Backend Developer (Volunteer)

Backend Developer (Volunteer)

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Division: PromiseLink / PromisePath

Location: Remote (with potential NYC-based collaboration)

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.

Our digital platforms — PromisePath (a student learning app) and PromiseLink (a mentor engagement tool) — are central to MAP’s mission of connecting mentors, educators, and students through accessible technology. Together, these tools strengthen learning, communication, and belonging across our community.

We are seeking a Backend Developer to help build and maintain the systems that power our digital ecosystem.

About the Role

We are hiring a Backend Developer to architect and maintain the server-side logic that powers our web and mobile platforms. You will play a key role in building reliable, high-performance systems that support our growing community.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to apply their technical expertise to make a tangible social impact while collaborating with a dedicated, mission-driven team.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain backend infrastructure and APIs for website and app functionality
• Manage and optimize database performance, security, and scalability
• Ensure data integrity and efficient communication between front-end and back-end systems
• Troubleshoot, debug, and improve system performance across environments
• Collaborate with front-end developers, designers, and project leads to deliver cohesive digital products
• Support deployment processes and version control through Git/GitHub
• Check and respond to emails daily, ensuring all responses are completed within 48 hours
• Take responsibility for performance improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance backend architecture and response times

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Node.js, Python (Django/Flask), or Java (Spring)
• Experience developing and integrating REST APIs and microservices architecture
• Proficiency with databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB
• Familiarity with cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud)
• Strong debugging, testing, and optimization skills
• Detail-oriented with a problem-solving mindset and commitment to clean, maintainable code
• Collaborative approach and willingness to work within an interdisciplinary development team

Commitment

• Volunteer technical role requiring approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Remote-first, with opportunities for collaboration in New York City

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience developing backend systems for real-world applications in education and mentorship
• Collaboration with developers, designers, and nonprofit leaders building meaningful digital tools
• Professional references, mentorship, and opportunities to strengthen your technical portfolio
• The fulfillment of using your skills to create lasting social impact through technology

Application Process

Please send your resume, LinkedIn profile, and a brief statement of interest to hr@mentorapromise.org with the subject line Backend Developer (Website & App).

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

Code with purpose — help us build the digital foundation that empowers mentorship, learning, and opportunity for every student.