Career Opportunities
To apply, submit a completed
employment application to Department for Human Resources of The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.
Employment Opportunities
Director, World Hunger and Disaster Appeal
Unit: Development Services
Position Description 
Salary Grade: 17
Close date: ASAP
In keeping with the criteria and guidelines for ELCA World Hunger, this position directs the fundraising efforts for the World Hunger and Disaster Appeal. Provides inspiration, information and channels to raise funds needed for the church's commitment to respond to domestic and international hunger and poverty and domestic and international disaster. Provides strategic direction and oversight for the Appeal's integrated fundraising activities and develops relationships with major donors. Plans and implements efforts to increase giving for the Appeal and to heighten donor engagement with ELCA churchwide ministries. Develops relationships with congregations, synods and churchwide units in order to encourage and promote, inform and advise on issues relating to the Appeal. Relates to the Director, ELCA World Hunger in the Church in Society unit and the Office of the Treasurer. Chicago-based.
International Coordinator: Malaria & HIV Initiative
Unit: Global Mission
Position Description
Salary Grade: 17
Close Date: ASAP
This position provides leadership in Global Mission in the development of a new anti-malaria program, coordinating with ELCA's HIV/AIDS work with international companions. It will collaborate with Lutheran World Relief and other partners in the emerging Lutheran Malaria Initiative. In coordination with GM continental and international development desks, it will: consult with companion churches; develop plans and monitor evaluate anti-malaria programs; work with ELCA-related heath organizations and Lutheran World Federation on matters relating to malaria and HIV/AIDS. Qualifications: degree in development, public health, or related field, or equivalent experience in tropical medicine and/or sustainable development work; eight to ten years of administrative/planning/programmatic experience. Chicago-based.
Associate Vice-President (Area Representative for the Nebraska, Central States, Arkansas-Oklahoma, and Western Iowa Synods)
Unit: Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA
Position Description
Salary Grade: 16
Close Date: 1/31/2009
This position is responsible for growing investments and loans, and the customer base. Duties include acquire new business in assigned synods; develop and qualify leads; identify needs of targets and recommend solutions; make presentations to current and potential customers; meet or exceed sales goals; foster and maintain strong relationships with customers; keep staff informed about all activities and issues through written reports; and other duties as assigned. The Associate VP qualification’s include dedication to outreach ministry; 3-5 years experience in financial service sales is desirable; able to persuade and influence others; able to develop and deliver presentations; strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to be proactive, innovative and driven; able to maintain confidentiality; able to collect, analyze and interpret financial information; able to travel; knowledge of MIF. Based in Synods: 4A, 4B, 4C or 5E.
Associate Director for Global Events
Unit: Global Mission
Position Description
Salary Grade: 16
Close Date: ASAP
This position is responsible for program planning and implementation of the Global Formation strategy for mission through events and other educational opportunities. Working within the Global Formation team, this position guides the planning and implementation process for ELCA Global Mission Event, annual Global Formation Events, global mission interpretation opportunities, and participates in the planning of other churchwide and synodical events. This position also works in close collaboration with other churchwide units to develop strategies related to educational and/or formation events. Chicago-based.
Director for Evangelical Mission: Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod
Unit: Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission
Position Description
CLOSE DATE: 01/31/2009
This position represents the Evangelical Outreach and Congregation Mission (EOCM) unit in the territory of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, and is responsible for engaging synodical leaders, structures and strategies in the formation and development of evangelical congregations which reflect the purposes, principles and commitments of the synod, EOCM and the ELCA as a whole. This position will coordinate and staff all evangelical mission and stewardship ministry and education in the synod through the formation and coordination of three synodical tables:1. Synodical missional strategy table; 2. Congregation/mission support table; and 3. Mission table for congregational development, new and renewed congregations. This position and tables will pay particular attention to the implementation of ELCA commitments to be in ministry among ethnic, multicultural and emergent communities, as well as ministry among people living in poverty. The person in this position is expected to fully participate in the life and ministry of the synodical staff and in synodical initiatives. Candidates must have a strong commitment to the evangelical outreach of the ELCA, have effective knowledge and grounding in missional theology, theories and the practice of mission development, and theology of stewardship. This position will be supervised jointly by both the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod and EOCM. Other assignments of responsibility will be made by Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod and EOCM. Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod based.
