Director of Policy (Volunteer)

Director of Policy (Volunteer)

PromisePublic | Policy Development, Research & Systems Strategy

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Hybrid / Remote

Type: Volunteer

Reports To: Chief of Policy & Advocacy

Works Closely With: Advocacy Team, Government Relations Lead, PromiseMeasure, PromiseLearning, PromiseBridge

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth experiencing housing instability through mentorship, education, and community. In addition to direct service, MAP is committed to advancing policies that address systemic barriers affecting students and families.

About PromisePublic | Policy, Advocacy & Public Engagement

PromisePublic is MAP’s public-facing division responsible for policy development, advocacy, and systems change. The division ensures that MAP’s work is informed by research, aligned with community needs, and positioned to influence meaningful change.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Director of Policy to lead policy research, development, and strategic positioning for MAP.

This role focuses on identifying key policy issues, developing evidence-based positions, and supporting the organization’s long-term policy agenda. The Director ensures that policy work is grounded in data, aligned with program insights, and structured for impact.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Research & Development

• Lead research on issues impacting youth experiencing housing instability
• Develop policy briefs, memos, and position statements
• Identify emerging policy opportunities and risks

Strategy & Policy Agenda

• Support development of MAP’s policy priorities and strategic direction
• Align policy work with program insights and community needs
• Ensure policy recommendations are actionable and evidence-based

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Work with Advocacy and Government Relations to translate policy into action
• Collaborate with PromiseMeasure to integrate data and impact insights
• Engage with program teams to ground policy in lived experience

Documentation & Communication

• Produce clear, structured policy documents and summaries
• Support development of materials for leadership, partners, and stakeholders
• Ensure policy positions are consistent and well-documented

Compliance & Alignment

• Ensure policy work aligns with nonprofit guidelines and advocacy boundaries
• Support clarity between policy development and lobbying activities
• Coordinate with leadership on sensitive or high-impact issues

Systems & Responsiveness

• Maintain organized documentation of policy research and outputs
• Support tracking of policy initiatives and developments
• Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via Google Workspace

Qualifications

Required

• Experience in public policy, research, or related field
• Strong analytical, writing, and research skills
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations
• Strong organizational and strategic thinking skills
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values

Preferred

• Experience in nonprofit, government, or policy organizations
• Familiarity with NYC or state-level policy environments
• Experience writing policy briefs or reports
• Background in education, housing, or social policy

Commitment

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

What You’ll Gain

• Experience leading policy development in a mission-driven organization
• Opportunity to shape policy positions impacting youth and families
• Collaboration with advocacy, research, and leadership teams
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• A meaningful role advancing systems-level change

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit:

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required) describing relevant experience in policy, research, or analysis and interest in MAP’s mission

This role defines what we stand for in policy.

Help ensure that our positions are clear, grounded, and built to influence real change.

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.