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

The Office of the Secretary provides administrative services and tools for ELCA leaders who are serving this church in their congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization, especially those given responsibility for governance of the ELCA. 

The secretary interprets the constitutions and other governing documents of this church and is responsible for maintaining its rosters, the ELCA archives, and the minutes and records of certain meetings. The Office of the Secretary receives the annual report of the congregations; coordinates the Churchwide Assembly and meetings of the Church Council and Conference of Bishops, providing schedule, travel, and physical arrangements for these meetings and other meetings of the churchwide organization; compiles information for the online ELCA Directory; staffs the nominating processes of this church; and coordinates the use of legal counsel and risk management services.

This position functions as the executive in support of the secretary of the ELCA. As such, it is responsible for working with the secretary in administering the unit, including consultation with bishops and synod staffs, churchwide staff, and congregations; short- and long-range strategic planning; projects related to governing documents, policies, or upcoming legislation; budget and spending oversight; staff leadership and personnel issues, including delegation of responsibilities and performance management; preparation of reports for review by the Roster Committee of the Conference of Bishops; review of reports for Churchwide Assembly, Conference of Bishops, and Church Council; and office management.

This is a full-time, regular, exempt, Chicago-based position. This position has responsibilities that will generally require at least two to three days a week in the office with possibly more days when meetings and other events are happening that this position supports.  

The eligibility of a candidate for this 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.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Primary responsibility for all facets of the administration of the Office of the Secretary, with oversight of official documentation, rosters, records management, and archives; representing the secretary as requested and appropriate, providing leadership to the office in her/his absence; shared responsibility for short- and long-term strategic planning 

2. Primary responsibility for OS personnel matters, including selection, development, and mentoring of staff.

3. Development and administration of the unit’s budget. Shared responsibility for development and oversight of the Churchwide Assembly budget.

4. Along with the secretary and the general counsel, responsibility for counsel to synod bishops, synod and churchwide staff members, and other ELCA members on matters related to the governing documents, Robert’s Rules of Order, rosters, policies, and legislative actions of this church.

5. Shared responsibility for researching issues concerning the governing documents, policies, and upcoming legislation. Developing new and proposed amendments to governing documents, policies, and legislation.

6. Churchwide Assembly: Principal responsibility for serving as the secretary’s assistant at the Churchwide Assembly, working with the presiding bishop, secretary, parliamentarian, executive assistants to the presiding bishop and the secretary, and assembly committee chairs; shared responsibility for providing expert advice to voting members as they develop resolutions and motions and organization of, preparation for and management of the Churchwide Assembly, including staffing the Memorials and Nominating Committees, developing and managing the budget, editing of the Bulletin of Reports, review of the Legislative Updates.

7. Performs other duties as assigned. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

1. Manager for Official Documentation

2. Manager for Rosters and Records

3. Archivist

1. Bachelor’s degree and 7+ years of administrative leadership experience; Rostered minister preferred.

2. Working knowledge of the Constitutions, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the “Manual of Policies and Procedures for Management of the Rosters,” the candidacy manual, Robert’s Rules of Order, and other policies, procedures, practices, and governing documents of this church are required to perform this job effectively. 

3. Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor staff. Ability to build effective working relationships within the Office of the Secretary to foster teamwork and support in discharging the secretary’s responsibilities.

4. Exceptional oral and written communication skills; demonstrated ability to communicate complex information effectively to various audiences; strong interpersonal skills.

5. Demonstrated ability to organize and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously; solve problems and understand the context of individual actions and inquiries and relate new information to existing policies, practices, and systems.

6. Ability to develop collegial, collaborative, cooperative relationships with staff members of other churchwide units, synod bishops and staffs, Church Council members, and members of this church in order to carry out the responsibilities of the Office of the Secretary.

7. Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.).

8. Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA. 

9. 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. This position requires sitting for long periods of time. May be required to lift boxes of materials. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel

Minimal travel (up to 5%, approximately 3 weeks). This position requires travel once annually to the off-site Conference of Bishops meeting, triennially to the Churchwide Assembly, and as requested by synods, other churchwide units, or the secretary.

Benefits

The ELCA offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including employer paid health premiums for employees, health and dependent care FSA’s, a health savings account (HSA) with an employer contribution, life insurance, and a substantial employer contribution to 403b retirement plan (no match required). We also offer a generous paid time-off policy including 17 paid holidays. All benefits commence on your start date.

Contact

If you have questions about this job or your application, please complete this form to contact Human Resources.

Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience.