Sociologist (Volunteer)

Sociologist (Volunteer)

PromiseMeasure | Research, Insights & Impact

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed

Type: Volunteer

Works Closely With: Chief of Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL), Program Leadership, Advocacy & Policy Team

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit serving children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, education, social-emotional learning (SEL), creative expression, and community partnerships. Understanding the complex social realities affecting students and families is essential to designing programs that are effective, equitable, and responsive.

About PromiseMeasure | Research & Impact

PromiseMeasure focuses on research, data, and evaluation to better understand the experiences of students and families and to strengthen programs through evidence and lived experience. The division helps translate research into actionable insights that inform programming, advocacy, and long-term strategy.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Sociologist to help MAP deepen its understanding of the social, structural, and systemic challenges facing students and families—including housing instability, transportation barriers, access to education, and community resources.

This role will support research, analysis, and insight generation that informs program design, advocacy priorities, and organizational strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on social and structural factors affecting MAP students and families
• Analyze challenges related to housing, transportation, education access, and community resources
• Translate research findings into clear, actionable insights for program and leadership teams
• Support development of research briefs, reports, and presentations
• Collaborate with the MEL and Advocacy teams to inform program improvement and policy priorities
• Help ensure research reflects dignity-centered and ethical practices
• Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via email and chat in Google Workspace

Qualifications

• Background in sociology, social sciences, public policy, or related field
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Ability to synthesize complex information into accessible insights
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values

Preferred Skills

• Experience researching housing instability, education access, transportation, or poverty
• Experience with nonprofit, education, or youth-serving organizations
• Experience developing research briefs or reports
• Familiarity with qualitative or mixed-methods research approaches

Commitment

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

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience applying sociology in a nonprofit setting
• Collaboration with research, advocacy, and program teams
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• The opportunity to inform programs that support youth and families
• A meaningful role contributing to research-informed impact

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit:

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required) describing relevant research experience and interest in MAP’s mission

Help us better understand the realities our students face—so we can design programs that truly meet their needs.

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.