Tech & STEM Instructional Designer (Volunteer)

Tech & STEM Instructional Designer (Volunteer)

PromiseLearning | Curriculum Design, STEM Education & Learning Systems

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Hybrid / Remote

Type: Volunteer

Reports To: Director of Curriculum & Instruction

Works Closely With: PromiseStack, Program Leadership, STEM Facilitators, PromiseMeasure

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, and creative expression. As we expand our programming, access to high-quality STEM and technology education becomes essential in opening pathways to opportunity.

About PromiseLearning | Education & Program Development

PromiseLearning is MAP’s education division responsible for designing and delivering impactful, structured learning experiences. The division ensures that all curriculum is engaging, accessible, and aligned with student needs and long-term development.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Tech & STEM Instructional Designer to develop engaging, structured, and accessible STEM learning experiences for students across MAP programs.

This role focuses on designing curriculum—not just activities—that introduces students to technology, problem-solving, and real-world applications in a way that is both approachable and meaningful.

This is a curriculum design + systems-thinking role that shapes how STEM is taught across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum Design & Development

• Design structured STEM and technology-based lesson plans and modules
• Develop age-appropriate content across topics such as coding, digital literacy, engineering concepts, and problem-solving
• Create engaging, hands-on learning experiences

Learning Systems & Structure

• Build clear learning pathways and progression across sessions
• Ensure curriculum is easy for facilitators to implement
• Develop repeatable and scalable program models

Accessibility & Engagement

• Design curriculum that is inclusive, accessible, and adaptable to different learning levels
• Incorporate interactive, project-based, and experiential learning approaches
• Align with trauma-informed and dignity-centered practices

Cross-Division Collaboration

• Work with PromiseStack to align content with technology tools and platforms
• Collaborate with program teams to ensure real-world implementation
• Coordinate with PromiseMeasure to align with evaluation and outcomes

Instructional Materials & Resources

• Develop facilitator guides, student materials, and supporting resources
• Create clear documentation for lesson delivery
• Support development of creative and engaging learning assets

Evaluation & Improvement

• Incorporate feedback from facilitators and students
• Refine curriculum based on effectiveness and engagement
• Support continuous improvement of STEM programming

Communication & Responsiveness

• Maintain timely, professional communication via Google Workspace
• Coordinate across curriculum, program, and tech teams

Qualifications

Required

• Experience in instructional design, education, or curriculum development
• Strong understanding of STEM or technology-related subjects
• Ability to design structured, engaging learning experiences
• Strong organizational and systems-thinking skills
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values

Preferred

• Experience teaching or designing STEM curriculum for youth
• Familiarity with coding platforms, digital tools, or edtech
• Experience in project-based or experiential learning models
• Background in education, engineering, computer science, or related fields

Commitment

• Volunteer role
• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment required
• Hybrid / remote

What You’ll Gain

• Experience designing real-world STEM curriculum for youth
• Opportunity to shape access to technology education
• Collaboration with education, tech, and program teams
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• A meaningful role expanding pathways to opportunity through learning

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit:

• Resume (required)
• Sample lesson plan or curriculum (preferred)
• Cover letter (required) describing experience in STEM education or instructional design

This role designs how students encounter the future.

Turning curiosity into understanding—and understanding into possibility.

This role holds the pieces together.

From research to outreach to execution—help ensure every story is fully built before it’s told.

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.