Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Jobs Hiring Now
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is hiring for 8 open roles on Migrate Mate as of July 16, 2026, concentrated in account management and project & program management, with listed salaries up to about $314,000. Migrate Mate updates Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's live openings daily. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is a major Protestant denomination that operates through regional synods and national program offices, supporting congregational ministry, disaster response, hunger advocacy, and public policy work across the United States.
Find Evangelical Lutheran Church in America JobsOverview
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America hiring data on Migrate Mate, as of July 16, 2026.
- Open jobs
- 8
- Top team
- Account Management
- Seniority
- Manager level or above
- Work type
- 38% remote or hybrid
- Top location
- Chicago
- Salary range
- $59,000–$314,000
Listed salaries for Evangelical Lutheran Church in America roles on Migrate Mate range from about $59,000 to $314,000 per year across 8 open roles, as of July 16, 2026.
Open Roles at Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Showing 8 of 8+ Evangelical Lutheran Church in America jobs
This posting will close August 14, 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 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 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Organization (CWO) shall foster and facilitate this church’s engagement in service with and among communities and promote efforts to call and act for justice. The work of ELCA Service and Justice includes engaging in mission, service, and justice in accompaniment with churches and organizations in other countries. The Service and Justice unit serves as a channel through which churches in other countries engage in mission to this church and society.
Sumud: for justice in Palestine and Israel is an initiative of the ELCA that replaces the prior ELCA campaign known as Peace Not Walls. Sumud is an Arabic word meaning “steadfastness.” This work focuses on building ELCA engagement to support accompaniment, awareness-raising, and advocacy in relation to Palestine and Israel, with a focus on engagement that is 1) holistic (across expressions of the church, and bringing together many approaches and kinds of engagement), 2) intersectional (connected to similar issues of justice in U.S. and other communities such as gender and environmental justice, etc.), and 3) guided by longstanding relationships with Palestinian partners as the experts on the ground. The program director will lead the work of Sumud in engagement and awareness-raising and will collaborate with relevant ELCA colleagues on advocacy support, through the specific responsibilities outlined below. The work of Sumud continues to be grounded in the ELCA’s accompaniment of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL).
This is a full-time, regular, exempt, Chicago-based/hybrid position. This position has responsibilities that will require being in the office a minimum of 2 day each week and more as needed, keeping regular weekday business hours for meetings and collaborative work, as well as some domestic and international travel to represent Sumud at events, conferences, and partner visits.
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. Directs the Sumud: for justice in Palestine and Israel initiative; creates and implements a strategic plan that includes clear articulation of its mission, vision, values and goals; a yearly calendar of events and resources; and a communications strategy for online and in-person information sharing and network building, all grounded in and guided by accompaniment of Palestinian communities.
2. Leads effective, strategic engagement across expressions and institutions of the ELCA (congregations, synods, churchwide organization; ELCA seminaries, colleges and universities, campus and outdoor ministries; etc.) to connect these constituencies to the ELCA’s ongoing holistic work of accompaniment, awareness-raising, and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel; fosters and supports healthy, sustainable networks of grass-roots engagement, including the Sumud Ambassador network.
3. Oversees Sumud collaboration with key related areas of the Churchwide organization in areas related to Israel/Palestine, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and intersectional justice work (in the U.S. and globally) for shared awareness-raising, advocacy, and accompaniment in ELCA-affiliated spaces and for ELCA-related audiences.
4. Supports the work of the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) Desk in collaboration with the MENA Desk Director, including the implementation of the MENA strategy in relation to Palestine and Israel.
5. Oversees Sumud collaboration with key stakeholders including the Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern heritage (ALAMEH) and the two companion synods of the ELCJHL (New England and Southeast Michigan); works with all ELCA bishops/synods to continue to identify and develop the Sumud Ambassador network within every ELCA synod.
6. Help the MENA desk to convene a review team with the help of the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) Desk Director to examine the 2005 ELCA Strategy for Engagement in Palestine and Israel in preparation for presenting an updated, revised, or new strategy to the Church Council.
