Age-Band Editors (Volunteer Roles)

Age-Band Editors (Volunteer Roles)

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Division: Storytelling & Media / PromisePress

Location: Remote via Google Meet and/or New York City (as needed)

Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)

Open Age-Band Tracks:

• Early Readers (K–2)
• Middle Readers (Grades 3–5)
• Upper Grades / YA (Grades 6–12)

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability. Through mentorship, literacy development, social-emotional learning, creative expression, and storytelling, MAP creates safe, consistent, and empowering spaces where young people are seen, respected, and valued.

MAP’s publishing work under PromisePress is intentionally age-responsive—ensuring that stories meet young readers where they are developmentally, emotionally, and culturally.

Purpose of the Role

The Age-Band Editor ensures that stories are developmentally appropriate, emotionally safe, and engaging for a specific age group. This role focuses on clarity, tone, pacing, vocabulary, and thematic alignment—helping stories resonate with readers at each stage of growth.

Age-Band Editors work closely with writers, narrative editors, and educators to refine content while preserving author voice and emotional integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and edit stories for developmental appropriateness within assigned age band
• Ensure vocabulary, sentence structure, and pacing align with reader level
• Assess emotional tone, themes, and content for age-appropriate resonance
• Support alignment with literacy goals and SEL competencies
• Provide clear, respectful, and actionable editorial feedback
• Collaborate with writers, narrative editors, and curriculum teams
• Flag sensitivity, safety, or framing concerns when needed
• Participate in editorial reviews and revision cycles
• Maintain version control and editorial documentation
• Check and respond to emails daily, with responses within 48 hours

Qualifications

• Experience in editing, education, literacy, child development, or youth writing
• Strong understanding of developmental stages and reading levels
• Ability to preserve author voice while improving clarity and suitability
• Sensitivity to trauma-informed and culturally responsive storytelling
• Strong attention to detail and communication skills
• Commitment to ethical, inclusive, and mission-driven publishing

Bonus (Not Required)

• Classroom teaching or literacy instruction experience
• Familiarity with leveled reading systems or age-band standards
• Experience editing children’s or YA literature
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities (Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred)

Commitment

• Volunteer role, approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Remote collaboration with optional NYC-based participation

What You’ll Gain

• Specialized editorial experience by age group
• Portfolio-ready children’s and youth editing work
• Collaboration with writers, educators, and creative teams
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• The opportunity to ensure stories meet young readers with care and respect

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Resume
• Short written summary (2–4 paragraphs) indicating your preferred age band(s), relevant experience, and availability

Email materials to:

hr@mentorapromise.org

Subject Line: Age-Band Editor – Mentor A Promise

Or apply directly here:

https://forms.gle/ptgy2zBZXJB1q7GV8

Edit with intention. Help stories grow alongside the readers they serve.