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 2.7 million members in more than 8.300 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. The ELCA churchwide 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. 

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. Dignity. Witness in Society equips advocates across the ecology of the ELCA and engages them in advocacy activity 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, regular, Washington, D.C.-based, in-person position. This position has responsibilities that will require living within commuting distance of the office/work location and being in the office most days each week and more as needed. 

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. In consultation with Director for Advocacy Engagement, manage strategy for advocacy engagement with young, diverse individuals and networks through awareness, shaping and cultivation of advocacy stories, priorities and activity as the ELCA commits and positions itself more strongly to be a younger and more diverse church.

2. Develop and manage online communication platforms, inclusive of strategies for messaging advocacy priorities through creative content for the advocacy action center and alerts, e-newsletters, blogs, social media, podcasts, advocacy storytelling and website content.

3. Support policy program directors to build and enhance best practices for effective communication and advocacy; develop, implement, and evaluate advocacy campaigns and produce related resources, and maximize staff participation in utilization of database resource.

4. Monitor and track policy developments at the federal level with relevance to ELCA political interests related to policy priorities.

5. Equip and train Lutherans (campus ministries, congregations, networks) and community partners to further ELCA federal advocacy priorities and develop and provide related faith-based resources for local advocacy and civic engagement. Facilitate building networks and connections between active advocacy ministries in the Lutheran ecology.

6. Coordinate the development of resources and assist planning for Witness in Society events (ex. Ecumenical Advocacy Days, Advocacy Convening, Synod Assemblies, and with the S&J home area).

7. Utilize and maintain digital advocacy communications database system, including formatting, monitoring, report building, and data cleaning. Evaluate and generate data to capture advocacy activities and statistical information.

8. Other duties as assigned.

1. 3+ years of experience in communications, government, non-profit, faith-based organization or similar field. B.A. degree in political science, history, religion, international relations, communications, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge of the U.S. government and the federal policymaking and legislative process.

3. Familiarity with Lutheran theology and ELCA structures desired as well as a commitment to represent, positively and effectively, the social teaching and positions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Appreciation for the mission, values, and goals of the ELCA. 

4. Excellent political instincts and demonstrated experience in and understanding of public policy issues. 

5. Commitment to represent positively and effectively the social teaching and positions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

6. Knowledge of grassroots advocacy techniques and promotion.

7. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written in many forms of media.

8. Ability to research best practices to advance Witness in Society priority areas.

9. Participate in Witness in Society team meetings, events and meetings within home area of Service and Justice.

10. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism. 

11. Minimum Technical Competency: Computer knowledge that enables you to operate a Windows Computer and follow basic troubleshooting instructions. Software skills to efficiently use computer programs and applications. Ability to leverage computer knowledge and software skills to understand new software, follow process, and identify opportunities for improvement. Advanced experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.) required.Familiarity with block-based text editors and site builders like Wordrpress. Knowledge of Wordpress, Engaging Networks, Canva, Photoshop, Descript, and Zoom a plus.

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

Some travel. Position requires minimal overnight domestic travel by car and plane. Valid driver’s license preferred.

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.