Illustration & Visual Narrative Editor (Volunteer)

Illustration & Visual Narrative Editor (Volunteer)

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Division: Storytelling & Media / PromisePress / Creative Arts

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

Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)

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 visual storytelling—especially in children’s books and educational materials—relies on illustration not just as decoration, but as narrative, emotional language, and meaning-making.

Purpose of the Role

The Illustration & Visual Narrative Editor ensures that illustrations and visual elements align with story intent, emotional tone, age-band needs, and cultural context. This role focuses on how images tell story—supporting clarity, continuity, and emotional resonance across illustrated books, curriculum materials, and visual media.

This editor collaborates closely with illustrators, writers, and editors to strengthen visual storytelling while preserving artistic voice.

Key Responsibilities

• Review illustrations for narrative clarity, emotional alignment, and storytelling cohesion
• Ensure visuals support plot, character development, and thematic intent
• Assess age-appropriateness, readability, and visual pacing
• Collaborate with illustrators to provide thoughtful, respectful visual feedback
• Support alignment between text and image across drafts and revisions
• Review visual content for cultural sensitivity, representation, and inclusion
• Flag inconsistencies in character design, setting, or visual continuity
• Participate in creative reviews and revision cycles
• Maintain clear documentation of visual feedback and version updates
• Check and respond to emails daily, with responses within 48 hours

Qualifications

• Experience in illustration, visual storytelling, art direction, design, or children’s publishing
• Strong understanding of how images communicate story and emotion
• Ability to give constructive, artist-centered feedback
• Sensitivity to trauma-informed and culturally responsive visual storytelling
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Commitment to ethical, inclusive, and mission-driven creative work

Bonus (Not Required)

• Experience with children’s books, picture books, or educational illustration
• Familiarity with storyboarding, character sheets, or visual bibles
• Background in animation, visual development, or curriculum design
• 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

• Portfolio-relevant visual editorial experience
• Collaboration with illustrators, writers, and creative directors
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• The opportunity to help shape visual stories that honor identity, emotion, and imagination

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Resume
• Short written summary (2–4 paragraphs) describing your visual storytelling experience, approach to illustration review, and availability
• Optional portfolio or visual work samples

Email materials to:

hr@mentorapromise.org

Subject Line: Illustration & Visual Narrative Editor – Mentor A Promise

Or apply directly here:

https://forms.gle/ptgy2zBZXJB1q7GV8

Edit with your eyes and your heart. Help images speak clearly, kindly, and with purpose.