Location Scout (Volunteer, Ad Hoc)
Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)
Division: Storytelling & Media / Communications
Location: New York City
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 often takes place across New York City. Choosing the right locations—safe, accessible, and visually meaningful—is essential to telling stories responsibly and respectfully.
Purpose of the Role
The Location Scout supports MAP’s video, photography, and storytelling projects by identifying safe, interesting, and appropriate locations across New York City. This role helps ensure that filming and creative work happen in environments that are visually engaging, logistically feasible, and aligned with youth safety and community respect.
This is an ad hoc role, supporting projects as they arise, while maintaining consistent communication and follow-through.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify safe, visually compelling NYC locations for filming and storytelling
- Consider accessibility, lighting, sound, foot traffic, and safety
- Share location options with photos, notes, and basic logistics
- Coordinate or research permissions when required (parks, public spaces, private locations)
- Communicate clearly with video, communications, and program teams
- Ensure all locations align with MAP’s youth-safety and consent standards
- Support last-minute or project-specific location needs as assigned
- Maintain organized records of scouted locations and permissions
- Check and respond to emails daily, with responses within 48 hours
Qualifications
- Familiarity with New York City neighborhoods and public spaces
- Strong eye for environments that support visual storytelling
- Ability to assess safety, accessibility, and appropriateness for youth-centered work
- Comfort communicating with property managers, community partners, or city agencies
- Organized, reliable, and responsive
- Commitment to ethical, respectful, and mission-driven storytelling
Commitment
- Volunteer role, approximately 5–10 hours per week, scheduled as projects arise
- Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
- NYC-based role with occasional remote coordination
What You’ll Gain
- Hands-on experience supporting real creative and media projects
- Portfolio-relevant location scouting and production experience
- Collaboration with video, communications, and creative teams
- Professional references and letters of recommendation
- The opportunity to help shape where and how meaningful stories are told
How to Apply
Please submit:
- Resume
- Short written summary (2–4 paragraphs) describing your interest, relevant experience, and familiarity with NYC
- Optional examples of locations you’ve scouted or photographed
Email materials to:
hr@mentorapromise.org
Subject Line: Location Scout – Mentor A Promise
Or apply directly here:
https://forms.gle/ptgy2zBZXJB1q7GV8
Find spaces with care. Help stories unfold in places that feel right, safe, and alive.