Art Director, Mobile Game App (Volunteer)

Art Director, Mobile Game App (Volunteer)

PromisePlay Studio, Product Strategy & Management Division

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed

Type: Volunteer

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 (SEL), and creative expression. MAP designs learning experiences that are safe, engaging, culturally responsive, and grounded in dignity.

Instructional design at MAP is not abstract—it directly shapes how young people learn, regulate emotions, build skills, and experience consistency during instability.

About the Project

We are developing a mobile game app designed to deliver social-emotional learning lessons to children in grades 5–9 experiencing homelessness in New York City. Set within a fun and fantastical world, the game blends creativity, empathy, and evidence-based SEL concepts to create an engaging digital experience that supports learning, resilience, and connection.

The project team is composed of volunteer game designers, story developers, instructional designers, UX/UI designers, developers, and artists working collaboratively on a mission-driven product.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Volunteer Art Director to lead the visual vision of the mobile game app. This role is ideal for a creative leader who enjoys shaping cohesive visual systems, mentoring collaborators, and contributing their skills to a mission-driven project.

The Art Director will work closely with the project team to ensure the game’s visual style is compelling, accessible, culturally sensitive, and aligned with MAP’s values and the needs of the children we serve.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own the overall visual style and artistic direction of the mobile game
• Translate project goals and user needs into a cohesive visual language
• Create or guide the creation of mood boards, style guides, and visual references
• Oversee character design, environments, UI elements, color palettes, and typography
• Collaborate closely with game designers, UX/UI designers, developers, and nonprofit stakeholders
• Provide constructive feedback and creative direction to contributing designers and illustrators
• Ensure visual consistency, quality, and accessibility across the app
• Balance creative ambition with technical constraints and production timelines

Qualifications

• Experience as an Art Director, Visual Designer, Game Artist, or similar creative role
• Strong portfolio demonstrating visual storytelling, design systems, or game/mobile work
• Familiarity with mobile app or game design workflows
• Ability to lead creatively, give thoughtful feedback, and collaborate across disciplines
• Sensitivity to designing for vulnerable populations and diverse audiences
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, mission-first mindset

Commitment

• Volunteer role
• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Fully remote with optional NYC-based collaboration

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience designing mission-driven educational technology
• Collaboration with educators, researchers, designers, and program leaders
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• The opportunity to shape meaningful learning experiences for youth facing instability
• A meaningful role in advancing equity-centered, dignity-driven education

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit:

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required) describing relevant experience and interest in MAP’s mission
• Sample work (required), such as a portfolio, website, or selected projects