Job Description

None,

Research Director (Volunteer)

Organization Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location Remote (with potential NYC-based collaboration)

Type Volunteer

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a youth-centered nonprofit dedicated to supporting students ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability in New York City. Through mentorship, social-emotional learning, academic enrichment, and creative expression, we create safe, consistent, and empowering spaces for young people to grow, thrive, and succeed. We believe every child deserves a promise kept — and we work every day to make that promise real.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Volunteer Research Director to lead MAP’s research and evaluation efforts. This role will oversee the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data that demonstrates our impact, informs our programs, and strengthens our advocacy efforts. The Research Director will also ensure MAP is contributing to the broader knowledge base on housing instability, education equity, and youth development.

The ideal candidate is a strategic researcher with strong analytical and writing skills who is passionate about translating data into actionable insights for social change.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a research agenda aligned with MAP’s mission and strategic goals.
• Design and oversee data collection and evaluation methods for program outcomes.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to measure program effectiveness.
• Produce research reports, white papers, and briefs for internal and external audiences.
• Collaborate with program teams to integrate evidence-based practices into curriculum and services.
• Track emerging research, trends, and policy developments in housing, education, and youth services.
• Support grant proposals and donor communications with relevant research and impact data.
• Represent MAP in research collaborations, conferences, or coalitions.
  
  

Requirements

• Proven experience in research, evaluation, or data analysis (academic or nonprofit settings).
• Strong background in social sciences, education, public policy, or related fields.
• Proficiency in research design, statistical analysis, and reporting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex data into accessible insights for diverse audiences.
• Passion for equity, education, and youth-focused research.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Education, Public Policy, Sociology, or related discipline.
• Experience in program evaluation and impact measurement for nonprofits.
• Familiarity with data analysis software (SPSS, R, Python, or similar).
• Knowledge of NYC education and housing landscapes.
• Published research or conference presentation experience.
  
  

What You’ll Gain

• Leadership experience shaping the research strategy of a growing nonprofit.
• Opportunities to publish or present research with direct social impact.
• Collaboration with a mission-driven team committed to youth equity.
• Letters of recommendation and professional references for future opportunities.
  
  

How To Apply

Please send your resume, LinkedIn profile, and (if available) writing sample, research brief, or publication to hr@mentorapromise.org along with a brief statement of interest.

Help us build the evidence base that ensures every child in NYC shelters has access to mentorship, education, and hope.

Job Tags

Remote work,

Similar Jobs