Director for Indigenous Ministries

This posting will close September 20, 2026, at 11:00 pm central time.  

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.

This position directs the Indigenous Ministries program of the ELCA through its Service and Justice unit. The primary purpose of this position is to provide voice for Indigenous communities in the ELCA and to respond effectively to the needs of these communities, develop and implement strategic engagements through relationships with AIAN Tribal Nations in the United States and along its border, partners and collaborates with the American Indian Alaska Native Lutheran Association, ministry personnel, provide personnel management consulting, administer budget and grants, monitor and evaluate programs, collaborate with ecumenical partners and agencies in common mission objectives, and engage other expressions of the ELCA in companion relationships.

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. Relationships: Within the geographical area of responsibility, accompanies, fosters and facilitates ELCA relationships with American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) ministries nationwide as well as agencies and institutions for mutual engagement in God's mission; maintain a working relationship with the AIAN Lutheran Association; plan and coordinate with Service and Justice teams related to advocacy, World Hunger, and Lutheran Disaster Response; represents the ELCA Service and Justice unit at ecumenical tables.

2. Program Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation: Within the framework and overall strategic intent of the ELCA churchwide organization operational plan, develop strategies in consultation with other Service and Justice teams; implements Service and Justice planning, monitoring and evaluation processes for grants to AIAN ministries. Support the work and activities of the ELCA’s Truth & Healing Movement such as coordinating and supporting the activities of the various action teams implementing activities related to the Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery. Work closely with ELCA Strategic Communications to ensure the ongoing telling and retelling of the stories of Indigenous people and Indigenous issues.

3. Support for rostered and lay ministry leaders: The director provides for the pastoral care and well-being of AIAN colleagues in ministry; participates in candidate evaluation and appointments to AIAN ministry Calls and leads in the unit’s relationships with AIAN Tribal Nations and Tribal Governments in carrying out assigned activities and functions.

4. Serve as an advisor to various colleagues including Directors for Evangelical Mission (DEMs) and the New Ministry Development and Evangelism teams concerning the creation and support of African Descent and African Nationals ministries in the ELCA, including consultation for grant applications and ministry reviews.

5. Budget Management: Participates in unit-wide budget planning and decision-making processes; proposes programs for extra-budgetary financial support.

6. Specialist and Resource: Provides analysis of regional political, social, religious, and security developments; serves as resource for churchwide organization’s understanding of issues and trends within AIAN communities; proposes avenues for response. Work closely with the ELCA Witness in Society team and the Repudiation Advocacy Team to stay abreast of federal and state action and advocacy needs.

7. Work collaboratively with Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities colleagues on team goals and priorities.

8. ELCA and Inter/Intra-unit Responsibilities: Cooperates with ELCA synods, congregations, other ELCA units and teams within Service and Justice in common mission programs and activities.

9. Other duties as assigned.

1. 7+ years of experience leading ministry, non-profit, program management experience, experience in strategic planning, program planning and implementation as well as work with and among indigenous communities. Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master's degree or equivalent, M. Div./MTh preferred; extensive coursework, knowledge and ability to articulate understandings of mission, particularly accompaniment as a lens and methodology for Indigenous ministries. Official federally recognized enrolled tribal member or official State recognized enrolled Tribal member preferred. ELCA rostered minister or lay leader preferred. 

2. Collaborative work style within and across teams and skill in collaborative decision making; facility in building and maintaining strong relationships with AIAN Tribal Nations and Tribal Governments, Inter-Tribal programs, ecumenical colleagues, ELCA synods and congregations, and inter-faith relationships; demonstrated and well-developed competencies in intercultural ministry.

3. Knowledge and commitment to the global mission of the ELCA and an appreciation for the church in all its expressions; in-depth knowledge and appreciation for the values, customs, and decision-making processes in American Indian and Alaska Native cultures specific to the region; articulate in expressing the strategic intent and commitments of this church.

4. Demonstrated skills in strategic planning, program implementation, project management and evaluation, budgeting; able to meet the unit’s tight work deadlines while maintaining demanding travel schedules; able to maintain high volume of e-communication in a timely manner.

5. Effective verbal, written, and listening skills.

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

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

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

Physical

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone. This position requires sitting for long periods of time. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel

Position requires considerable domestic travel by plane and car to visit various ministries, attend event and conferences, and time at the churchwide organization. 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 email us at Careers.HR@elca.org.

Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. As a religious organization, we reserve the right, where permitted by applicable federal and state law, to employ individuals who share and support our religious beliefs, mission, and values.