About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,600 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
The Lutheran Center (national office) is located in Chicago, Illinois. A staff of approximately 400, under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop, serve as administrators, advisors, conveners, partners, and resource people for the ELCA and its ministries. Staff lead the work of national, domestic, and global ministries and programs including Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA World Hunger, Service & Justice, Christian Community and Leadership, and Innovation. We are also home to five of our separately incorporated ministries: The Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA, Women of the ELCA, Lutheran Men in Mission, the ELCA Foundation and the ELCA Federal Credit Union.
About the position
Through the Service and Justice unit, the ELCA Churchwide Organization shall foster and facilitate this church’s engagement in service with and among communities and promote efforts to call and act for justice. Its work includes engaging in mission, service, and justice in accompaniment with churches and organizations in other countries [serving as the means through which churches in other countries engage in mission to this church and society]; engaging with communities, coalitions and networks, congregations, and synods in service and justice work within the territorial jurisdiction of this church; and providing guidance to members on matters of social justice.
ELCA Witness in Society encompasses some of the work and ministry the ELCA does in the public sphere, advancing justice and shining a light on peace and dignity. The Federal Policy Internship will assist policy directors on various issues over the course of the summer, including doing independent research on a unique advocacy issue at the intersection of faith and politics. This hybrid position will be coordinated from the ELCA’s federal hub in Washington, D.C. alongside the Lutheran Office for World Community at the United Nations in New York City; Lutheran state public policy offices (SPPOs) in California, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin; and more than 15 directly affiliated locations serving even more states; and through the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.
This is a full-time, 12-week internship (starting summer 2025), non-exempt, in-person, Washington, D.C.-based position. This position has responsibilities that will require being in the office on a daily basis. Candidates for this in-person position must reside within the D.C. area and commuting distance of the ELCA Washington DC Office.
The eligibility of a candidate for remote or hybrid positions may depend on the residency of the candidate, and the budget for the role, including salary or pay, insurance coverage, and/or tax burden. Candidates for this position must reside within the fifty United States or the District of Columbia and be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
1. Assist the federal policy team, including issue research and support on various projects, updating advocacy resources.
2. Assist in various administrative duties, such as reviewing documents, note taking, communications management, and scheduling congressional and internal meetings.
3. In collaboration with your supervisor, identify research and report on a public policy issue at the intersection of faith and politics. Duties include writing blogs, research, and taking action on current events on Capitol Hill.
4. Attend online hearings and briefing, take notes, and prepare reports for policy staff on various issues, with focus on support to senior leaders.
5. Join ELCA meetings and assist in national advocacy campaigns. Included possibility of (virtual) advocacy training seminars with visitors to Washington, D.C. or interested advocacy congregants.
6. Other duties as assigned.
1. Candidates may demonstrate qualification for the internship either through educational or professional experience. Be a graduate of or currently enrolled in college or graduate program (studying political science, history, religion, international relations, communications, or related field highly preferable; or have a high school diploma and 2 years' experience working in an office setting. Candidates without higher education, but with relevant work experience, are strongly encouraged to apply.
2. Demonstrated interest of the U.S. government, civics, and the federal policymaking and legislative process.
3. Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.).
4. Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA.
5. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
Physical
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone, and sometimes, to move about the Capitol for meetings and other events. This position requires sitting for long periods of time. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Travel
Minimal travel. This position requires minimal (overnight, domestic) travel by plane, car, etc. Valid driver’s license required.
Benefits
N/A.
Contact
If you have questions about this job or your application, please complete this form to contact Human Resources.
Salary
$17.95/hour.