Program Director, African Descent Ministries

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 fosters and facilitates this church’s engagement in service and promotes 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; 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.

This position develops partnerships with other churchwide units, synods, congregations, and ELCA institutions and agencies to provide voice for the African Descent members in the ELCA and to respond effectively to the needs of the ELCA African Descent community.  This position oversees the implementation of the African Descent Strategy, focusing on strengthening African Descent congregations, building leadership capacity, and justice work, and is engaged in this church’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.

This is a full-time, regular, exempt, remote position.

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. Lead the implementation of the African Descent Strategy in ELCA churchwide units, synods, congregations.

2. Implement sections of the Strategy Toward Authentic Diversity in the ELCA assigned to ethnic-specific leadership.

3. Provide advice, counsel, and service to churchwide units, synods, and congregations in matters concerning African Descent ministries.

4. Advocate, create, and assist in the development of programs and resources for African Descent rostered and lay leaders who serve churchwide units, synods, congregations, and institutions.

5. Serve as a primary lead to the ELCA for data and information on the African Descent community and ELCA African Descent rostered persons, lay leaders, congregations, and ministry programs, to encourage greater participation and inclusion within the ELCA ecology. Develop and maintain an African Descent ministries and leadership data bank.

6. Consult with the African Descent Strategy Team, the African Descent Lutheran Association and other networks of advisors throughout this church to gather advice and information, and to identify, research and address issues for advancement of the African Descent community.

7. Seek to deepen and expand relationships and partnerships within the African diaspora and with ecumenical and Full Communion partnerships, particularly with historically black denominations and religious networks.

8. Maintain regular means of communication with the African Descent community.

9. Work collaboratively with MDCC colleagues on team goals and priorities.

10. Other duties as assigned.

1. 5+ years of relevant program planning, management, implementation and evaluation experience. Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

2. Experience in strategic planning, program planning and implementation and excellent administrative skills.

3. Collaborative work style within and across teams and skill in collaborative decision making.

4. Considerable knowledge of and sensitivity for racial justice and African Descent community issues, concerns, and needs. Lived experience in the African Descent community preferred. 

5. Well-developed interpersonal and relational skills.

6. A commitment and willingness to learn the structure, purpose, and goals of the ELCA.

7. Ability to perform as a liaison between the African Descent Lutheran community and the churchwide organization, synods and other ministry partners and organizations. 

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

9. Appreciation for the mission, vision, values and goals of the ELCA. 

10. 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 

Considerable travel. Position requires considerable overnight, domestic (some international) travel by plane, car, van, etc. 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.