Researcher, Instability & Youth Impact; Volunteer

Researcher, Housing Instability & Youth Impact (Volunteer)

Special Projects | Strategic Research & Organizational Insights with Mentor A Promise (MAP).

Remote position; collaboration with MAP in New York City as needed. Approx. 5–10 hours per week, 6‑month minimum commitment. Reports to the Director of Special Projects.

The Researcher, Housing Instability & Youth Impact serves as a strategic researcher responsible for examining the issues, trends, policies, and conditions affecting children and families experiencing housing instability. The role supports leadership, special initiatives, advocacy efforts, partnership development, organizational planning, and innovation projects through rigorous research and analysis. Working closely with leadership and cross‑functional teams, the Researcher helps transform data into actionable insights that strengthen MAP’s programs, decision‑making, advocacy, and long‑term impact.

• Conduct research on housing instability, student homelessness, educational outcomes, youth development, poverty, and family well‑being.
• Review academic literature, government publications, nonprofit research, and policy reports.
• Analyze local, state, and national data related to children and families experiencing housing instability.
• Identify trends, barriers, opportunities, and emerging issues.
• Monitor developments across housing, education, child welfare, and related sectors.
• Support high‑priority organizational initiatives requiring research and analysis.
• Conduct background research for executive leadership and special projects.
• Develop research briefs, executive summaries, reports, and presentations.
• Investigate innovative solutions and emerging opportunities.
• Contribute recommendations that support organizational strategy and growth.
• Compile and interpret quantitative and qualitative data.
• Translate research findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Identify patterns and insights relevant to MAP’s mission.
• Support evidence‑based decision‑making across the organization.
• Develop concise and accessible research deliverables.
• Research innovative programs, interventions, and best practices.
• Benchmark leading nonprofits, schools, and community organizations.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen MAP’s programs and services.
• Explore emerging trends that may impact children and families.
• Support a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
• Partner with teams across programs, education, advocacy, housing, development, and leadership.
• Support research needs for grant development and partnership opportunities.
• Assist with organizational planning and special initiatives.
• Contribute expertise to mission‑driven projects and discussions.

• Strong research, analytical, and critical‑thinking skills.
• Excellent written communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into concise recommendations.
• Interest in housing, education, youth development, public policy, social impact, nonprofit management, or related fields.
• Experience with research, policy analysis, program evaluation, or data analysis is preferred.
• Familiarity with issues affecting children and families experiencing housing instability is a plus.

• Quality and usefulness of research produced.
• Contribution to strategic initiatives and special projects.
• Development of actionable recommendations.
• Support of organizational decision‑making.
• Identification of innovative opportunities and best practices.
• Strengthening of mission‑driven learning and impact.

• Approximately 5–10 hours per week.
• Minimum 6‑month commitment.
• Maintain timely and professional communication.
• Collaborate through MAP systems and communication platforms.
• Support MAP's safeguarding standards, mission, and organizational values.
• Participate in research meetings and project discussions.

• Experience conducting mission‑driven research with real‑world impact.
• Exposure to nonprofit strategy, innovation, advocacy, and organizational development.
• Collaboration with senior leaders and cross‑functional teams.
• Professional references and letters of recommendation.
• Meaningful impact supporting children and families experiencing housing instability.