Architect (Pro Bono Partner Opportunity)

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Architect (Pro Bono Partner Opportunity)

Organization Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location Remote and/or New York City

Type Volunteer (Pro Bono)

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability in New York City. Through mentorship, academic enrichment, literacy development, creative expression, and housing initiatives, MAP creates safe, consistent, and empowering spaces where young people can thrive.

As part of our expanding housing and community development work, MAP is establishing new pathways to create affordable, sustainable, and community-centered housing. We are seeking a licensed architect—or one currently pursuing licensure with mentorship support—who is passionate about housing justice and equitable development. This is a pro bono opportunity to contribute design and planning expertise at the earliest stages of MAP’s development projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual and schematic designs aligned with MAP’s mission and housing initiatives
• Provide zoning and building code guidance for feasibility studies and early-stage planning
• Collaborate with MAP’s development team, financial advisors, and community partners to shape project vision and feasibility
• Support presentations to funders, agencies, and community boards
• Offer creative design input that reflects community needs, sustainability goals, and long-term impact
• Check and respond to emails daily, ensuring all responses are completed within 48 hours
• Take responsibility for performance improvement by identifying design efficiencies and process innovations

What This Role Is (and Isn’t)

• A mission-driven partnership helping to shape impactful, community-centered projects
• Focused on conceptual design, feasibility input, and early-stage development support
• Not expected to include full construction documents, permitting, or site supervision unless mutually agreed upon at a later stage

Ideal Background

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch)
• Licensed in New York State or currently pursuing licensure under supervision
• 2–5 years of professional experience, preferably with affordable housing, community facilities, or urban infill projects
• Familiarity with NYC zoning regulations, DOB processes, and HPD/HDC design standards
• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or similar
• Strong communication and presentation skills for engaging funders, partners, and community stakeholders
• Deep passion for community-driven design and equitable urban development

Commitment

• Flexible, part-time, remote-friendly role
• Estimated 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Pro bono position with potential to evolve into a paid or long-term partnership as projects advance and funding is secured

What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to shape affordable housing and community-based projects from the ground up
• Collaboration with nonprofit developers, community advocates, and housing professionals
• Experience contributing to early-stage affordable housing design and feasibility work
• Professional recognition, portfolio-building experience, and long-term partnership potential
• The chance to use design as a tool for equity, resilience, and community empowerment

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist.

For any additional questions or concerns, please email us directly at [email protected]

Help us design with purpose — creating affordable housing and community spaces that bring stability, dignity, and opportunity to families across New York City.

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.