Policy Brief Writer (Volunteer)

Policy Brief Writer (Volunteer) PromisePublic | Policy Research, Public Affairs & Evidence-Based Advocacy Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP) Division: PromisePublic Location: Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed Commitment: Approximately 5–10 hours per week Type: Volunteer Professional Role Minimum Commitment: 6-month commitment required Reports To: Director of Advocacy About Mentor A Promise Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit organization serving children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, literacy, social-emotional learning, educational enrichment, workforce development, creative opportunity, advocacy, housing innovation, and community-centered support. At MAP, advocacy begins with evidence. We believe meaningful policy change is built on rigorous research, thoughtful analysis, lived experience, and practical solutions that improve outcomes for children and families. About PromisePublic PromisePublic is MAP's public policy, advocacy, civic engagement, government relations, and systems change division. The division works to advance evidence-based policies, strengthen public awareness, build strategic partnerships, and advocate for solutions that improve the lives of children, youth, and families experiencing housing instability. PromisePublic transforms research into action and advocacy into lasting impact. Role Overview The Policy Brief Writer serves as a key contributor responsible for translating complex research, legislation, and public policy into clear, accessible, and professionally written policy briefs. Working closely with researchers, policy analysts, advocacy leaders, and subject matter experts, the Policy Brief Writer develops publications that inform policymakers, nonprofit leaders, educators, funders, community organizations, and the public. This role helps position Mentor A Promise as a trusted source of evidence-based policy analysis while supporting advocacy initiatives that promote meaningful systems change. The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer with strong analytical skills and a passion for transforming research into persuasive, actionable policy recommendations. Key Responsibilities Policy Research & Analysis • Research emerging policy issues affecting children, youth, and families • Analyze legislation, regulations, and public policy developments • Review academic literature, government reports, and nonprofit research • Identify policy trends and evidence-based practices • Support research-informed advocacy initiatives Policy Brief Development • Draft professional policy briefs and issue papers • Develop executive summaries and policy recommendations • Translate technical research into accessible language • Organize complex information into clear and actionable publications • Maintain high editorial and analytical standards Legislative & Public Policy Monitoring • Monitor federal, state, and local legislative developments • Summarize proposed legislation and policy changes • Assess potential impacts on children, families, and communities • Support advocacy priorities through timely policy analysis • Develop briefing materials for leadership Editorial Excellence • Ensure factual accuracy and evidence-based analysis • Maintain consistent writing style and publication quality • Verify citations, references, and supporting evidence • Edit and revise policy publications as needed • Uphold professional writing and research standards Advocacy Support • Develop research-backed materials supporting advocacy campaigns • Collaborate with policy analysts and advocacy leaders • Prepare background papers and issue summaries • Support public education initiatives through policy writing • Strengthen MAP's voice as a trusted policy resource Cross-Divisional Collaboration • Partner with PromiseResearch on research synthesis and analysis • Collaborate with PromiseVoice on public-facing policy communications • Support PromisePrograms and PromiseLearning through policy-informed resources • Work with organizational leadership on strategic policy initiatives • Align publications with MAP's advocacy priorities Areas of Focus The Policy Brief Writer may contribute publications related to: • Housing instability and homelessness • Affordable housing policy • Education policy • Literacy and learning • Child and youth development • Social-emotional learning • Child mental health • Disability inclusion • Foster care and kinship care • Food security • Digital equity • Mentorship and volunteerism • Community development • Public health • Nonprofit policy • Family stability and economic mobility Preferred Qualifications • Excellent professional writing and editing skills • Strong research, analytical, and critical-thinking abilities • Experience writing policy briefs, research reports, white papers, legislative analyses, or advocacy publications • Ability to synthesize complex information into concise, actionable recommendations • Familiarity with APA or other professional citation styles • Strong attention to detail and fact-checking • Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams • Passion for evidence-based advocacy and public policy Why This Role Matters Well-written policy informs better decisions. Better decisions create stronger communities. Research has the power to influence legislation, improve systems, and expand opportunity. The Policy Brief Writer helps ensure that Mentor A Promise's advocacy is grounded in credible evidence, thoughtful analysis, and practical recommendations that improve the lives of children and families experiencing housing instability. Success Measures • Quality and impact of policy briefs and publications • Timeliness and relevance of policy analysis • Editorial excellence and factual accuracy • Contribution to advocacy campaigns and public education • Strength of research integration and policy recommendations • Advancement of MAP's thought leadership in public policy Leadership Participation The Policy Brief Writer is expected to: • Attend relevant advocacy and policy meetings • Participate in regular check-ins with the Director of Advocacy • Collaborate with researchers, policy analysts, and cross-functional teams • Support organizational advocacy priorities and special projects Volunteer Expectations • Approximately 5–10 hours per week • Minimum 6-month commitment required • Maintain timely and professional communication • Collaborate through MAP systems and communication platforms • Support MAP's safeguarding standards, mission, and organizational values • Foster professionalism, intellectual curiosity, and evidence-based decision-making What You'll Gain • Experience producing publications with real-world policy impact • Opportunity to collaborate with researchers, educators, policy professionals, and nonprofit leaders • Portfolio-quality policy briefs and advocacy publications • Professional references and letters of recommendation • Meaningful impact helping shape conversations and policies affecting children and families experiencing housing instability How to Apply Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist and include their resume, cover letter, and writing samples demonstrating policy, research, analytical, or professional writing experience. Please highlight experience involving policy analysis, research, public affairs, legislative writing, advocacy, or related disciplines. Help transform research into action by creating evidence-based policy publications that strengthen advocacy and expand opportunity for children and families through Mentor A Promise. 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.