Fashion Designer (Volunteer)

Fashion Designer (Volunteer)
Thread & Promise | Fashion Design, Apparel Innovation & Social Impact
Organization:

Mentor A Promise (MAP)
Division:

PromiseBrands – Thread & Promise
Location:

Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed
Commitment:

Approximately 5–10 hours per week
Type:

Volunteer Creative Role
Minimum Commitment:

6-month commitment required
Reports To:

Senior Director of Merchandise & Product Branding
About Mentor A Promise
Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit organization serving children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, literacy, social-emotional learning, educational enrichment, workforce development, creative opportunity, advocacy, housing innovation, and community-centered support.
At MAP, creativity is more than self-expression—it is a pathway to confidence, opportunity, belonging, and hope.
About Thread & Promise
Thread & Promise is Mentor A Promise's fashion, apparel, and merchandise initiative dedicated to creating products that inspire conversation, celebrate resilience, and advance social impact.
Through thoughtfully designed apparel, accessories, and lifestyle products, Thread & Promise transforms stories of mentorship, community, creativity, and hope into wearable experiences that strengthen awareness and support MAP's mission.
Every product is designed with purpose.
Every collection carries a story.
Every purchase helps create opportunity for children and families experiencing housing instability.
Role Overview
The

Fashion Designer

serves as a creative contributor responsible for designing apparel, accessories, and merchandise that reflect the mission, values, and visual identity of Mentor A Promise.
Working closely with Thread & Promise leadership, PromiseBrands, PromiseStudios, and MAP's creative teams, this role helps develop collections that combine thoughtful design, compelling storytelling, and mission-driven impact.
The Fashion Designer contributes to concept development, design execution, trend research, product innovation, and creative collaboration while helping shape the future of MAP's growing social enterprise and apparel initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Fashion Design & Product Development
Design apparel, accessories, and merchandise under the Thread & Promise brand
Develop original concepts, sketches, mood boards, and design presentations
Create technical design files and production-ready assets
Support product development from concept through launch
Ensure designs align with MAP's mission and visual identity
Collection Development
Contribute ideas for seasonal collections and limited-edition releases
Participate in collection planning and creative brainstorming
Develop products that support storytelling, fundraising, and audience engagement
Help create merchandise that reflects community, resilience, and hope
Support expansion of Thread & Promise product offerings
Creative Research & Innovation
Research fashion trends, consumer preferences, and emerging design directions
Explore sustainable materials and ethical production opportunities
Identify innovative approaches to apparel and merchandise design
Monitor industry best practices and social-impact fashion trends
Contribute new ideas that strengthen product relevance and engagement
Brand Storytelling Through Design
Translate mission-driven narratives into meaningful products
Support campaigns that connect fashion with social impact
Ensure designs reflect MAP's values and community-centered approach
Help create products that inspire conversation and awareness
Strengthen emotional connections between customers and the mission
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with PromiseBrands on campaign and product initiatives
Collaborate with PromiseStudios and creative teams on storytelling projects
Support merchandise launches and fundraising campaigns
Work closely with social enterprise leadership and product teams
Contribute to organizational creative initiatives as needed
Communication & Professional Accountability
Monitor and respond to role-related communications regularly
Maintain timely and professional communication with team members
Complete assigned tasks and deliverables within agreed timelines
Participate in team meetings and creative planning sessions
Continuously evaluate and improve design processes and creative output
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated experience in fashion design, apparel design, or related creative fields
Strong portfolio showcasing design work and creative thinking
Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, CLO3D, or similar design software
Knowledge of garment construction, textiles, and apparel production
Ability to translate concepts into compelling, wearable designs
Strong communication and collaboration skills
Passion for mission-driven design and social impact
Preferred Skills
Experience with sustainable and ethical fashion practices
Knowledge of sourcing, production, merchandising, or apparel manufacturing
Experience supporting social enterprise or nonprofit initiatives
Illustration and custom artwork capabilities
Experience developing branded merchandise collections
Why This Role Matters
Fashion has the power to communicate values, tell stories, and bring people together.
The Fashion Designer helps transform Thread & Promise into more than an apparel brand—it becomes a platform for awareness, advocacy, creativity, and opportunity.
Through thoughtful design, this role helps create products that celebrate resilience, strengthen community, and support children and families experiencing housing instability.
Success Measures
Quality and creativity of design contributions
Collection and product launch success
Brand alignment and visual consistency
Audience engagement with merchandise
Contribution to fundraising and social enterprise initiatives
Innovation and creative problem-solving
Collaboration across teams and projects
Volunteer Expectations
Approximately 5–10 hours per week
Minimum 6-month commitment
Maintain timely and professional communication
Collaborate through MAP systems and communication platforms
Support MAP's safeguarding standards, mission, and organizational values
Participate in creative reviews, planning meetings, and product development discussions
What You'll Gain
Opportunity to help build a mission-driven fashion and apparel brand
Hands-on experience contributing to a growing social enterprise initiative
Collaboration with creative, marketing, publishing, and executive leaders
Portfolio-building projects with real-world impact
Professional references and letters of recommendation
Meaningful impact supporting children and families experiencing housing instability
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist and include their resume, portfolio, and cover letter.
Please highlight experience involving fashion design, apparel development, merchandising, illustration, sustainable fashion, product design, or related creative disciplines.
Help design products that tell stories, inspire action, and create opportunity through Thread & Promise.
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 associated with our work. We appreciate your interest in our mission and your understanding of these constraints.