Program Director for Sumud: for Justice in Palestine and Israel

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America•Chicago, IL

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is seeking a Program Director for its Sumud initiative, which focuses on justice in Palestine and Israel. Sumud, an Arabic word meaning "steadfastness," aims to build ELCA engagement through accompaniment, awareness-raising, and advocacy. This work is guided by relationships with Palestinian partners and grounded in the ELCA's accompaniment of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL). The program director will lead engagement and awareness-raising efforts and collaborate on advocacy support. This is a full-time, regular, exempt, Chicago-based/hybrid position requiring a minimum of two days per week in the office, regular weekday business hours, and some domestic and international travel. Candidates must reside in the United States and be authorized to work legally.

Requirements

5+ years of relevant experience in communications, theology, political science, social justice, or a related field.
Bachelor's degree preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; Master's degree preferred.
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.
Capacity for and experience with critical thinking, theological and political reflection on issues of justice, and the ability to educate others.
Knowledge of techniques to create, build, promote, and sustain grassroots networks for engagement and to equip volunteer leaders.
Informed appreciation of the contributions of the Christian tradition to public life and the role of faith-based, ecumenical, and inter-religious coalitions.
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.
High standard of professional effectiveness including organization, efficiency, creativity, follow-through, flexibility, skill in time management, and ability to prioritize.
Initiative, ownership, and ability to lead in a demanding environment.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to relate well to and communicate effectively with diverse groups.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strategic use of social media and online platforms.
Ability to address diverse audiences for awareness-raising and activation.
High ability to carry out instructions from supervisor in a timely and effective manner.
Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism.
Minimum Technical Competency: Computer knowledge for Windows operation and basic troubleshooting.
Software skills to efficiently use computer programs and applications, and ability to learn new software.
Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.) preferred.
U.S. passport required.

Nice To Haves

ELCA rostered ministers are welcome to apply.
Valid driver’s license preferred.

Responsibilities

Directs the Sumud initiative, creating and implementing a strategic plan with mission, vision, values, goals, a yearly calendar of events and resources, and a communications strategy.
Leads engagement across ELCA expressions and institutions to connect them to the church's 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.
Oversees Sumud collaboration with key areas of the Churchwide organization related to Israel/Palestine, the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region, and intersectional justice work.
Supports the work of the MENA Desk in collaboration with the MENA Desk Director.
Oversees Sumud collaboration with key stakeholders including the Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern heritage (ALAMEH) and companion synods of the ELCJHL.
Works with ELCA bishops/synods to identify and develop the Sumud Ambassador network.
Convenes a review team to examine the 2005 ELCA Strategy for Engagement in Palestine and Israel.
Administers the online presence of Sumud (website, social media, webinars, email listservs) for communication and engagement.
Represents Sumud at major ELCA gatherings, affiliated institutions, and Sumud-sponsored events.
Develops, curates, and shares theological, educational, and practical resources for ELCA and U.S. Christian audiences about the context of the Holy Land, Palestinian Christians, and the theological foundations of ELCA engagement for justice.
Plans and/or participates in strategic accompaniment visits to the ELCJHL and Israel/Palestine.
Advises synodical, congregational, seminary/university, and other ELCA-affiliated groups in planning Holy Land trips to incorporate Sumud goals.
Performs other duties as assigned.