Training Specialist (Volunteer)

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.
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Training Specialist (Volunteer)
PromiseLearning | Mentor Training & Instructional Support
Organization Mentor A Promise (MAP)
Location Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed
Type Volunteer
Reports To Director of Mentor Training & Pedagogical Support
Works Closely With Instructional Design Team, Program Team, SEL Team, Mentor Coordinators
About Mentor A Promise
Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth experiencing housing instability through mentorship, education, and community. Our work centers dignity, equity, and trauma-informed care—ensuring that every mentor is equipped to support young people with intention, consistency, and respect.
About PromiseLearning | Mentor Training & Instructional Support
PromiseLearning is MAP’s education division responsible for training mentors, developing instructional practices, and ensuring program quality. The division builds the systems that prepare mentors to lead, support, and engage students effectively—regardless of prior teaching experience.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Training Specialist to support the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of mentor training experiences.
This role focuses on translating curriculum and program goals into practical, accessible, and engaging training sessions that prepare mentors to facilitate learning, manage group dynamics, and support students in a trauma-informed environment.
Key Responsibilities
Training Design & Delivery
Support development and facilitation of mentor training sessions
Deliver onboarding and ongoing training for mentors
Translate curriculum into clear, actionable training content
Instructional Support
Equip mentors with classroom management strategies and facilitation techniques
Support development of mentor-facing guides, tools, and resources
Reinforce best practices for working with diverse learners
Trauma-Informed & SEL Integration
Integrate trauma-informed practices into all training materials and sessions
Support mentors in understanding social-emotional learning (SEL) principles
Promote emotionally safe and inclusive learning environments
Coaching & Continuous Improvement
Provide feedback and support to mentors as they develop their practice
Identify training gaps and recommend improvements
Support ongoing professional development initiatives
Cross-Team Collaboration
Work closely with Instructional Design and SEL teams to align training with curriculum
Collaborate with Program Team to ensure training reflects real program needs
Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via Google Workspace
Qualifications
Required
Strong facilitation, communication, and training skills
Ability to translate concepts into practical, easy-to-understand guidance
Interest in education, mentorship, or youth development
Strong organizational and collaboration skills
Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values
Preferred
Experience in teaching, training, coaching, or facilitation
Familiarity with SEL (social-emotional learning) and trauma-informed practices
Experience working with youth or in nonprofit/education settings
Experience developing training materials or curricula
Commitment
Volunteer role
Approximately 5–10 hours per week
Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
Fully remote with optional NYC-based collaboration
What You’ll Gain
Experience in training design, facilitation, and instructional support
Collaboration with education, SEL, and program leadership teams
Opportunity to shape how mentors support youth across MAP programs
Professional references and letters of recommendation
A meaningful role strengthening the quality and impact of mentorship
How To Apply
Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit
Resume (required)
Cover letter (required) describing relevant experience in training, education, or facilitation and interest in MAP’s mission
Help prepare the people who show up—so every mentor is ready, every space is intentional, and every student is supported.
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.

Work arrangement
Yes