Governance & Policy Specialist (Volunteer)

Overview 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 like 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. Role Governance & Policy Specialist (Volunteer) Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP) Location: Hybrid / Remote Type: Volunteer Reports To: Chief Operations Officer Works Closely With: PromiseShield (Compliance), PromiseLearning, PromisePeople, PromisePublic, PromiseStack About MAP and PromiseOperations About Mentor A Promise MAP is a New York City–based nonprofit serving children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, education, and community. As MAP grows, strong operational systems are essential to ensure consistency, accountability, and high-quality execution across all programs and teams. About PromiseOperations | Systems, Execution & Organizational Alignment PromiseOperations is MAP’s division responsible for ensuring that the organization runs effectively day-to-day. The division focuses on systems, workflows, coordination, and execution—translating strategy into consistent, scalable operations. Role Overview We are seeking a Governance & Policy Operations Policy Specialist to ensure that MAP’s policies are translated into clear, functioning operational systems across the organization . This role bridges policy and execution —making sure that procedures are understood, implemented, followed, and continuously improved across teams. This is a systems-focused role critical to organizational consistency and scalability. Key Responsibilities Policy Implementation & Operational Translation Translate organizational policies into clear, actionable workflows Ensure policies are aligned with real operational practices Support rollout and integration of policies across teams Operational Systems & Consistency Ensure consistency in how processes are executed across divisions Identify inefficiencies, gaps, or inconsistencies in workflows Standardize processes to improve clarity and execution Cross-Division Alignment Work with PromiseShield to align operations with compliance requirements Collaborate with program, HR, and tech teams to integrate policies into workflows Ensure policies are consistently applied across all departments Documentation & SOP Development Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) Create clear, structured internal documentation Ensure accessibility and usability of operational guides Process Improvement & Optimization Identify opportunities to streamline operations Improve efficiency and reduce duplication or confusion Support scalable systems as MAP grows Monitoring & Accountability Track implementation of policies and processes Identify areas where execution is not aligned with expectations Support corrective actions and operational improvements Training & Support Support teams in understanding and applying operational processes Assist in developing guidance materials for internal use Reinforce clarity, consistency, and accountability Communication & Responsiveness Maintain clear, timely communication across teams Coordinate work via Google Workspace and operational systems Qualifications Required Strong organizational and systems-thinking skills Ability to translate concepts into clear, executable processes Attention to detail and consistency Strong communication and coordination skills Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values Preferred Experience in operations, process improvement, or program coordination Experience developing SOPs or workflow systems Experience in nonprofit or multi-team environments Interest in organizational design and systems building Commitment Volunteer role Approximately 5–10 hours per week Minimum 6-month commitment required Hybrid / remote What You’ll Gain Experience building and optimizing operational systems Exposure to cross-functional organizational design Collaboration with leadership and multiple divisions Professional references and letters of recommendation A meaningful role strengthening execution and scalability How To Apply Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit: Resume (required) Cover letter (required) describing experience in operations, systems, or process improvement This role ensures that strategy becomes execution. Turning ideas into systems—and systems into consistent, reliable action. This role holds the pieces together. From research to outreach to execution—help ensure every story is fully built before it’s told. 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 Mentor A Promise