Fashion Designer - Firefighter Safety & Innovation Project (Volunteer)

Fashion Designer – Firefighter Safety & Innovation Project (Volunteer) Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP) Division: Thread & Promise / Community Impact Lab Project: The Fire We Carry – Cancer-Safe Firefighter Equipment Initiative Location: New York City and/or Remote via Google Meet Type: Volunteer (Unpaid) About Mentor A Promise Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, education, creative expression, and community-centered innovation. Through Thread & Promise and MAP’s Community Impact Lab , we bring together designers, engineers, scientists, and storytellers to address real-world challenges that affect families, first responders, and communities. One of our most urgent initiatives— The Fire We Carry Project —focuses on reimagining firefighter gear to reduce cancer risk, eliminate toxic materials, and prioritize long-term health and dignity for first responders. Why This Role Matters Firefighters face disproportionately high cancer rates due to prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals, PFAS, and hazardous materials embedded in traditional turnout gear. This role exists to ensure that design, function, safety, and humanity are never in conflict . The Fashion Designer – Firefighter Safety & Innovation Project brings a design-led, human-centered approach to protective equipment—balancing performance, ergonomics, durability, and comfort with toxin-free, cancer-safe materials . This is not fashion for aesthetics. It is design as protection, care, and justice . What You’ll Do Design firefighter turnout gear components (coats, pants, base layers, accessories) with a focus on safety, comfort, and long-term health. Collaborate with material scientists, engineers, occupational therapists, and firefighters to translate safety requirements into functional design. Develop design concepts, sketches, and technical drawings aligned with performance and safety standards. Consider ergonomics, mobility, heat stress, breathability, and usability in high-risk environments. Support prototyping and iteration of new gear concepts using toxin-free and PFAS-free materials. Participate in design reviews and feedback sessions with cross-disciplinary teams. Ensure designs reflect dignity, respect, and real-world firefighter experience. Document design rationale and revisions clearly for collaboration and research purposes. Check and respond to emails daily, with responses within 48 hours. Take responsibility for performance improvement by refining designs based on testing and feedback. How MAP Supports You Clear role scope and collaborative leadership Respect for time, capacity, and boundaries Cross-disciplinary mentorship with scientists, engineers, and clinicians Ethical, mission-driven design environment Professional references and letters of recommendation Recognition of your work as life-protective, not speculative or extractive What We’re Looking For Experience in fashion design, technical apparel, or functional garment design. Strong understanding of garment construction, fit, and material behavior. Ability to design for function, safety, and durability—not trend cycles. Comfort collaborating across disciplines (engineering, science, health, safety). Strong communication and documentation skills. Commitment to ethical, safety-first, and human-centered design. Bonus (Not Required) Experience with technical or protective apparel (PPE, workwear, sportswear). Knowledge of sustainability, non-toxic materials, or textile innovation. Familiarity with NFPA standards or firefighter equipment (helpful but not required). Experience working with first responders or safety professionals. Commitment Volunteer role, approximately 5–10 hours per week Minimum 6-month commitment preferred Hybrid: New York City and/or remote via Google Meet MAP prioritizes care, precision, and sustainability over speed What You’ll Gain Portfolio-worthy work in life-saving design and innovation Experience collaborating on a real-world public health and safety initiative Exposure to materials science, human factors, and occupational safety design Professional references and letters of recommendation The opportunity to contribute to equipment that protects those who protect others How to Apply Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist. For any additional questions or concerns, please email us directly at View email address on click.appcast.io Design with responsibility — help reimagine firefighter gear that prioritizes health, dignity, and long-term safety. Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our organization. At this time, our volunteer opportunities are limited to individuals who are based in the United States. This limitation is 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. Mentor A Promise