunteer opportunity open to candidates based in the United States.