Ceramics, Arts & Crafts Creator (Volunteer)

Ceramics, Arts & Crafts Creator (Volunteer)

PromiseBrands | Product Design, Creative Development & Artistic Innovation

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Hybrid / Remote (NYC-based collaboration as needed)

Type: Volunteer

Reports To: Chief of PromiseBrands

Works Closely With: PromiseStudios, PromiseLearning, Product Development Team, Marketing & Campaigns

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 MAP expands its creative and product ecosystem, art becomes a bridge between expression, identity, and tangible design.

About PromiseBrands | Product, Design & Creative Innovation

PromiseBrands is MAP’s division responsible for product development, brand innovation, and creative concepts that translate mission into tangible experiences. The division explores how art, design, and storytelling can become products, tools, and systems that reflect dignity, creativity, and purpose.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Ceramics, Arts & Crafts Creator to design and develop original creative products, concepts, and artistic assets within the PromiseBrands ecosystem.

This role focuses on creating scalable, design-forward concepts that can evolve into products, creative kits, visual assets, or brand expressions aligned with MAP’s mission.

This is a creative + product-oriented role, not instructional.

Key Responsibilities

Creative Product Development

• Design original ceramics, arts, and crafts concepts with product potential
• Develop creative pieces that can translate into kits, collections, or brand assets
• Explore materials, form, and function in artistic design

Concept & Prototype Creation

• Create prototypes and sample pieces for potential product development
• Develop repeatable and scalable creative concepts
• Refine designs based on usability, aesthetics, and purpose

Brand & Narrative Alignment

• Ensure all creative work aligns with MAP’s brand, mission, and storytelling
• Translate artistic concepts into meaningful narratives and product identity
• Support visual direction for creative campaigns and collections

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with PromiseStudios on storytelling and visual integration
• Collaborate with PromiseLearning for potential program alignment
• Coordinate with marketing and campaign teams for product visibility

Innovation & Exploration

• Explore new materials, techniques, and creative formats
• Contribute ideas for new product lines or creative initiatives
• Support expansion of MAP’s creative and product ecosystem

Systems & Documentation

• Document creative processes, concepts, and prototypes
• Maintain organized records of designs and iterations
• Maintain timely, professional communication via Google Workspace

Qualifications

Required

• Strong background in ceramics, arts, crafts, or mixed media
• Ability to create original, design-forward concepts
• Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship
• Creative thinking with an understanding of product potential
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values

Preferred

• Experience in product design, handmade goods, or creative entrepreneurship
• Experience developing scalable creative concepts
• Interest in brand development and storytelling through design
• Portfolio demonstrating creative work

Commitment

• Volunteer role
• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment required
• Hybrid / remote with optional NYC-based collaboration

What You’ll Gain

• Experience designing creative products within a brand ecosystem
• Opportunity to contribute to mission-driven product innovation
• Portfolio development with real-world application
• Collaboration with design, storytelling, and marketing teams
• Professional references and letters of recommendation

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit:

• Resume (required)
• Portfolio or samples of creative work (required)
• Brief statement of interest describing your creative approach

This role turns creativity into something tangible.

Help design pieces that carry meaning, story, and purpose beyond the studio.

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.