Volunteer Remote Animator - Kids' Stories & Media

Mentor A Promise is a New York City–based nonprofit serving children and youth (ages 5–18) experiencing housing instability, grounded in the belief that every child is a Promise—full of potential, dignity, and possibility. We deliver consistent, high‑quality programming across mentorship, literacy, social‑emotional learning, and creative expression in shelters, schools, and community spaces, creating structured environments where students can grow, be seen, and build lasting skills.

Through signature experiences such as The Imagination Studio, The Kitchen Table, The Sound Lab, and The Story Space, we nurture academic development, emotional well‑being, and creative voice, all within a trauma‑informed, culturally responsive, and accessibility‑centered framework. Our work prioritizes dignity‑protective storytelling, consent‑driven engagement, and deep community partnership, ensuring that how we serve is as intentional as whom we serve. We are not only addressing immediate needs— we are building pathways to confidence, belonging, and long‑term opportunity, so every child has the support and foundation to carry their promise forward.

Animator (Volunteer – Storytelling and Media Division)
Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Division: Storytelling & Media

Location: Remote (with potential NYC‑based collaboration)

Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)

About Mentor A Promise
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, MAP creates safe, consistent, and empowering spaces where young people can thrive.

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 alike.

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
Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist.

Contact
Email: hr@mentorapromise.org

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

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