Hunger Advocacy Fellow - Lutheran Office of Public Policy in Wisconsin

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America•Madison, WI

4h•$20•Hybrid

About The Position

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Organization, through its Service & Justice (S&J) unit, fosters and facilitates the church's engagement in service and promotes efforts to call and act for justice. The Witness in Society (WiS) team within S&J encompasses the ELCA's advocacy ministry in the public sphere, advancing justice, peace, and dignity. This advocacy is coordinated from various hubs, including ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices (SPPOs). The Hunger Advocacy Fellow position is a year-long formative experience designed to support the growth of leaders as individuals of faith and as professional advocates for an end to hunger and a just world. The fellow working in Madison, WI, will gain practical skills in faith-based policy advocacy by integrating into the ELCA advocacy staff. This role will enhance professional skills and relationships, support faith development, and aid in discerning future career steps. The focus will be on analyzing and addressing the root causes of hunger and economic injustice, promoting a holistic approach to hunger ministry, and expanding Lutheran statewide advocacy efforts. The 2026-27 Hunger Advocacy Fellow is a full-time contract employee with benefits, and the 2025-26 Fellow will be placed with the Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin. The position offers an hourly rate of $20 plus benefits, including health insurance, and begins in September 2026. Candidates must reside within the United States or the District of Columbia and be authorized to work in the U.S. Eligibility for remote or hybrid work may depend on residency, budget, and tax implications.

Requirements

Possess an open, engaging personality and preparedness for interacting with community members directly affected by hunger or poverty.
Understand and respect the expertise of individuals who have lived experiences of hunger, and excitement for creating platforms for the voices of these community members to be heard by policymakers.
Willingness to learn about the ELCA’s commitment to be a publicly engaged church, direct legislative engagement and coalition work, and to become familiar with ELCA mission and structure.
Understanding of and commitment to the biblical and theological basis of this church and its commitment to public policy advocacy. Ability to model these values in relationships with colleagues, partners, and the public.
Strong interpersonal skills to work with synodical leadership, lay leaders and ministers in congregations, social ministry organizations, educational institutions, and others.
Good research and analysis skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to design and lead public forums.
Knowledge of the social issues faced by communities they serve and the various points of view they elicit.
Awareness of and sensitivity toward the diversity among residents of the state and ability to equip all types of audiences toward action on a common goal.
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.
Candidates must reside within the fifty United States or the District of Columbia and be authorized to work lawfully in the United States.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Guide the development of a Lutheran state advocacy network by engaging with communities to empower disciples for hunger advocacy.
Connect with congregational ministries (especially hunger ministries) to provide tools and support for moral deliberation and faith-based advocacy.
Work with community members who have faced hunger and poverty to create platforms for their voices to be heard by elected officials, policymakers, and the church.
Create advocacy opportunities that help expand the network and connect youth and young adults to the church and its ministries.
Research, write, and edit action alerts, position papers, web updates, newsletter articles, and other resources (e.g., video, social media) to educate the advocacy network and lawmakers on hunger advocacy priorities.
Creatively facilitate communication and story-sharing with Lutheran synods, agencies, and institutions throughout the state.
Participate in ecumenical and human service coalitions that advocate for public policy positions in harmony with issues identified by the ELCA and the State Policy Council.
Advocate on issues with state lawmakers, legislative and administrative staff, and other public policy leaders.
Connect throughout the year with ELCA Witness in Society, Service and Justice Home Area, ELCA World Hunger, the SPPO network, and Hunger Advocacy Fellows in other parts of the country for collective faith formation, leadership development, and community building.
Build knowledge of ELCA social teaching relevant to hunger advocacy, the policy commitments of the ELCA, and the contributions of Christianity and the Lutheran church to public life.
Work in collaboration with the SPPO director to identify any additional contextual responsibilities or duties as needed in the region.
Perform other duties as assigned.