Senior Director, Building Resilient Communities

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America • Chicago, IL

4d • $94,411 - $141,627 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director, Building Resilient Communities (BRC) directs the BRC team within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Service and Justice home area. The role provides leadership for the ELCA’s work with global companions in relief, sustainable development, and related ministries, and reports to the Executive Director for Service and Justice. It provides strategic planning and direction for effective ELCA and Service and Justice engagement in international development and disaster response, coordinating churchwide efforts with domestic and international partners.

The position supervises the BRC team’s planning, monitoring, and evaluation system for the ELCA’s engagement with global companions; management of ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response funds; coordination of international disaster and emergency responses; participation in international health ministries; and direction of the ELCA AMMPARO strategy. The role also represents the ELCA at governance and planning tables of organizations involved in international relief and development and serves on the Service and Justice home area Executive Committee.

This is a full-time, regular, exempt, churchwide employee position based in Chicago, Illinois, with a hybrid work arrangement. The employee must work from the Lutheran Center office at least two days each week and more as needed. Candidates must reside in one of the fifty United States or the District of Columbia and be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. Some domestic and international overnight travel is required, up to approximately 10% (about five weeks).

Requirements

• At least 9 years of relevant experience in development, social sciences, nonprofit work, emergency response, and/or sustainable development.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong understanding and appreciation of the ELCA’s vision, values, goals, purpose, polity, and theology.
• Understanding of Lutheran and ecumenical companions working in development and humanitarian response, and experience with cross-cultural engagement in developing countries.
• Experience in business administration, strategic planning, and communication.
• Strong financial, budgeting, staff supervision, and management skills, including the ability to supervise diverse staff and oversee and contribute to complex program development and implementation systems.
• Ability to develop, manage, and interpret effective development and disaster-response programs that reflect ELCA core values, including its commitment to the accompaniment model for mission.
• Knowledge of sound principles of international humanitarian response and sustainable development, and ability to apply them to programs suited to varied global contexts and faith-based organizations.
• Understanding of decision-making dynamics in complex, multicultural church and NGO systems, with the ability to listen to global companions, analyze issues, and plan strategically to achieve desired outcomes.
• Ability to engage effectively in cross-cultural program planning, decision-making, and team building in the United States and developing countries.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism.
• Computer skills sufficient to operate a Windows computer, follow basic troubleshooting instructions, use software and applications efficiently, learn new software, follow processes, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook.
• Experience with accounting and budgeting software and other complex systems and data.
• Valid passport required.
• Must reside in one of the fifty United States or the District of Columbia and be authorized to work lawfully in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• International financial management experience.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic visioning and planning, budget development, direction setting, and supervision for a large team.
• Develop, implement, and oversee programs involving ELCA companion churches, in collaboration with the Service and Justice Area Desks.
• Develop, implement, and oversee programs involving the Lutheran World Federation, ACT Alliance, Church World Service, Lutheran World Relief, and other related agencies.
• Oversee program development, implementation, and communication for Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA World Hunger, AMMPARO, education, and networks.
• Coordinate programs with Lutheran Services in America, social ministry organizations, and ecumenical partners.
• Coordinate World Hunger program communications and work with other leaders and home areas in the churchwide organization.
• Support the Executive Director on disaster response, sustainable development, and Service and Justice matters.
• Speak publicly at ELCA events, synods, and congregations about mission and ministry.
• Supervise BRC directors, a coordinator, and short-term contractors as needed.
• Represent the ELCA at governance and planning tables of organizations engaged in international relief and development.
• Participate in the Executive Committee of the Service and Justice home area.
• Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

• Employer-paid health premiums for employees.
• Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Health savings account with an employer contribution.
• Life insurance.
• Substantial employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan; no match required.
• Generous paid time off policy, including 17 paid holidays.
• Benefits commence on the employee’s start date.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior