Senior Director of Policy, Advocacy & Public Engagement (Volunteer)

Senior Director of Public Policy, Advocacy & Public Engagement (Volunteer)

PromisePublic | Policy, Advocacy & Public Affairs

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Hybrid / Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed

Type: Volunteer (Senior Leadership Role)

Reports To: Chief of Public Affairs & Policy

Works Closely With: Government Relations Team, Advocacy Communications Team, Policy Research Team, Program Leadership, Partnerships Team

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. Our work centers dignity, equity, and accountability—fostering resilience and opening pathways to stability, opportunity, and hope for young people and their families.

MAP recognizes that lasting impact requires both direct service and systems change. Public policy, advocacy, and community engagement are critical to addressing structural barriers that affect youth and families experiencing housing instability.

About PromisePublic | Policy, Advocacy & Public Affairs

PromisePublic leads MAP’s work in policy engagement, public affairs, and systems-level advocacy. The division ensures that the lived experiences of youth, families, and communities inform public dialogue, policy priorities, and legislative reform.

Through research, coalition-building, public engagement, and responsible advocacy, PromisePublic advances policy solutions that strengthen housing stability, educational access, and youth opportunity.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior Director of Public Policy, Advocacy & Public Engagement to help lead MAP’s policy strategy, advocacy initiatives, and public engagement efforts. This senior leadership role works closely with the Chief of Public Affairs & Policy to translate research, program insights, and community experiences into meaningful policy advocacy and public engagement initiatives.

The Senior Director will help guide how MAP engages policymakers, coalitions, community stakeholders, and the public while ensuring advocacy activities remain ethical, compliant, and aligned with nonprofit regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Support development and implementation of MAP’s public policy and advocacy strategy
• Identify policy priorities related to housing stability, youth services, education, and social equity
• Coordinate advocacy initiatives, campaigns, and public engagement efforts
• Collaborate with Government Relations team to engage policymakers and agencies
• Support coalition-building with advocacy organizations, community groups, and policy networks
• Guide development of policy briefs, testimony, reports, and advocacy materials
• Elevate youth and community voices in public policy conversations
• Ensure advocacy activities align with nonprofit compliance and lobbying regulations
• Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via email and chat in Google Workspace

Qualifications

Required

• Experience in public policy, advocacy, government relations, or public affairs
• Strong understanding of legislative processes and policy development
• Excellent writing, research, and communication skills
• Experience working with coalitions, community organizations, or policy networks
• Ability to translate complex policy issues into accessible public messaging
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values

Preferred

• Experience working on housing, youth development, education, or social policy
• Experience preparing policy briefs, testimony, or advocacy reports
• Familiarity with nonprofit advocacy compliance and lobbying regulations
• Experience facilitating community engagement or public listening initiatives

Commitment

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

What You’ll Gain

• Senior leadership experience shaping policy and advocacy strategy
• Opportunity to influence systems affecting youth and housing stability
• Collaboration with executive leadership, policy researchers, and advocacy partners
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• A meaningful role advancing equity-centered systems change

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit:

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required) describing relevant policy or advocacy experience and interest in MAP’s 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.