Director of Research (Volunteer)
Mentor A Promise, New York, NY, United States
Overview
Director of Research (Volunteer)
PromiseMeasure | Research, Data & Impact
Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)
Location : Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed
Type : Volunteer (Leadership Role)
Reports To : Chief of Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)
Works Closely With : Product Lead (PromiseInsight), Data Team, Program Leadership, Policy & Advocacy Team
About Mentor A Promise Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and youth experiencing housing instability through mentorship, literacy, and social-emotional learning (SEL). Our work centers dignity, equity, and accountability—ensuring that every program is both compassionate and evidence-informed.
About PromiseMeasure | Research & Impact PromiseMeasure is MAP’s division responsible for monitoring, evaluation, learning, and research. The division ensures that MAP understands what works, why it works, and how programs can improve over time—without compromising dignity, privacy, or trust.
Role Overview We are seeking a
Director of Research
to lead MAP’s research strategy, design, and implementation across programs and initiatives. This role ensures that research efforts are rigorous, ethical, and aligned with MAP’s mission, while generating insights that inform program improvement, policy engagement, and long-term impact.
The Director of Research will oversee research frameworks, guide data-informed inquiry, and support the integration of research into organizational decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
Lead development of MAP’s research strategy and priorities
Design research frameworks aligned with program goals and impact measurement
Guide qualitative and quantitative research initiatives across MAP programs
Collaborate with Data & Product teams to align research with the PromiseInsight platform
Ensure ethical, trauma-informed, and consent-based research practices
Support development of reports, briefs, and research publications
Translate research findings into actionable insights for program and leadership teams
Collaborate with Policy & Advocacy teams to inform systems-level work
Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via email and chat in Google Workspace
Qualifications Required
Background in research, social science, evaluation, or related field
Experience designing and implementing research studies or program evaluations
Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills
Ability to translate research into practical insights
Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values
Preferred
Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant field
Experience in nonprofit, education, or youth-serving research
Familiarity with mixed-methods research approaches
Experience with data ethics, privacy, and research compliance
Commitment
Volunteer leadership role
Approximately 5–10 hours per week
Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
Fully remote with optional NYC-based collaboration
What You’ll Gain
Leadership experience shaping research strategy in a mission-driven organization
Opportunity to influence program design and long-term impact
Collaboration with data, product, and policy teams
Professional references and letters of recommendation
Meaningful role advancing evidence-based practice and systems change
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
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
PromiseMeasure | Research, Data & Impact
Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)
Location : Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed
Type : Volunteer (Leadership Role)
Reports To : Chief of Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)
Works Closely With : Product Lead (PromiseInsight), Data Team, Program Leadership, Policy & Advocacy Team
About Mentor A Promise Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and youth experiencing housing instability through mentorship, literacy, and social-emotional learning (SEL). Our work centers dignity, equity, and accountability—ensuring that every program is both compassionate and evidence-informed.
About PromiseMeasure | Research & Impact PromiseMeasure is MAP’s division responsible for monitoring, evaluation, learning, and research. The division ensures that MAP understands what works, why it works, and how programs can improve over time—without compromising dignity, privacy, or trust.
Role Overview We are seeking a
Director of Research
to lead MAP’s research strategy, design, and implementation across programs and initiatives. This role ensures that research efforts are rigorous, ethical, and aligned with MAP’s mission, while generating insights that inform program improvement, policy engagement, and long-term impact.
The Director of Research will oversee research frameworks, guide data-informed inquiry, and support the integration of research into organizational decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
Lead development of MAP’s research strategy and priorities
Design research frameworks aligned with program goals and impact measurement
Guide qualitative and quantitative research initiatives across MAP programs
Collaborate with Data & Product teams to align research with the PromiseInsight platform
Ensure ethical, trauma-informed, and consent-based research practices
Support development of reports, briefs, and research publications
Translate research findings into actionable insights for program and leadership teams
Collaborate with Policy & Advocacy teams to inform systems-level work
Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via email and chat in Google Workspace
Qualifications Required
Background in research, social science, evaluation, or related field
Experience designing and implementing research studies or program evaluations
Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills
Ability to translate research into practical insights
Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values
Preferred
Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant field
Experience in nonprofit, education, or youth-serving research
Familiarity with mixed-methods research approaches
Experience with data ethics, privacy, and research compliance
Commitment
Volunteer leadership role
Approximately 5–10 hours per week
Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
Fully remote with optional NYC-based collaboration
What You’ll Gain
Leadership experience shaping research strategy in a mission-driven organization
Opportunity to influence program design and long-term impact
Collaboration with data, product, and policy teams
Professional references and letters of recommendation
Meaningful role advancing evidence-based practice and systems change
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
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr