Acquisitions Editor (Volunteer)

Description

Acquisitions Editor (Volunteer)

Children’s Publishing & Editorial

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed

Type: Volunteer (Senior Editorial Role)

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, social-emotional learning, and creative expression. Publishing is a core part of MAP’s mission—books help children make sense of the world, build language, and feel seen and safe during times of instability.

MAP’s publishing work is grounded in trauma-informed storytelling, cultural responsiveness, and editorial integrity.

Role Overview

The Acquisitions Editor identifies, evaluates, and acquires manuscripts for MAP’s children’s publishing program. This role shapes the future of MAP’s book list by sourcing stories that align with literacy goals, developmental appropriateness, and mission values.

Working closely with the Children’s Books Lead, writers, and editorial staff, the Acquisitions Editor helps ensure that each project brought forward is both artistically strong and ethically sound.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and review manuscript submissions and story concepts
• Evaluate projects for literary quality, age appropriateness, and mission alignment
• Recommend manuscripts for acquisition to editorial leadership
• Work with writers to refine concepts prior to full development
• Support inclusive and representative storytelling practices
• Maintain clear records of submissions, reviews, and acquisition decisions
• Collaborate with editors, educators, and creative teams throughout development

Qualifications

• Experience in editorial work, publishing, writing, or literary review
• Strong editorial judgment and attention to narrative quality
• Understanding of children’s literature and developmental stages
• Ability to assess content through a trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens
• Clear written communication and collaborative working style
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values

Preferred Skills

• Experience in children’s publishing or educational content
• Familiarity with picture books, early readers, or middle-grade formats
• Experience working with diverse or underrepresented voices
• Comfort providing developmental feedback to writers

Commitment

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

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on acquisitions experience in nonprofit publishing
• Influence over a mission-driven children’s book list
• Collaboration with writers, illustrators, and educators
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• The opportunity to help bring meaningful stories into children’s hands

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist.

Help discover and elevate stories that help children feel understood, empowered, and hopeful.

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.