Director for Evangelical Mission: Pacifica Synod
Unit: Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission
Position Description
Close Date: 01/31/2009
This position represents the Evangelical Outreach and Congregation Mission (EOCM) unit in the territory of the Pacifica Synod, and is responsible for engaging synodical leaders, structures and strategies in the formation and development of evangelical congregations which reflect the purposes, principles and commitments of the synod, EOCM and the ELCA as a whole. This position will coordinate and staff all evangelical mission and stewardship ministry and education in the synod through the formation and coordination of three synodical tables:1. Synodical missional strategy table; 2. Congregation/mission support table; and 3. Mission table for congregational development, new and renewed congregations. This position and tables will pay particular attention to the implementation of ELCA commitments to be in ministry among ethnic, multicultural and emergent communities, as well as ministry among people living in poverty. The person in this position is expected to fully participate in the life and ministry of the synodical staff and in synodical initiatives. Candidates must have a strong commitment to the evangelical outreach of the ELCA, have effective knowledge and grounding in missional theology, theories and the practice of mission development, and theology of stewardship. Demonstrated ability and proven experience in ministry among persons of color, specifically among Latino, Asian and/or African National communities. Bilingual fluency is preferred in Spanish or in an Asian language. This position will be supervised jointly by both the Pacifica Synod and EOCM. Other assignments of responsibility will be made by Pacifica Synod and EOCM. Pacifica Synod based.
Director for Companionship, Education, and Advocacy — Africa
Unit: Global Mission
Position Description
Salary Grade: 16
Close Date: ASAP
This position plans, coordinates and supports companion synod relationships with churches in Africa, as well as relationships with related agencies, organizations, and constituencies engaged in Africa. The incumbent will engage in coordination and formation/education activities with synods and further Global Mission’s work of deepening relationships between the ELCA and companion churches in Africa. In cooperation with GM’s Global Formation team, this position will enable the ELCA to plan for strategic relationships by including companion synods and engaging ELCA members, congregations, and synods in global mission education and activities. This position also supports advocacy programs and mission support efforts as related to Africa. In consultation with the Africa team, this position will build strategies for country-based companion engagement by ELCA constituents. Qualifications: 7-10 years experience in education, communication, theology, or related field with 3-5 years of supervisory experience, graduate degree preferred; knowledge and experience in ELCA global mission, global relationships and related issues; knowledge of Lutheran theology and missiological approaches; demonstrated experience in strategic planning and administrative skills in budgeting, managing and directing a team; strong communication skills which may include teaching, public speaking, writing and editing. Chicago-based.
MIF Technology Supervisor
Units: Information Technology and the Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA
Position Description
Salary Grade: 16
Close Date: 01/15/2009
This position, reporting to the Director for Technical Services, manages IT staff and day-to-day IT operations for the Mission Investment Fund. This position is responsible for supervising and assisting with the design, implementation and maintenance of technology systems required to support the business of the Mission Investment Fund. The position shares responsibility for network design and administration, including name resolution, directory services, remote monitoring and related services. Chicago-based.
Project Coordination for Sojourning
Unit: Vocation and Education
Position Description
Salary Grade: One Year Term Contract
A half-time, contract staff position to coordinate a cooperative project between Global Mission, the World Hunger Program and Vocation & Education focused on international and domestic short term mission trips and experiences. The coordinator will create an inventory of short term mission trips sponsored by the churchwide organization, document known best practices in this field, create a catalog of resources for mission trip leaders, plan a consultation with global partners, develop green recommendations, work to plan a training event for short term mission trip leaders, and develop effective methods of sharing information with mission trip leaders across the church. Qualifications: A willingness to work as a part of a creative, and collaborative team; strong communication skills including writing and speaking; strong organizational skills with attention to detail; ability to be a self-starter; some event planning experience; some experience with cross cultural service learning or international travel; an understanding of the systemic realities of hunger and poverty; a familiarity with ELCA hunger and anti-poverty efforts; knowledge of Web 2.0; proficiency with Microsoft Word, Access and Excel; and a willingness to do some limited travel.
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For further information contact:
Letty Villalon, Director for Staffing, Human Resources
8765 W Higgins Rd. Chicago, IL 60631
Phone: (773)380-2986 | Fax: (773)380-2985 | E-Mail:
careers@elca.orgNotice: Ordained leaders and rostered lay leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America who apply for a position in the churchwide organization must request that the synod of roster forward the individual's mobility papers to the Office of the Presiding Bishop. Mobility papers can be found at Synodical Relations.
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