Audio Storytelling Writer & Narrator (YouTube Read-Alouds & Audio Stories) (Volunteer)

Audio Storytelling Writer & Narrator (YouTube Read-Alouds & Audio Stories) (Volunteer)

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Division: Storytelling & Media / PromisePress / The Bells I Hear

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 audio-visual storytelling work—including The Bells I Hear—centers stories rooted in empathy, resilience, identity, and imagination, designed for shared listening and viewing experiences.

Purpose of the Role

The Audio Storytelling Writer & Narrator creates and performs stories specifically for YouTube-based read-alouds and audio-forward video content. This role develops narration-driven scripts and dialogue-forward stories crafted for listening while accounting for visual pacing and on-screen rhythm.

With careful attention to voice, timing, pauses, and emotional flow, this role supports audio adaptations of MAP’s children’s stories and original storytelling content for YouTube—preserving narrative integrity, warmth, and meaning.

Key Responsibilities

• Write original audio-first scripts for YouTube read-alouds and audio-forward videos
• Narrate and perform stories with emotional clarity, warmth, and authenticity
• Develop narration and dialogue optimized for listening and screen-based pacing
• Write and perform with intentional rhythm, pauses, and emotional timing
• Collaborate with video editors, animators, and creative leads
• Adapt existing children’s stories into compelling narrated video formats
• Ensure language and delivery remain trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and age-appropriate
• Participate in script reviews, read-throughs, and recording sessions as needed
• Maintain clear documentation and version control of scripts
• Check and respond to emails daily, with responses within 48 hours
• Take responsibility for continuous improvement by incorporating feedback

Qualifications

• Experience in audio storytelling, narration, scriptwriting, or performance
• Strong command of spoken language, rhythm, and vocal pacing
• Ability to convey emotion and meaning through voice for video platforms
• Sensitivity to trauma-informed and culturally responsive storytelling
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Commitment to ethical, inclusive, and mission-driven creative work

Bonus (Not Required)

• Experience creating or narrating YouTube content
• Familiarity with children’s or youth-focused video storytelling
• Background in theater, music, spoken word, or voice acting
• 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 via Google Meet, with optional NYC-based participation
• MAP prioritizes consistency, care, and respect for creative labor

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience writing and narrating YouTube-based storytelling content
• Portfolio-ready narrated videos and scripts
• Collaboration with video editors, animators, and creative teams
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• The opportunity to help stories live through voice, sound, and shared viewing

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist.

Write for the ear. Perform for the screen. Let stories breathe, pause, and connect.