Construction Manager

Construction Manager / Owner’s Rep (Volunteer – Nonprofit Developer)

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: New York City (with potential for hybrid/remote collaboration)

Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)

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, social-emotional learning, housing initiatives, and creative expression, MAP creates safe, consistent, and empowering spaces where young people can thrive.

Our housing development and construction projects expand affordable housing and supportive housing opportunities while creating community-centered spaces. The Construction Manager / Owner’s Rep will serve as MAP’s representative throughout design and construction, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with our mission.

We are seeking a Construction Manager / Owner’s Rep to provide project oversight and ensure quality, compliance, and accountability across MAP’s development projects. This role will act as the nonprofit developer’s representative, bridging communication between architects, engineers, contractors, funders, and community partners. The ideal candidate brings construction expertise, strong project management skills, and a commitment to equity-driven development.

Project Oversight & Representation

• Act as MAP’s representative throughout design and construction phases
• Ensure projects are built in accordance with approved plans, zoning, and funding requirements
• Attend project meetings with architects, engineers, contractors, and funders

Schedule & Budget Management

• Review and monitor project schedules to ensure timely delivery
• Track construction costs, change orders, and budget impacts
• Provide monthly progress reports to MAP leadership and funders

Quality Control & Compliance

• Oversee contractors to confirm construction meets contract documents and building codes
• Ensure compliance with DOB permits, zoning approvals, and requirements of funders (HPD, HDC, HUD, etc.)
• Coordinate inspections and resolve field issues as they arise

Contract & Risk Management

• Review contractor payment applications and recommend approval or rejection
• Evaluate claims, disputes, and risks, advising leadership on mitigation strategies
• Maintain documentation for audits, close-out, and funder requirements

Stakeholder Communication

• Serve as the liaison between nonprofit leadership, design professionals, contractors, and funders
• Translate technical construction issues into clear updates for MAP’s board and community partners
• Support tenant engagement during construction when needed

Administrative

• Check and respond to emails daily, ensuring all responses are completed within 48 hours
• Take responsibility for performance improvement by monitoring processes, identifying challenges, and recommending solutions

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, or related field (equivalent experience may be considered)
• 3–5 years of experience in construction management, owner’s representative services, or real estate development
• Familiarity with affordable housing, nonprofit development, or publicly funded projects a strong plus
• Experience reviewing construction documents, budgets, schedules, and change orders
• Strong knowledge of NYC Building Code, DOB permitting, and zoning compliance
• Proficiency with project management tools (MS Project, Procore, Excel, or similar)
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical issues to non-technical stakeholders

• Volunteer technical role requiring approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Primarily NYC-based projects, with flexibility for hybrid or remote engagement

• Hands-on experience managing affordable housing and community-focused development projects
• Collaboration with nonprofit leaders, design teams, contractors, and public agencies
• Direct impact on building safe, sustainable, and mission-aligned spaces for families and youth
• Professional growth through project-based leadership, mentorship, and references
• The opportunity to advance equity-focused housing development in New York City

Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist.

For any additional questions or concerns, please email us directly at hr@mentorapromise.org

Help us build with purpose — creating affordable housing and community spaces that provide stability, dignity, and opportunity for New York City’s most resilient families.