Communications Strategist (Volunteer)

Communications Strategist (Volunteer)

PromiseVoice | Strategic Communications, Messaging & Public Engagement

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Division: PromiseVoice

Location: Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed

Commitment: Approximately 5–10 hours per week

Type: Volunteer Professional Role

Minimum Commitment: 6-month commitment required

Reports To: Senior Director of Communications

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit organization serving children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, literacy, social-emotional learning, educational enrichment, workforce development, creative opportunity, advocacy, housing innovation, and community-centered support.

Every message we share shapes how people understand our mission, engage with our work, and become part of the movement to create brighter futures for children and families.

At MAP, strategic communication builds trust, strengthens relationships, and inspires meaningful action.

About PromiseVoice

PromiseVoice is MAP's communications, public relations, media relations, marketing, digital communications, social media, public engagement, and organizational storytelling division.

The division develops integrated communication strategies that elevate MAP's voice, strengthen public trust, engage diverse audiences, and amplify stories that inspire action and advance our mission.

PromiseVoice transforms communication into connection and purpose into lasting impact.

Role Overview

The Communications Strategist develops and implements strategic communication initiatives that strengthen Mentor A Promise's public presence, organizational messaging, and stakeholder engagement.

Working closely with communications, marketing, creative, advocacy, and executive leadership teams, this role develops messaging frameworks, communication plans, campaign strategies, and audience engagement initiatives that support organizational priorities.

The ideal candidate is a thoughtful communicator with strong strategic planning, writing, and relationship-building skills who understands how effective communication drives awareness, engagement, and long-term impact.

Key Responsibilities

Communications Strategy

• Develop strategic communication plans supporting organizational priorities
• Create messaging frameworks for campaigns, initiatives, and programs
• Align communications with MAP's mission, values, and brand voice
• Support integrated communications planning across divisions
• Identify opportunities to strengthen public engagement

Messaging & Content Development

• Draft key messages, communication plans, talking points, and organizational updates
• Support executive communications and leadership messaging
• Ensure consistency across communication channels
• Adapt messaging for diverse audiences and stakeholders
• Maintain editorial quality and organizational voice

Campaign Communications

• Support communications strategies for campaigns, events, advocacy initiatives, and special projects
• Coordinate messaging across digital, print, media, and community channels
• Collaborate on campaign launches and public awareness initiatives
• Develop communication timelines and implementation plans
• Evaluate campaign effectiveness and recommend improvements

Stakeholder Engagement

• Support communications with volunteers, donors, partners, community organizations, and policymakers
• Strengthen relationships through clear, consistent, and mission-driven communication
• Assist with community engagement initiatives
• Promote transparency and organizational trust
• Help build long-term stakeholder relationships

Research & Communications Insights

• Monitor communications trends and industry best practices
• Analyze audience engagement and communication performance
• Support communications reporting and recommendations
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement
• Promote data-informed communications strategies

Cross-Divisional Collaboration

• Partner with PromiseBrands on brand messaging and campaigns
• Collaborate with PromiseStudios on multimedia storytelling
• Support PromisePublic on advocacy communications
• Work with PromiseStack on digital communication platforms
• Align communication strategies with organizational priorities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, nonprofit communications, or related fields
• Exceptional writing, editing, and strategic communication skills
• Experience developing communication plans and messaging strategies
• Strong organizational and project management abilities
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Passion for mission-driven communications and community engagement

Why This Role Matters

Clear communication builds understanding.

Understanding inspires engagement.

Engagement creates lasting impact.

The Communications Strategist helps ensure Mentor A Promise communicates with purpose, clarity, and authenticity, strengthening relationships that advance our mission and expand opportunities for children and families experiencing housing instability.

Success Measures

• Quality and effectiveness of communication strategies
• Consistency of organizational messaging
• Growth in stakeholder engagement
• Successful implementation of communications initiatives
• Improvement in campaign performance and audience engagement
• Advancement of organizational communications goals

Leadership Participation

The Communications Strategist is expected to:

• Attend relevant PromiseVoice team meetings
• Participate in regular check-ins with the Senior Director of Communications
• Collaborate across communications, marketing, advocacy, and creative teams
• Support organizational communications initiatives and special projects

Volunteer Expectations

• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment required
• Maintain timely and professional communication
• Collaborate through MAP systems and communication platforms
• Support MAP's safeguarding standards, mission, and organizational values
• Foster a culture of integrity, collaboration, innovation, and excellence

What You'll Gain

• Experience developing strategic communications for a growing nonprofit organization
• Opportunity to shape messaging that influences public awareness and community engagement
• Collaboration with communications, marketing, advocacy, and executive leaders
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• Meaningful impact helping Mentor A Promise expand its voice and strengthen its mission

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist and include their resume and cover letter.

Please highlight experience involving strategic communications, public relations, communications planning, journalism, nonprofit communications, marketing, or related disciplines.

Help shape the conversations that inspire action, strengthen communities, and expand opportunities for children and families through Mentor A Promise.

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.