[Hiring] Director for Indigenous Ministries @Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Role Description

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.
• 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.
• Partner and collaborate with the American Indian Alaska Native Lutheran Association and ministry personnel.
• Provide personnel management consulting.
• Administer budget and grants.
• Monitor and evaluate programs.
• Collaborate with ecumenical partners and agencies in common mission objectives.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Requirements

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

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package for eligible employees.
• Employer paid health premiums for employees.
• Health and dependent care FSA’s.
• Health savings account (HSA) with an employer contribution.
• Life insurance.
• Substantial employer contribution to 403b retirement plan (no match required).
• Generous paid time-off policy including 17 paid holidays.
• All benefits commence on your start date.

Contact

If you have questions about this job or your application, please email us at [email protected] .

Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience.