Creative Director, Fashion & Impact Storytelling (Volunteer)

Creative Director, Fashion & Impact Storytelling (Volunteer)

PromiseBrands | Thread & Promise — Creative Direction, Fashion Innovation & Mission-Driven Design

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Division: PromiseBrands

Initiative: Thread & Promise

Location: Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed

Type: Volunteer Creative Leadership Role

Commitment: Approximately 5–10 hours per week

Minimum Commitment: 6-month commitment required

Reports To: PromiseBrands Executive Leadership

Works Closely With: Fashion Designers, Textile Designers, Product Developers, Brand Strategists, PromiseVoice, PromiseStudios, PromisePages, Marketing, Partnerships, and Creative Teams

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit organization serving children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, literacy, social-emotional learning, educational enrichment, workforce development, creative expression, advocacy, and community-centered support.

At MAP, we believe creativity can be a powerful force for meaningful change.

Design can communicate ideas. Fashion can tell stories. Products can create connections. And thoughtful creative initiatives can help organizations reach new communities, strengthen their identities, and develop sustainable ways to support their missions.

We are building an environment where creative professionals can use their expertise not only to produce beautiful work but also to contribute to something larger.

About Thread & Promise

Thread & Promise is a creative design, product innovation, and storytelling initiative within MAP's PromiseBrands division.

The initiative explores how fashion, textiles, product design, cultural storytelling, and responsible innovation can work together to advance social impact.

Our vision is to develop Thread & Promise into a recognizable creative platform where every collection, product, and design initiative has a clear purpose.

We want to explore fashion as a medium for celebrating cultural heritage, expressing identity, connecting communities, raising awareness, and creating meaningful conversations.

At the same time, Thread & Promise will explore innovative products and interdisciplinary design challenges that respond to real-world needs.

From mission-inspired fashion collections to functional textile innovation, Thread & Promise seeks to connect creative excellence with practical purpose.

Our ambition is to build more than a collection of products.

We want to build a creative initiative that contributes to MAP's long-term visibility, partnerships, community engagement, and sustainable growth.

Role Overview

MAP is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and entrepreneurial Creative Director, Fashion & Impact Storytelling to lead the creative development of Thread & Promise.

This is a senior creative leadership opportunity for someone who sees design as both an artistic discipline and a strategic tool for advancing a mission.

The Creative Director will establish Thread & Promise's creative identity, develop its fashion and storytelling direction, guide multidisciplinary design teams, and translate ideas into cohesive collections, products, campaigns, and creative experiences.

The role combines fashion design, creative direction, brand storytelling, product development, team leadership, and mission-driven innovation.

Working with PromiseBrands leadership, the Creative Director will help answer important questions:

What should Thread & Promise represent?

What makes our creative work distinctive?

How can fashion tell meaningful human stories?

How can design celebrate culture, identity, and belonging?

How can we transform creative ideas into products people connect with?

How can fashion and design strengthen MAP's public presence and community engagement?

How can responsible product development create opportunities to support our mission?

How do we build a creative initiative that is both artistically meaningful and organizationally sustainable?

We are looking for someone who can turn these questions into a compelling creative vision and an achievable plan.

Key Responsibilities

Creative Vision & Strategic Direction

• Establish and lead Thread & Promise's creative vision and design philosophy
• Develop a recognizable creative identity aligned with MAP's mission
• Define the visual, conceptual, and storytelling direction of fashion collections and design initiatives
• Establish creative standards for originality, quality, consistency, and responsible representation
• Develop short- and long-term creative priorities
• Identify opportunities to expand Thread & Promise's creative reach and relevance
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable creative projects
• Present creative concepts and recommendations to PromiseBrands leadership

