Chief of Higher Education (Volunteer)

Chief of PromiseRise / Chief of Higher Education & Career Pathways (Volunteer)

PromiseRise | Higher Education, Career Pathways & Workforce Development

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Hybrid / Remote

Type: Volunteer (Senior Leadership)

Reports To: Executive Director (CEO)

Works Closely With: PromiseLearning, PromisePublic, PromiseBridge, PromiseMeasure, Program Leadership, External Partners

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. As students grow, access to higher education, career pathways, and workforce opportunities becomes essential to long-term stability and success.

About PromiseRise | Higher Education & Career Pathways

PromiseRise is MAP’s division focused on preparing students for life beyond K–12 education. The division supports college readiness, career exploration, internships, workforce pathways, and long-term opportunity development—ensuring students are equipped with the tools, exposure, and support needed to succeed.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Chief of PromiseRise / Chief of Higher Education & Career Pathways to lead strategy, partnerships, and program development across MAP’s college and career initiatives.

This role is responsible for building pathways that connect students to higher education, employment opportunities, and long-term career growth. The Chief will guide vision, ensure alignment across programs, and develop systems that create real, measurable opportunities for youth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and lead MAP’s higher education and career pathways strategy
• Establish clear goals, milestones, and outcomes for PromiseRise initiatives
• Align career and education pathways with organizational mission and program progression

Program Development & Oversight

• Oversee development of college readiness, career exploration, and workforce programs
• Ensure programs are structured, scalable, and aligned with student needs
• Support integration with existing MAP programs and pathways

Partnership Development

• Build and maintain relationships with colleges, universities, employers, and workforce partners
• Identify and develop internship, training, and career exposure opportunities
• Collaborate with PromiseBridge on institutional partnerships

Student Pathways & Opportunity Access

• Ensure students have access to clear, structured pathways into higher education and careers
• Support development of resources, guidance, and programming for students and families
• Promote equitable access to opportunities

Data, Impact & Reporting

• Work with PromiseMeasure to track outcomes related to college access, career placement, and program impact
• Use data to inform strategy and improve program effectiveness
• Support reporting to leadership and stakeholders

Cross-Division Alignment

• Collaborate with PromiseLearning to align early education with long-term pathways
• Work with PromisePublic to align messaging and outreach
• Ensure coordination across all MAP programs

Leadership & Systems Development

• Build and guide PromiseRise team structure and priorities
• Advise executive leadership on workforce and higher education strategy
• Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via Google Workspace

Qualifications

Required

• Experience in higher education, workforce development, or career pathways programs
• Strong leadership and strategic planning experience
• Experience building partnerships with educational institutions or employers
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values

Preferred

• Experience in nonprofit or youth-serving organizations
• Familiarity with college access programs, workforce systems, or internship pipelines
• Experience working with underserved or underrepresented populations
• Experience with program evaluation or outcomes tracking

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 building and leading a major program division
• Opportunity to shape long-term pathways for youth and families
• Collaboration with executive leadership and cross-functional teams
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• A meaningful role expanding access to higher education and career opportunities

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit:

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required) describing relevant experience in higher education, workforce development, or career pathways and interest in MAP’s mission

This role builds the future beyond the classroom.

Help ensure that every student has a pathway—not just to graduate—but to thrive.

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.