Filmmaker (Volunteer – Storytelling & Media Division)

Filmmaker (Volunteer – Storytelling & Media Division)

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Division: Storytelling & Media

Location: Remote and/or New York City (depending on filming needs)

Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability in New York City. Through mentorship, academic enrichment, literacy development, social-emotional learning, and creative expression, MAP creates safe, consistent, and empowering spaces where young people can thrive.

The Storytelling & Media Division produces films, digital storytelling pieces, interviews, short documentaries, animated content, and multimedia narratives across MAP’s platforms — including our children’s stories, YouTube channel, Threads of Voices storytelling series, and The Bells I Hear audio/visual projects. This division ensures MAP’s stories are captured with integrity, depth, and artistic excellence.

About the Role

We are seeking a creative, mission-driven Filmmaker to help bring MAP projects to life through short films, digital storytelling pieces, interviews, educational videos, and narrative-driven media. This role is ideal for someone passionate about cinematic storytelling, youth voices, and transforming real-life experiences into visual art that inspires empathy and hope.

You will collaborate with writers, animators, photographers, producers, and youth partners to produce high-quality film content that elevates MAP’s mission and expands our storytelling impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce, film, and edit short films, documentary-style content, and storytelling videos for MAP platforms.
• Collaborate with writers, illustrators, puppeteers, animators, and the creative team to interpret scripts, storyboards, and project concepts.
• Film interviews, testimonials, and behind-the-scenes content that highlight MAP’s programs and community.
• Create visual narratives aligned with MAP’s educational, emotional, and mission-driven goals.
• Capture high-quality footage at events, workshops, storytelling sessions, or community programs (as needed and based on availability).
• Edit video content for YouTube, social media, website features, and digital campaigns.
• Ensure consistent visual branding, sound quality, and ethical storytelling practices.
• Check and respond to emails daily, ensuring all responses are completed within 48 hours.
• Take responsibility for performance improvement through feedback, revisions, and evolving creative direction.

Qualifications

• Experience in filmmaking, cinematography, or digital media production.
• Proficiency with cameras, lighting, audio, and video editing software (Premiere Pro, Final Cut, DaVinci Resolve, or similar).
• Strong storytelling instincts and a cinematic eye for composition, pacing, and emotion.
• Ability to collaborate with writers, producers, and media teams.
• Understanding of ethical storytelling, especially involving youth and vulnerable communities.
• Reliable, communicative, and comfortable working independently or in small creative teams.

Bonus Skills (not required)

• Experience with animation, motion graphics, or sound design.
• Documentary filmmaking or interview production experience.
• Ability to mentor youth interested in filmmaking or media arts.

Commitment

• Volunteer role requiring approximately 5–10 hours per week.
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred.
• Hybrid: remote editing and coordination with optional in-person filming in New York City.

What You’ll Gain

• Film credits and portfolio-quality work.
• Creative collaboration across MAP’s storytelling and media ecosystem.
• Opportunities to direct or produce mission-driven digital stories.
• Mentorship, professional references, and leadership experience.
• The fulfillment of using filmmaking to amplify youth voices and create meaningful impact.

Application Process

Please send your resume, LinkedIn profile, and a portfolio or reel to hr@mentorapromise.org with the subject line Filmmaker – Storytelling & Media Division.

You may also apply directly here:

https://forms.gle/ptgy2zBZXJB1q7GV8

Film with purpose — help MAP transform stories of resilience, identity, and hope into powerful visual narratives that move hearts and change lives.