Fashion Design & Collection Leadership

• Lead the creative development of apparel, accessories, textiles, and fashion collections
• Establish themes, concepts, color palettes, silhouettes, materials, and visual direction
• Guide designers through research, ideation, sketching, refinement, and design review
• Oversee collection mood boards, creative briefs, and design presentations
• Evaluate concepts for originality, storytelling, feasibility, and audience relevance
• Coordinate with product development teams on technical specifications and production considerations
• Support the development of capsule collections, limited-edition releases, and signature design concepts
• Ensure collections reflect a cohesive creative identity

Impact Storytelling Through Design

• Establish storytelling as a central element of Thread & Promise's creative philosophy
• Develop collections inspired by meaningful human experiences and social themes
• Translate stories into thoughtful visual and material design concepts
• Collaborate with writers, researchers, artists, and community partners
• Develop narratives that explain the inspiration and purpose behind collections
• Ensure storytelling is authentic, respectful, and grounded in appropriate research
• Create opportunities for fashion to communicate ideas that extend beyond traditional merchandise
• Encourage designs that inspire curiosity, connection, and conversation

Potential storytelling themes include:

• Identity and belonging
• Cultural heritage
• Immigration and personal journeys
• Family traditions
• Resilience and hope
• Childhood and imagination
• Education and opportunity
• Community and connection
• Creativity and self-expression
• Accessibility and inclusion
• Human dignity and shared experiences

Brand Identity & Creative Positioning

• Shape Thread & Promise's visual identity and creative positioning
• Develop creative guidelines for fashion, product design, packaging, and storytelling
• Establish consistent visual and narrative standards across collections
• Collaborate with brand strategists on audience positioning and differentiation
• Support the development of recognizable signature design elements
• Help define how Thread & Promise communicates its connection to Mentor A Promise
• Ensure the initiative develops an authentic identity rather than relying on generic nonprofit merchandise

Creative Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and coordinate fashion designers and other creative contributors
• Help recruit and develop a multidisciplinary creative team
• Establish clear responsibilities, project ownership, and design expectations
• Facilitate creative planning and review sessions
• Provide constructive feedback and professional guidance
• Encourage experimentation while maintaining creative discipline
• Support emerging designers in developing their skills
• Build a collaborative environment where diverse creative perspectives are valued
• Establish practical workflows for concept development, design approval, and project delivery

Product Innovation & Design Development

• Collaborate with product developers, textile specialists, and other technical professionals
• Explore innovative materials, design processes, and product concepts
• Identify opportunities for functional and socially responsive design
• Support responsible experimentation and prototype development
• Consider usability, accessibility, durability, and sustainability where appropriate
• Collaborate with specialized project leaders on technically complex initiatives
• Help ensure creative concepts are evaluated for feasibility before production

Thread & Promise may explore specialized product innovation projects, including functional textiles and protective equipment concepts. The Creative Director will contribute design expertise and creative coordination while qualified technical, safety, engineering, and compliance professionals retain responsibility for specialized technical requirements and validation.

Mission-Driven Commerce & Sustainable Growth

• Collaborate with PromiseBrands leadership on opportunities for mission-aligned product development
• Help identify collections and products with potential audience appeal
• Support creative planning for product launches and campaigns
• Work with relevant teams on product positioning, presentation, and storytelling
• Consider production feasibility, quality, and responsible resource use
• Explore opportunities for collaborations and special collections
• Help develop a recognizable creative identity that supports long-term audience engagement
• Contribute to strategies that connect product experiences with awareness of MAP's mission

The Creative Director is responsible for creative strategy and execution, while commercial decisions, pricing, financial approvals, legal review, and revenue planning remain with the appropriate organizational leaders.

Creative Campaigns & Experiences

• Develop creative concepts for fashion campaigns, product launches, and storytelling initiatives
• Collaborate on photography, video, editorial features, and digital presentations
• Explore opportunities for virtual showcases, exhibitions, and community-centered creative experiences
• Support campaigns that connect design collections with meaningful narratives
• Coordinate with communications and marketing teams on approved launch materials
• Ensure creative campaigns reflect the initiative's identity and mission
• Help create experiences that invite audiences to engage with the stories behind the designs

Cultural Research & Responsible Representation

• Encourage thoughtful research into cultural traditions, artistic influences, and historical references
• Promote respectful representation of different communities and experiences
• Avoid stereotypes, cultural appropriation, and unsupported claims
• Encourage collaboration with individuals and communities whose experiences inspire collections
• Respect intellectual property, attribution, and creative ownership
• Support appropriate consent and safeguarding when stories involve individuals or families
• Ensure design narratives preserve dignity and authenticity

Creative Operations & Project Delivery

• Establish creative development processes and project milestones
• Develop collection roadmaps and design schedules
• Coordinate project priorities with PromiseBrands leadership
• Maintain visibility into active design initiatives
• Organize creative documentation and design assets
• Identify resource needs, production dependencies, and potential project risks
• Support efficient collaboration between designers, storytellers, and product teams
• Ensure creative projects progress from ideas toward defined deliverables

Cross-Divisional Collaboration

• Partner with PromiseBrands leadership on creative strategy, brand development, and product innovation
• Collaborate with PromiseVoice on editorial storytelling, marketing, and campaign messaging
• Work with PromiseStudios on photography, video, visual production, and creative presentations
• Partner with PromisePages on literary storytelling, cultural narratives, and publication concepts
• Coordinate with PromiseBridge on potential creative and institutional partnerships
• Collaborate with PromiseGiving on approved fundraising-related creative initiatives
• Work with PromiseFinance and PromiseTrust on matters involving product governance, financial controls, intellectual property, and compliance
• Engage other MAP teams where interdisciplinary design can strengthen organizational initiatives

Creative Leadership Responsibilities

The Creative Director provides leadership across the following areas.

Creative Strategy

Responsible for:

• Thread & Promise's creative vision
• Design philosophy
• Creative identity
• Collection direction
• Creative standards
• Long-term design development

Fashion & Textile Design

Responsible for:

• Fashion concepts
• Apparel and accessory design direction
• Collection development
• Design reviews
• Creative quality
• Design documentation

Impact Storytelling

Responsible for:

• Collection narratives
• Cultural storytelling concepts
• Mission-aligned design themes
• Story-driven creative experiences
• Ethical representation

Creative Team Development

Responsible for:

• Creative team leadership
• Designer mentorship
• Creative collaboration
• Design workflows
• Project accountability
• Creative talent development

Product & Brand Innovation

Responsible for:

• Creative product concepts
• Design innovation
• Brand differentiation
• Creative campaign concepts
• Cross-functional product collaboration
• Mission-aligned creative opportunities

Potential Reporting Structure

As Thread & Promise develops, the Creative Director may help build and lead a team including:

• Lead Fashion Designer
• Lead Textile Designer
• Fashion Designers
• Apparel & Accessories Designers
• Surface Pattern Designers
• Fashion Illustrators
• Fashion Storytelling & Editorial Contributors
• Sustainable Fashion Design Specialists
• Creative Project Coordinators
• Design Research Associates
• Creative Production Contributors

Specialized engineering, protective equipment research, technical testing, and other regulated product-development functions will remain under their designated technical leadership, working collaboratively with the Creative Director where appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in creative direction, fashion design, apparel design, textile design, product design, or related creative disciplines
• Demonstrated ability to develop a cohesive creative vision and guide design projects
• Experience leading designers or multidisciplinary creative teams
• Strong understanding of fashion collection development and visual storytelling
• Ability to connect creative ideas with brand identity and audience engagement
• Experience developing mood boards, design briefs, presentations, and creative guidelines
• Knowledge of garment construction, textiles, materials, or fashion production is valuable
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, CLO 3D, or related design tools
• Strong creative judgment and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills
• Interest in cultural storytelling, responsible design, and social impact
• Entrepreneurial thinking and an understanding of creative product development
• Ability to balance artistic ambition with practical organizational resources
• Commitment to MAP's mission, safeguarding standards, and organizational values

Experience launching fashion collections, leading creative campaigns, developing design brands, or building creative initiatives is especially desirable.

