Product Development Manager (Volunteer)

Product Development Manager (Volunteer)

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Program: Thread & Promise

Location: Remote and/or New York City

Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability in New York City. Through mentorship, academic enrichment, literacy development, creative expression, and housing initiatives, MAP creates safe, consistent, and empowering spaces where young people can thrive.

Thread & Promise, MAP’s fashion and creative initiative, transforms stories of resilience into sustainable apparel and accessories. Every design merges artistry with advocacy, amplifying voices and promoting ethical craftsmanship. We are seeking a Product Development Manager to lead the development and production process — ensuring that each garment is executed with precision, purpose, and impact.

Role Overview

The Product Development Manager will oversee all aspects of product creation — from initial sampling to final production — ensuring design integrity, cost efficiency, and timely delivery. This role bridges the creative and operational sides of Thread & Promise, coordinating between design, sourcing, and production teams. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise, project management skill, and a deep understanding of sustainable fashion production.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee sample development from initial design through production approval
• Manage costing, budgeting, and vendor coordination for apparel and accessories
• Track production timelines and ensure all deliverables meet quality and deadline expectations
• Collaborate with designers, patternmakers, and sample makers to translate creative concepts into functional products
• Review and approve technical specifications, fabric swatches, and fit samples
• Maintain detailed documentation of product revisions, materials, and sourcing information
• Coordinate with vendors, factories, and suppliers to align on ethical and sustainable production standards
• Support inventory planning and sample management for campaigns or showcases
• Check and respond to emails daily, ensuring all responses are completed within 48 hours
• Take responsibility for performance improvement by identifying production bottlenecks and implementing process solutions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Product Development, Merchandising, or a related field
• 2–5 years of experience in product development or production management (nonprofit or sustainable fashion experience preferred)
• Strong understanding of garment construction, cost analysis, and materials sourcing
• Proficiency in Excel, Google Workspace, and PLM or production tracking tools
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Knowledge of sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing practices, and quality control standards
• Collaborative, detail-oriented, and mission-driven professional passionate about purpose-led design

Commitment

• Volunteer position requiring approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Remote with occasional in-person collaboration in New York City

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience overseeing full product development in a purpose-driven fashion initiative
• Collaboration with designers, makers, and creative leaders advancing sustainable and ethical fashion
• Opportunities to manage end-to-end production cycles and impact-driven collections
• Professional references, mentorship, and portfolio-building experience
• The fulfillment of creating garments that tell stories of resilience, artistry, and change

Application Process

Please send your resume, LinkedIn profile, and a brief statement of interest to hr@mentorapromise.org with the subject line Product Development Manager.

You may also apply directly here: https://forms.gle/ptgy2zBZXJB1q7GV8

Develop with intention — turning vision into craftsmanship, and craftsmanship into purpose.