7. Administers the online presence of Sumud (ELCA website, social network platforms, webinars, email listservs and others) to ensure consistent, clear, and engaging communication with ELCA audiences and to provide avenues for further education, relational connection, and action.
8. Represents Sumud, and/or coordinates Sumud in-person presence at major ELCA gatherings, ELCA-affiliated institutions and events, and Sumud-sponsored events.
9. Develops, curates, and/or shares theological, educational, and practical resources for ELCA and U.S. Christian audiences about the historical and current context of the Holy Land, especially the story and presence of Palestinian Christians; the theological foundations of our ELCA engagement for justice in Palestine and Israel; and the intersections of that work with the ELCA’s justice work both within the United States and globally. Resources will include educational and devotional materials for use in church settings, guidance for the planning of accompaniment and justice-focused Holy Land pilgrimages, and online events to raise awareness among ELCA members and to equip ELCA leaders (rostered and lay) in their own awareness-raising efforts in ministry settings and in public theology. Highlights theological and other resources from the ELCJHL and other partners. Stays informed, educated, and current about the realities on the ground in Palestine and Israel.
10. Plans and/or participates in strategic accompaniment visits to the ELCJHL and Israel/Palestine for ELCA bishops, CWO and synodical leaders, rostered ministers, lay persons and other stakeholders; and advises synodical, congregational, seminary/university, and other ELCA-affiliated groups in planning independent Holy Land trips to incorporate Sumud goals.
Other duties as assigned.
Requirements:1. 5+ years of relevant experience in one of the following areas: communications, theology, political science, social justice, or another relevant field; Bachelor’s degree preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree preferred. ELCA rostered ministers are welcome to apply.
2. Extensive knowledge of and substantial experience in justice issues in Palestine and Israel, including the presence and role of the Palestinian Christian community. Recent (within the last five-ten years) direct (on the ground) experience in Israel/Palestine strongly preferred.
3. Capacity for and experience with critical thinking, theological and political reflection on issues of justice, and the ability to educate others on these issues and reflections.
4. Knowledge of techniques to create, build, promote, and sustain grassroots networks for engagement and to equip volunteer leaders within those networks.
5. Informed appreciation of the contributions of the Christian tradition to public life and the role of faith-based, ecumenical, and inter-religious coalitions in shared commitments for social change. Commitment to building and maintaining substantial knowledge of the social teaching and policy commitments of the ELCA in the areas of Israel/Palestine, accompaniment, and intersectionality.
6. A high standard of professional effectiveness including organization, efficiency, creativity, and follow through; flexibility, skill in time management, and the ability to prioritize effectively between competing priorities; initiative, ownership, and the ability to lead in a demanding environment.
7. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to relate well to and communicate effectively with politically and demographically diverse groups of people.
8. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience in strategic use of social media and online platforms, and the ability to address diverse audiences of various sizes and levels of familiarity, for awareness-raising and activation around common goals.
9. High ability to carry out instructions from supervisor in a timely and effective manner.
10. Appreciation for the mission, vision and values of the ELCA.
11. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism.
12. 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 overnight, domestic, and international travel by plane or car. Valid driver’s license preferred. U.S. passport required. Considerable travel; up to 25% - approximately 12 weeks
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.
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.
This posting will close August 14, 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 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 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Organization (CWO) shall foster and facilitate this church’s engagement in service with and among communities and promote efforts to call and act for justice. The work of ELCA Service and Justice includes engaging in mission, service, and justice in accompaniment with churches and organizations in other countries. The Service and Justice unit serves as a channel through which churches in other countries engage in mission to this church and society.
Sumud: for justice in Palestine and Israel is an initiative of the ELCA that replaces the prior ELCA campaign known as Peace Not Walls. Sumud is an Arabic word meaning “steadfastness.” This work focuses on building ELCA engagement to support accompaniment, awareness-raising, and advocacy in relation to Palestine and Israel, with a focus on engagement that is 1) holistic (across expressions of the church, and bringing together many approaches and kinds of engagement), 2) intersectional (connected to similar issues of justice in U.S. and other communities such as gender and environmental justice, etc.), and 3) guided by longstanding relationships with Palestinian partners as the experts on the ground. The program director will lead the work of Sumud in engagement and awareness-raising and will collaborate with relevant ELCA colleagues on advocacy support, through the specific responsibilities outlined below. The work of Sumud continues to be grounded in the ELCA’s accompaniment of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL).
