Sales and Business Relationship Manager

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America•Chicago, IL

2d•$91,998 - $138,008•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sales and Business Relationship Manager is responsible for fostering strong, trust-based connections with key ministry leaders to advance the organization's mission. The role exists to drive growth in loans and investments by aligning financial solutions with ministry objectives, enhancing organizational visibility, and cultivating strategic partnerships within regional networks. The role focuses on regional ministry engagement, portfolio stewardship, and developing strong opportunity pipelines aligned with mission growth. This is a full-time, regular, exempt (salaried), Chicago-based hybrid position. This position has responsibilities that will require being in the office on a weekly basis. This could mean 2-3 days most weeks and possibly more days when meetings and other events are happening that this position supports. 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

5–7+ years of experience in sales, relationship management, ministry financial services, or commercial lending. Closing the deal
Solid understanding of ministry financial needs, lending processes, investment offerings, and credit fundamentals. Structure and polity of ELCA
Experience representing an organization at regional or community events
Ability to build and sustain long-term relationships with pastors, congregation boards, and ministry leaders.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and consultative selling skills.
Effective portfolio management skills and familiarity with CRM tools. (Salesforce); MS Office suite
Ability to assess ministry needs and align appropriate financial solutions.
Strong attention to detail, documenting relational notes
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism.
Appreciation for the mission, vision, values of the Mission Investment Fund, ELCA Federal Credit Union, and the ELCA.
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. Must have experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.).
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Sales
Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP), Series 63, Sales Management or Consultative Selling Certification
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone. This position requires sitting for long periods of time. May be required to lift boxes of materials. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Regular domestic travel, including overnight trips, to meet with ministries, attend conferences, and support regional engagement.

Nice To Haves

Structure and polity of ELCA
Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP), Series 63, Sales Management or Consultative Selling Certification

Responsibilities

Assess ministry financial needs and align them with loans, investments, and other financial solutions. Support ministries through the lending and investment decision process
Build and manage regional portfolios with identified high-potential opportunities. Manage high touch relationships with high-value investors.
Advance mission-aligned growth initiatives through effective portfolio oversight.
Steward and cultivate long-term investor engagement and loyalty.
Serve as the primary representative in regional ministry networks. Build trusted relationships across congregations and ministry groups.
Performs other duties as assigned.