Animator (Volunteer – Storytelling & Media Division) Job at Mentor A Promise in

Animator (Volunteer – Storytelling & Media Division)

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, literacy development, social‑emotional learning, academic enrichment, and creative expression. Our Storytelling & Media Division brings MAP’s mission to life through books, podcasts, short films, and digital storytelling projects.

About the Role

We are seeking a talented and mission‑driven Animator to help transform MAP’s original children’s book stories into vibrant, engaging animated content. Working closely with writers, illustrators, and the Storytelling & Media team, you will bring characters, worlds, and emotions to life—turning meaningful stories into visual experiences that resonate with children, families, and educators.

Key Responsibilities

• Animate MAP’s original children’s book stories and visual narratives for short films, digital content, and educational storytelling.
• Collaborate with writers, illustrators, and producers to align tone, pacing, and visual storytelling with MAP’s mission and target audience.
• Develop motion graphics and character animation consistent with MAP’s visual identity and educational values.
• Support multimedia storytelling initiatives across MAP’s digital platforms, including YouTube, Threads of Voices, and The Bells I Hear.
• Adapt artwork from illustrated books into animated sequences while maintaining artistic integrity and emotion.
• Participate in creative meetings, offer storyboarding input, and assist in editing visual transitions and effects.
• Check and respond to emails daily, ensuring all responses are completed within 48 hours.
• Take responsibility for performance improvement by integrating creative feedback and refining animation techniques.

Qualifications

• Experience in 2D or 3D animation, motion design, or visual storytelling.
• Proficiency in animation software such as Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, Blender, or similar tools.
• Strong visual design skills and understanding of character motion, timing, and emotion.
• Experience adapting stories, illustrations, or written content into visual media.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work closely with writers and creative directors.
• Passion for storytelling that supports education, empathy, and youth empowerment.

Bonus Skills (not Required)

• Experience illustrating or designing children’s media.
• Familiarity with sound design or simple video editing (Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve).
• Understanding of trauma‑informed or culturally responsive storytelling principles.

Commitment

• Volunteer role requiring approximately 5–10 hours per week.
• Minimum 6‑month commitment preferred.
• Fully remote, with optional in‑person collaboration opportunities in New York City.

What You’ll Gain

• Experience animating meaningful, story‑driven educational content.
• A collaborative creative environment that blends art, storytelling, and social impact.
• Portfolio pieces and professional references for future creative opportunities.
• Mentorship and credit in published MAP Storytelling & Media projects.
• The fulfillment of helping bring hope, imagination, and belonging to children through art.

Application Process

Please send your resume, LinkedIn or portfolio link, and a brief statement of interest to hr@mentorapromise.org with the subject line Animator – Storytelling & Media Division.

You may also apply directly here: https://forms.gle/ptgy2zBZXJB1q7GV8

Animate with purpose—help bring MAP’s children’s book stories to life through motion, color, and compassion.