This is a full-time, regular, exempt, Chicago-based/hybrid position. This position has responsibilities that will require being in the office a minimum of 2 day each week and more as needed, keeping regular weekday business hours for meetings and collaborative work, as well as some domestic and international travel to represent Sumud at events, conferences, and partner visits.
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. Directs the Sumud: for justice in Palestine and Israel initiative; creates and implements a strategic plan that includes clear articulation of its mission, vision, values and goals; a yearly calendar of events and resources; and a communications strategy for online and in-person information sharing and network building, all grounded in and guided by accompaniment of Palestinian communities.
2. Leads effective, strategic engagement across expressions and institutions of the ELCA (congregations, synods, churchwide organization; ELCA seminaries, colleges and universities, campus and outdoor ministries; etc.) to connect these constituencies to the ELCA’s ongoing holistic work of accompaniment, awareness-raising, and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel; fosters and supports healthy, sustainable networks of grass-roots engagement, including the Sumud Ambassador network.
3. Oversees Sumud collaboration with key related areas of the Churchwide organization in areas related to Israel/Palestine, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and intersectional justice work (in the U.S. and globally) for shared awareness-raising, advocacy, and accompaniment in ELCA-affiliated spaces and for ELCA-related audiences.
4. Supports the work of the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) Desk in collaboration with the MENA Desk Director, including the implementation of the MENA strategy in relation to Palestine and Israel.
5. Oversees Sumud collaboration with key stakeholders including the Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern heritage (ALAMEH) and the two companion synods of the ELCJHL (New England and Southeast Michigan); works with all ELCA bishops/synods to continue to identify and develop the Sumud Ambassador network within every ELCA synod.
6. Help the MENA desk to convene a review team with the help of the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) Desk Director to examine the 2005 ELCA Strategy for Engagement in Palestine and Israel in preparation for presenting an updated, revised, or new strategy to the Church Council.
7. Administers the online presence of Sumud (ELCA website, social network platforms, webinars, email listservs and others) to ensure consistent, clear, and engaging communication with ELCA audiences and to provide avenues for further education, relational connection, and action.
8. Represents Sumud, and/or coordinates Sumud in-person presence at major ELCA gatherings, ELCA-affiliated institutions and events, and Sumud-sponsored events.
9. Develops, curates, and/or shares theological, educational, and practical resources for ELCA and U.S. Christian audiences about the historical and current context of the Holy Land, especially the story and presence of Palestinian Christians; the theological foundations of our ELCA engagement for justice in Palestine and Israel; and the intersections of that work with the ELCA’s justice work both within the United States and globally. Resources will include educational and devotional materials for use in church settings, guidance for the planning of accompaniment and justice-focused Holy Land pilgrimages, and online events to raise awareness among ELCA members and to equip ELCA leaders (rostered and lay) in their own awareness-raising efforts in ministry settings and in public theology. Highlights theological and other resources from the ELCJHL and other partners. Stays informed, educated, and current about the realities on the ground in Palestine and Israel.
10. Plans and/or participates in strategic accompaniment visits to the ELCJHL and Israel/Palestine for ELCA bishops, CWO and synodical leaders, rostered ministers, lay persons and other stakeholders; and advises synodical, congregational, seminary/university, and other ELCA-affiliated groups in planning independent Holy Land trips to incorporate Sumud goals.
Other duties as assigned.
Requirements:1. 5+ years of relevant experience in one of the following areas: communications, theology, political science, social justice, or another relevant field; Bachelor’s degree preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree preferred. ELCA rostered ministers are welcome to apply.
