Board Member (Volunteer)

Board Member (Volunteer)

Board of Directors | Governance, Strategy & Mission Stewardship

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Remote with periodic virtual meetings and optional NYC-based engagement opportunities

Commitment: Approximately 5–10 hours per month

Type: Volunteer Board Leadership Role

Term Length: Two-Year Term (Renewable)

Reports To: Board Chair

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit organization serving children and youth experiencing housing instability through mentorship, literacy, social-emotional learning, educational enrichment, workforce development, creative opportunity, advocacy, housing innovation, and community-centered support.

Founded on the belief that every child deserves consistency, opportunity, and a caring community, MAP works to ensure that children facing housing instability have access to the relationships, resources, and experiences they need to thrive.

As MAP continues to grow, strong governance and strategic leadership are essential to advancing our mission and expanding our impact.

Role Overview

Mentor A Promise is seeking mission-driven leaders to serve on its Board of Directors.

Board Members serve as ambassadors, advisors, fiduciaries, and strategic partners who help guide the organization's long-term vision, sustainability, governance, and impact.

Board Members play a critical role in ensuring that MAP remains mission-focused, financially responsible, ethically governed, and strategically positioned to serve children and families effectively.

This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about education, youth development, housing stability, nonprofit leadership, community impact, and social innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Governance & Fiduciary Oversight

• Uphold the mission, values, and best interests of Mentor A Promise
• Fulfill fiduciary responsibilities related to care, loyalty, and obedience
• Support sound governance practices and organizational accountability
• Review and approve major organizational policies and strategic initiatives
• Participate in board votes and governance decisions

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic guidance to support organizational growth and impact
• Help shape MAP's long-term vision and priorities
• Contribute expertise and insights that strengthen decision-making
• Support innovation and mission advancement
• Participate in strategic planning discussions

Financial Stewardship

• Review organizational financial performance and sustainability plans
• Support responsible financial oversight
• Monitor organizational risks and opportunities
• Help strengthen MAP's long-term sustainability
• Advocate for responsible resource management

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Serve as an ambassador for the organization
• Support fundraising, partnership development, and community engagement efforts
• Help identify prospective donors, sponsors, and partners
• Open doors to opportunities that support MAP's mission
• Participate in fundraising initiatives as appropriate

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Represent MAP positively within professional and community networks
• Promote awareness of issues affecting children and families experiencing housing instability
• Support advocacy and community engagement initiatives
• Strengthen organizational visibility and credibility
• Help build strategic relationships

Board Participation

• Attend board meetings and committee meetings regularly
• Review board materials and participate actively in discussions
• Serve on at least one board committee when appropriate
• Contribute expertise, perspectives, and leadership
• Support effective board governance and collaboration

Areas of Expertise Sought

MAP welcomes board candidates with expertise in areas including:

• Nonprofit Leadership
• Education
• Youth Development
• Housing & Homelessness Services
• Law & Governance
• Finance & Accounting
• Fundraising & Philanthropy
• Marketing & Communications
• Technology & Cybersecurity
• Human Resources
• Healthcare & Mental Health
• Public Policy & Advocacy
• Social Enterprise
• Media & Storytelling
• Corporate Leadership
• Entrepreneurship

Candidates from diverse professional, cultural, and lived-experience backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership experience in professional, community, academic, nonprofit, public-sector, or corporate environments
• Commitment to MAP's mission and values
• Strategic thinking and sound judgment
• Ability to collaborate effectively with fellow board members and leadership
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Commitment to ethical leadership and governance excellence

Previous board experience is welcomed but not required.

Why This Role Matters

Strong organizations require strong governance.

Strong governance creates stronger outcomes for children and families.

Board Members help ensure that Mentor A Promise remains mission-driven, accountable, sustainable, and positioned for long-term impact.

This role offers an opportunity to help shape the future of an organization dedicated to creating opportunity, stability, and hope for children experiencing housing instability.

Success Measures

• Active participation in board and committee meetings
• Strategic contributions to organizational growth and sustainability
• Support of fundraising and partnership development efforts
• Strengthening of governance and accountability practices
• Advancement of MAP's mission and strategic priorities
• Contribution to organizational visibility and community engagement

Board Expectations

• Attend quarterly Board of Directors meetings
• Participate in committee meetings as assigned
• Review board materials in advance of meetings
• Actively support MAP's mission and strategic goals
• Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards
• Serve as a positive ambassador for the organization

What You'll Gain

• Opportunity to help guide a growing nonprofit organization
• Meaningful leadership experience in nonprofit governance
• Collaboration with fellow board members and executive leadership
• Professional networking opportunities
• Direct impact on the lives of children and families experiencing housing instability
• The opportunity to help build a stronger future for New York City's youth

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and brief statement of interest outlining their background, areas of expertise, and interest in serving on the Board of Directors.

Please highlight leadership experience, community involvement, governance experience, professional expertise, and any connections to MAP's mission.

Help shape the future of Mentor A Promise and ensure that every child has access to the support, opportunity, and community they deserve.

Thank you for your interest in serving our organization. Board service opportunities are currently limited to individuals based in the United States due to legal, governance, safeguarding, and operational requirements.