Children’s Book Illustrator Lead (Volunteer)

Overview Mentor A Promise is a New York City–based nonprofit serving children and youth (ages 5–18) experiencing housing instability. We deliver programming across mentorship, literacy, social–emotional learning, and creative expression in shelters, schools, and community spaces, with a trauma‑informed, culturally responsive, and accessibility‑centered framework. We nurture academic development, emotional well‑being, and creative voice through experiences like The Imagination Studio, The Kitchen Table, The Sound Lab, and The Story Space, ensuring every child has support and pathways to confidence, belonging, and long‑term opportunity. This is a volunteer‑leadership role focused on children’s book publishing and storytelling projects. Role Children’s Book Illustrator Lead (Volunteer) — Organization: Mentor A Promise. Location: Remote with NYC‑based collaboration as needed. Type: Volunteer (Unpaid, Senior Creative Leadership Role). Key Responsibilities Lead the visual direction for MAP’s children’s books and illustrated content Develop illustration standards that reflect trauma‑informed and child‑centered design Ensure visual storytelling aligns with literacy, SEL, and cultural sensitivity goals Review and guide artwork from illustrators, interns, and volunteers Collaborate closely with writers, editors, and educators Provide creative feedback and mentorship to junior illustrators Ensure consistency of characters, environments, and visual tone across projects Support production‑ready files and coordination with publishing workflows Qualifications Professional experience in children’s book illustration or visual storytelling Strong understanding of child development, emotional safety, and visual literacy Ability to lead creative direction and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback Experience working collaboratively with writers and editors Alignment with MAP’s equity‑centered and trauma‑informed mission Preferred Skills Experience illustrating for diverse or underserved communities Familiarity with publishing formats (print and digital) Background in education, literacy, or SEL‑informed media Experience mentoring artists or managing creative teams Commitment Volunteer leadership role Approximately 5–10 hours per week Minimum 6‑month commitment preferred Fully remote with optional NYC‑based collaboration What You’ll Gain Creative leadership experience in nonprofit children’s publishing Opportunity to shape stories that directly support children in crisis Collaboration with writers, educators, and mission‑driven creatives Professional recognition and letters of recommendation A lasting legacy in books that bring comfort, imagination, and hope How To Apply Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist. Please add your resume and cover letter. Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our organization. #J-18808-Ljbffr Mentor A Promise