Director for Indigenous Ministries

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America•Chicago, IL

21h•$70,928 - $106,413•Remote

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.
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.
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.
Effective verbal, written, and listening skills.
Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism.
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.
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.
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. Considerable travel; up to 25% - approximately 12 weeks

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Master's degree or equivalent, M. Div./MTh preferred
Official federally recognized enrolled tribal member or official State recognized enrolled Tribal member preferred.
ELCA rostered minister or lay leader preferred.
Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.) preferred.
Valid driver’s license preferred.

Responsibilities

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.
Develops strategies in consultation with other Service and Justice teams; implements Service and Justice planning, monitoring and evaluation processes for grants to AIAN ministries. Supports 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. Works closely with ELCA Strategic Communications to ensure the ongoing telling and retelling of the stories of Indigenous people and Indigenous issues.
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.
Serves 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.
Participates in unit-wide budget planning and decision-making processes; proposes programs for extra-budgetary financial support.
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. Works closely with the ELCA Witness in Society team and the Repudiation Advocacy Team to stay abreast of federal and state action and advocacy needs.
Works collaboratively with Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities colleagues on team goals and priorities.
Cooperates with ELCA synods, congregations, other ELCA units and teams within Service and Justice in common mission programs and activities.
Other duties as assigned