2. Extensive knowledge of and substantial experience in justice issues in Palestine and Israel, including the presence and role of the Palestinian Christian community. Recent (within the last five-ten years) direct (on the ground) experience in Israel/Palestine strongly preferred.
3. Capacity for and experience with critical thinking, theological and political reflection on issues of justice, and the ability to educate others on these issues and reflections.
4. Knowledge of techniques to create, build, promote, and sustain grassroots networks for engagement and to equip volunteer leaders within those networks.
5. Informed appreciation of the contributions of the Christian tradition to public life and the role of faith-based, ecumenical, and inter-religious coalitions in shared commitments for social change. Commitment to building and maintaining substantial knowledge of the social teaching and policy commitments of the ELCA in the areas of Israel/Palestine, accompaniment, and intersectionality.
6. A high standard of professional effectiveness including organization, efficiency, creativity, and follow through; flexibility, skill in time management, and the ability to prioritize effectively between competing priorities; initiative, ownership, and the ability to lead in a demanding environment.
7. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to relate well to and communicate effectively with politically and demographically diverse groups of people.
8. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience in strategic use of social media and online platforms, and the ability to address diverse audiences of various sizes and levels of familiarity, for awareness-raising and activation around common goals.
9. High ability to carry out instructions from supervisor in a timely and effective manner.
10. Appreciation for the mission, vision and values of the ELCA.
11. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism.
12. 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 overnight, domestic, and international travel by plane or car. Valid driver’s license preferred. U.S. passport required. Considerable travel; up to 25% - approximately 12 weeks
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.
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.
Job Roles at Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Working at Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's 8 open roles are manager level or above, and about 38% are remote or hybrid. The most active teams are account management, project & program management, and program management. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is one of the largest Lutheran denominations in the United States, carrying out its work through synods, national ministry offices, and affiliated organizations. Staff roles span congregational leadership, public policy advocacy, disaster response coordination, fundraising, and administrative functions such as CRM management and business development. Most Evangelical Lutheran Church in America roles are based in Chicago, with some in Sacramento and Madison.
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Browse jobs by roleEvangelical Lutheran Church in America Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How many jobs is Evangelical Lutheran Church in America hiring for right now?
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is hiring for 8 open roles on Migrate Mate as of July 16, 2026, updated daily, concentrated in account management and project & program management. Openings span synod leadership, national program coordination, advocacy fellowships, and administrative positions, reflecting the breadth of the denomination's ministry and operations work.
What kinds of roles does Evangelical Lutheran Church in America hire for?
The most active teams are account management, project & program management, and program management. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America hires for a range of positions including regional ministry directors, hunger and public policy advocacy fellows, disaster response project managers, fundraising and donor relations staff, and operational roles such as CRM management. Most postings are manager level or above, and many require alignment with the denomination's mission.
Are Evangelical Lutheran Church in America jobs remote or in-person?
A mix of remote and on-site. About 38% of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's open roles on Migrate Mate are remote or hybrid as of July 16, 2026, with the rest based in Chicago. Each Evangelical Lutheran Church in America listing shows its work location so you can filter before applying.
How do I apply to a job at Evangelical Lutheran Church in America?
Find a Evangelical Lutheran Church in America role on Migrate Mate, then follow the listing through to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's own careers page to complete the application. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America manages its hiring directly, so all application materials, interviews, and hiring decisions are handled by their internal teams.
What do Evangelical Lutheran Church in America jobs pay?
Listed salaries for Evangelical Lutheran Church in America roles on Migrate Mate range from about $59,000 to $314,000 per year as of July 16, 2026, with most postings at manager level or above. Exact pay is set by Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and shown on each listing.
Does Evangelical Lutheran Church in America hire entry-level?
Most of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's open roles on Migrate Mate are manager level or above as of July 16, 2026. Entry-level openings are limited. Check individual Evangelical Lutheran Church in America listings for stated experience requirements.
Where is Evangelical Lutheran Church in America hiring?
Most Evangelical Lutheran Church in America roles are based in Chicago, with some in Sacramento and Madison, and about 38% offer remote or hybrid work as of July 16, 2026. Migrate Mate shows the location on each listing.