Fashion Designer (Volunteer)

Fashion Designer (Volunteer)

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Remote (with potential NYC-based collaboration)

Type: Volunteer

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a youth-centered nonprofit dedicated to supporting students ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability in New York City. Through mentorship, social-emotional learning, academic enrichment, and creative expression, we create safe, consistent, and empowering spaces for young people to grow, thrive, and succeed. We believe every child deserves a promise kept — and we work every day to make that promise real.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Volunteer Fashion Designer to support the creative development of MAP’s fashion initiative, Thread & Promise — a mission-driven apparel and merchandise project. This role will help design clothing and accessories that reflect MAP’s values, raise awareness, and generate support for our programs. The ideal candidate is both creative and socially conscious, with a passion for using design to tell stories and drive impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Design apparel, accessories, and merchandise under the Thread & Promise brand.
• Create sketches, mood boards, and technical design files.
• Collaborate with MAP’s creative, communications, and program teams on campaigns and initiatives.
• Research sustainable materials, ethical production methods, and mission-aligned vendors.
• Contribute creative ideas for merchandise lines, events, and fundraising campaigns.
• Ensure all designs reflect MAP’s brand voice of equity, empowerment, and hope.

Requirements

• Proven experience in fashion or apparel design, with a portfolio of prior work.
• Proficiency in design tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or CLO3D.
• Strong understanding of textiles, garment construction, and design trends.
• Ability to translate brand concepts into wearable designs.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Passion for mission-driven design and uplifting underserved communities.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in sustainable or ethical fashion.
• Knowledge of production, sourcing, or merchandising processes.
• Familiarity with nonprofit or social-impact branding.
• Illustration or custom artwork capabilities.

What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to design for a nonprofit with a bold, mission-driven vision.
• Hands-on experience developing a social-impact fashion line.
• Collaboration with a creative and passionate team.
• A portfolio project that combines design with purpose.
• Letters of recommendation and professional references for future opportunities.

How to Apply

Please send your resume, LinkedIn profile, and fashion design portfolio to hr@mentorapromise.org along with a brief statement of interest.

Help us design with purpose — every piece from Thread & Promise carries a story of mentorship, resilience, and hope.