Executive, Administration

Job Type Full-time, Contract Description

About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,600 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

The Lutheran Center (national office) is located in Chicago, Illinois. A staff of approximately 400, under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop, serve as administrators, advisors, conveners, partners, and resource people for the ELCA and its ministries. Staff lead the work of national, domestic, and global ministries and programs including Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA World Hunger, Service & Justice, Christian Community and Leadership, and Innovation. We are also home to five of our separately incorporated ministries : The Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA, Women of the ELCA, Lutheran Men in Mission, the ELCA Foundation and the ELCA Federal Credit Union.

About the position

Grounded in our purpose and priorities, the Executive, Administration (EA) will serve as the chief operating officer of the organization, managing daily operations to allow the Church to carry out the strategies that it establishes. The incumbent in this position will ensure the operational work and spending of the organization is aligned with the organization’s purpose and goals. The EA will support the work of the Presiding Bishop especially in day-to-day operations.

This is a full-time, term-contract (this role shall be elected by the Church Council upon nomination of the presiding bishop and shall serve coterminous with the term of the presiding bishop), exempt, hybrid / Chicago-based position. This role requires being in the Lutheran Center on a regular, weekly basis.

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.

Job Responsibilities :

1. Serves as the chief operating officer for the churchwide organization; provides leadership and strategic vision and oversees the day-to-day operational functions of the churchwide office. Ensures core business processes are working effectively.

2. Provides oversight of Human Resources and closely collaborates with the Office of the Presiding Bishop, Office of the Secretary, Office of the Treasurer, Innovation unit, Christian Community and Leadership unit, and Service and Justice unit.

3. Coordinates strategic planning and day-to-day staff activities within the Office of the Presiding Bishop, and the functioning of the Administrative Team.

4. Oversees the Strategic Communications team responsible for churchwide strategic communications, including branding, messaging, and content development.

5. Stewards collaborative, enterprise-wide decision-making and information sharing, including working with internal unit leads, governance and advisory groups and separately incorporated ministries of the church. Reviews and approves operational initiatives in consultation with the Treasurer regarding funding mechanisms.

6. Develops the budget for the churchwide organization that clearly defines program priorities. Reports to the Church Council and the Churchwide Assembly through the Budget and Finance Committee of the Church Council with regard to preparation of the budget.

7. Provides staff services and documentation to the Faith, Society and Innovation Committee and the Board Development Committee of the Church Council.

8. Other duties / projects as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities :

1. Senior Director, Strategic Communications

2. Director, Strategy

3. Executive Assistant

4. Executive, Human Resources

Requirements

1. 10+ years of relevant experience. Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, or a related field; master’s in business administration preferred. Knowledge of the Lutheran church, its history, theology, mission and structure. ELCA rostered minister or lay leader preferred but not required.

2. Extensive knowledge and experience in general management, operations, and administrative leadership; understanding of business functions such as human resources, finance, program management and marketing / communications desirable.

3. Excellent interpersonal skills : the ability to motivate and work collegially and collaboratively with a diverse population to present, communicate, and engage effectively both verbally and in written form.

4. Demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility, coach, guide, mentor and develop leaders.

5. Proven track record of managing complex budgets and operational portfolio successfully.

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

7. Be a member of an ELCA congregation.

8. Appreciation for the mission, vision, values and goals of the ELCA.

9. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.

Physical

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.

Travel

Some travel. This position requires some overnight, domestic and international travel by plane, car, etc. Valid driver’s license preferred.

Benefits

The ELCA offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including employer paid health premiums for employees, health and dependent care FSA’s, a health savings account (HSA) with an employer contribution, life insurance, and a substantial employer contribution to 403b retirement plan (no match required). We also offer a 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 to contact Human Resources.

Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience.

Salary Description $179,754 - $224,682