Director of Policy (Volunteer)
Mentor A Promise, New York, NY, United States
Director of Policy (Volunteer)
Organization
Mentor A Promise (MAP)
Location
Hybrid / Remote
Type
Volunteer
Reports To
Chief of Policy & Advocacy
Works Closely With
Advocacy Team, Government Relations Lead, PromiseMeasure, PromiseLearning, PromiseBridge
About Mentor A Promise
Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth experiencing housing instability through mentorship, education, and community. In addition to direct service, MAP is committed to advancing policies that address systemic barriers affecting students and families.
About PromisePublic | Policy, Advocacy & Public Engagement
PromisePublic is MAP’s public-facing division responsible for policy development, advocacy, and systems change. The division ensures that MAP’s work is informed by research, aligned with community needs, and positioned to influence meaningful change.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Director of Policy to lead policy research, development, and strategic positioning for MAP. This role focuses on identifying key policy issues, developing evidence‑based positions, and supporting the organization’s long‑term policy agenda. The Director ensures that policy work is grounded in data, aligned with program insights, and structured for impact.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Research & Development
Lead research on issues impacting youth experiencing housing instability
Develop policy briefs, memos, and position statements
Identify emerging policy opportunities and risks
Strategy & Policy Agenda
Support development of MAP’s policy priorities and strategic direction
Align policy work with program insights and community needs
Ensure policy recommendations are actionable and evidence-based
Cross-Team Collaboration
Work with Advocacy and Government Relations to translate policy into action
Collaborate with PromiseMeasure to integrate data and impact insights
Engage with program teams to ground policy in lived experience
Documentation & Communication
Produce clear, structured policy documents and summaries
Support development of materials for leadership, partners, and stakeholders
Ensure policy positions are consistent and well documented
Compliance & Alignment
Ensure policy work aligns with nonprofit guidelines and advocacy boundaries
Support clarity between policy development and lobbying activities
Coordinate with leadership on sensitive or high‑impact issues
Systems & Responsiveness
Maintain organized documentation of policy research and outputs
Support tracking of policy initiatives and developments
Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via Google Workspace
Qualifications
Required
Experience in public policy, research, or related field
Strong analytical, writing, and research skills
Ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations
Strong organizational and strategic thinking skills
Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity‑centered values
Preferred
Experience in nonprofit, government, or policy organizations
Familiarity with NYC or state‑level policy environments
Experience writing policy briefs or reports
Background in education, housing, or social policy
Commitment
Volunteer role
Approximately 5–10 hours per week
Minimum 6‑month commitment preferred
Hybrid / remote with optional NYC‑based collaboration
What You’ll Gain
Experience leading policy development in a mission‑driven organization
Opportunity to shape policy positions impacting youth and families
Collaboration with advocacy, research, and leadership teams
Professional references and letters of recommendation
A meaningful role advancing systems‑level change
J-18808-Ljbffr
Organization
Mentor A Promise (MAP)
Location
Hybrid / Remote
Type
Volunteer
Reports To
Chief of Policy & Advocacy
Works Closely With
Advocacy Team, Government Relations Lead, PromiseMeasure, PromiseLearning, PromiseBridge
About Mentor A Promise
Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth experiencing housing instability through mentorship, education, and community. In addition to direct service, MAP is committed to advancing policies that address systemic barriers affecting students and families.
About PromisePublic | Policy, Advocacy & Public Engagement
PromisePublic is MAP’s public-facing division responsible for policy development, advocacy, and systems change. The division ensures that MAP’s work is informed by research, aligned with community needs, and positioned to influence meaningful change.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Director of Policy to lead policy research, development, and strategic positioning for MAP. This role focuses on identifying key policy issues, developing evidence‑based positions, and supporting the organization’s long‑term policy agenda. The Director ensures that policy work is grounded in data, aligned with program insights, and structured for impact.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Research & Development
Lead research on issues impacting youth experiencing housing instability
Develop policy briefs, memos, and position statements
Identify emerging policy opportunities and risks
Strategy & Policy Agenda
Support development of MAP’s policy priorities and strategic direction
Align policy work with program insights and community needs
Ensure policy recommendations are actionable and evidence-based
Cross-Team Collaboration
Work with Advocacy and Government Relations to translate policy into action
Collaborate with PromiseMeasure to integrate data and impact insights
Engage with program teams to ground policy in lived experience
Documentation & Communication
Produce clear, structured policy documents and summaries
Support development of materials for leadership, partners, and stakeholders
Ensure policy positions are consistent and well documented
Compliance & Alignment
Ensure policy work aligns with nonprofit guidelines and advocacy boundaries
Support clarity between policy development and lobbying activities
Coordinate with leadership on sensitive or high‑impact issues
Systems & Responsiveness
Maintain organized documentation of policy research and outputs
Support tracking of policy initiatives and developments
Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via Google Workspace
Qualifications
Required
Experience in public policy, research, or related field
Strong analytical, writing, and research skills
Ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations
Strong organizational and strategic thinking skills
Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity‑centered values
Preferred
Experience in nonprofit, government, or policy organizations
Familiarity with NYC or state‑level policy environments
Experience writing policy briefs or reports
Background in education, housing, or social policy
Commitment
Volunteer role
Approximately 5–10 hours per week
Minimum 6‑month commitment preferred
Hybrid / remote with optional NYC‑based collaboration
What You’ll Gain
Experience leading policy development in a mission‑driven organization
Opportunity to shape policy positions impacting youth and families
Collaboration with advocacy, research, and leadership teams
Professional references and letters of recommendation
A meaningful role advancing systems‑level change
J-18808-Ljbffr