Director of Instructional Design & Learning Innovation (Volunteer)

Director of Instructional Design & Learning Innovation (Volunteer)

PromiseLearning | Education Division

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed

Type: Volunteer

Reports To: Chief of Education

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, academic enrichment, social-emotional learning (SEL), and creative expression. MAP designs learning experiences that are consistent, dignified, and responsive to the realities young people face.

Instructional design at MAP is practical and human-centered—built to support mentors, engage youth, and adapt across in-person, digital, and hybrid environments.

About the Department of Instructional Design & Learning Innovation

The Department of Instructional Design & Learning Innovation leads the creation of scalable, mentor-friendly learning experiences across MAP programs. The department develops learning tools, digital and hybrid models, and innovative pilots that integrate creativity, technology, and evidence-based practice to meet learners where they are.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Director of Instructional Design & Learning Innovation to lead the design, development, and evolution of MAP’s instructional models and learning formats. This senior leadership role ensures learning experiences are accessible, scalable, engaging, and easy for mentors to facilitate—without sacrificing rigor or care.

The Director works closely with the Chief of Education, Curriculum & Instruction, SEL & Youth Development, Mentor Training, and Program Leadership to ensure instructional design aligns with curriculum goals, trauma-informed practice, and real-world implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and oversee scalable, mentor-friendly learning experiences
• Lead development of digital and hybrid learning models
• Create and refine learning tools, guides, and content formats for mentors and students
• Pilot and evaluate innovative learning experiences (e.g., music, arts, journalism, STEM)
• Ensure instructional designs are accessible, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed
• Collaborate with curriculum and program teams to align design with learning objectives
• Support continuous improvement through feedback, iteration, and evaluation
• Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via email and chat in Google Workspace

Units Overseen

• Instructional Design Unit
• Digital Learning & Tools Unit
• Creative & Experiential Learning Unit

Qualifications

• Experience in instructional design, learning experience design, or education innovation
• Strong understanding of digital, hybrid, and experiential learning models
• Experience designing tools or curricula for educators, mentors, or facilitators
• Ability to balance creativity with clarity and scalability
• Strong collaboration and leadership skills
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values

Preferred Skills

• Experience in K–12 education, nonprofit education, or youth development
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and accessible learning design
• Experience piloting or evaluating innovative learning initiatives
• Background in arts education, journalism, STEM, or creative learning
• Experience supporting distributed or hybrid learning environments

Commitment

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

What You’ll Gain

• Senior leadership experience shaping innovative learning systems
• Direct impact on how mentors and youth experience learning
• Collaboration with executive leadership and cross-functional teams
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• A meaningful role advancing creative, accessible, and scalable education

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit:

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required) describing relevant instructional design or learning innovation experience and interest in MAP’s mission

For any additional questions or concerns, please email us directly at hr@mentorapromise.org

Help design learning experiences that are flexible, creative, and grounded in care—so every young person can learn, explore, and grow with confidence.

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.