We welcome both established creative directors and emerging creative leaders with strong portfolios, demonstrated leadership ability, and a compelling vision.

Why This Role Matters

Fashion is often viewed through the lens of trends, aesthetics, and commerce.

But design can accomplish much more.

It can preserve history.

It can celebrate identity.

It can communicate ideas that words alone cannot fully express.

It can create meaningful connections between people who have never met.

It can challenge conventional thinking and inspire new possibilities.

And when developed with intention, design can become a powerful tool for advancing a mission.

Through Thread & Promise, Mentor A Promise wants to explore that potential.

We envision a creative initiative where fashion, storytelling, product innovation, and community engagement work together.

Where collections have meaning.

Where designers have opportunities to lead.

Where products represent more than transactions.

And where creative excellence helps strengthen the visibility, sustainability, and long-term impact of our organization.

The Creative Director will help turn this vision into an identifiable, disciplined, and inspiring creative initiative.

Success Measures

• Development of a clear Thread & Promise creative vision and design identity
• Establishment of consistent creative standards and workflows
• Creation of cohesive, original, mission-aligned fashion concepts
• Progress toward defined collection and product-development milestones
• Quality of storytelling integrated into designs and campaigns
• Development and engagement of a collaborative creative team
• Effective coordination with PromiseBrands and other MAP divisions
• Responsible consideration of production feasibility and design quality
• Growth in the initiative's creative portfolio and organizational readiness
• Contribution to mission awareness, audience engagement, and approved product initiatives

Leadership Participation

The Creative Director is expected to:

• Participate in PromiseBrands leadership and creative planning meetings
• Conduct regular check-ins with direct reports and creative contributors
• Lead design reviews and creative development discussions
• Establish project priorities and communicate progress
• Provide creative recommendations to PromiseBrands leadership
• Coordinate with product development, marketing, and storytelling teams
• Mentor designers and encourage professional growth
• Maintain organized project documentation
• Foster a culture of originality, accountability, collaboration, and responsible innovation

Volunteer Expectations

• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment required
• Maintain timely and professional communication
• Provide consistent creative leadership and follow-through
• Collaborate through MAP systems and communication platforms
• Respect organizational intellectual property and confidentiality requirements
• Follow approved design, branding, and project standards
• Promote responsible cultural representation and ethical storytelling
• Support MAP's safeguarding standards, mission, and organizational values
• Provide at least two weeks' notice when ending volunteer service whenever possible

What You'll Gain

• Creative leadership experience helping develop a mission-driven fashion and design initiative
• Opportunity to shape Thread & Promise's identity, collections, and long-term creative direction
• Experience leading multidisciplinary design and storytelling teams
• Opportunities to develop fashion concepts that connect creativity with meaningful social impact
• Collaboration with designers, writers, filmmakers, brand strategists, and product-development professionals
• Exposure to brand development, responsible product innovation, and mission-driven commerce
• Opportunities to strengthen a professional creative portfolio, subject to MAP's intellectual property and portfolio policies
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• Meaningful experience helping advance an organization serving children and families experiencing housing instability

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist and include their resume and cover letter.

A creative portfolio showcasing fashion design, collection development, creative direction, brand identity, product concepts, or relevant storytelling projects is strongly encouraged.

Please highlight experience involving fashion design, creative leadership, brand development, textile design, product innovation, cultural storytelling, or multidisciplinary creative projects.

We are especially interested in candidates who can articulate a compelling creative vision and demonstrate how they have translated ideas into completed work.

We are not simply looking for someone to design clothing.

We are looking for a creative leader who can help build something meaningful.

Someone who understands that fashion can tell stories, design can connect communities, and creativity can become a powerful force for opportunity.

Help shape Thread & Promise into a distinctive design initiative where creativity has direction, products have purpose, and every collection contributes to a larger mission.

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.