Christian Storytelling Program Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

In December 2025, Augustana University was selected as one of just 48 recipients (out of over 1100 applicants) for Lilly Endowment’s National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life . This $5 million grant will support Augustana in telling authentic and compelling stories of the rich spiritual lives of young adults, from the profound ways that their childhood congregations shaped them, to the faithful questions they are asking of God and the church as they navigate the complexity of college.

Sacred Discoveries will equip student storytellers and produce hundreds of narratives that illuminate God’s faithfulness and explore the questions, curiosities, and convictions that shape young adult faith. These stories will be shared widely through podcasts, short films, written publications, live storytelling events, service experiences, and artistic expressions, to inspire congregations and communities across the ELCA and beyond to know and love God.

A robust staffing model of three full-time positions (one project coordinator and two project managers) will ensure faithful administration and effective implementation of the Sacred Discoveries initiative. All positions will report to the Senior University Pastor and Vice President for Mission Integration, who will also serve as the Sacred Discoveries Project Director.

The Sacred Discoveries Program Coordinator will support daily operations and administrative functions. The Sacred Discoveries Program Coordinator manages scheduling and communications, tracks expenses and maintains accurate budget documentation, organizes logistics for retreats, storytelling events, and congregational visits, archives storytelling content and related project records, and maintains organized files and contact databases to ensure smooth project implementation and grant reporting. The program coordinator will also be responsible for some social media and website management, in partnership with consultants and program staff.

The Sacred Discoveries Program Coordinator will work closely with the Sacred Discoveries Project Managers, as well as the University Pastors. Regular collaboration will happen across the university with faculty, administrators and students.

Qualified applicants should have previous experience in office administration and demonstrated excellence in managing schedules, organizing files and databases, and tracking details of multi-step workflows. Ability to maintain accurate record-keeping, budget documentation, and deadline reliability is essential. Candidates should be skilled in organizing logistics for events, retreats, travel, hospitality, and meeting preparation.

Ideal candidates will have experience maintaining websites, crafting social media content, or supporting communications strategies. An ability to anticipate needs, plan ahead, and troubleshoot in a fast-paced, high volume work environment is desired.

Augustana University is experiencing a season of extraordinary momentum related to faith integration. The recent renovation and expansion of the Chapel of Reconciliation, a $4.5M project, demonstrates a renewed commitment to worship and faith life as the heart of the university. A $13.8M gift in 2023 established the Buntrock Scholarship for ELCA students, equipping young adults to explore the intersections of faith, vocation, and leadership. And now, Augustana’s selection as a recipient of Lilly Endowment’s National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life affirms, once again, the importance of the university’s church-related mission. This momentum is sustained by leadership at every level, from the university president to student government, who are united in their desire to faithfully steward Augustana’s Lutheran Christian identity and values.

Application Procedure : Confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. This position will be posted and opened until filled, with the hope of filling the position as soon as possible. Interested applicants are asked to complete an Augustana University employment on ADP and to provide a resume, and cover letter. If you want to submit additional application materials, please email them to humanresources@augie.edu. If reasonable accommodations are needed to participate in the application process, please contact liz.vanwesten@augie.edu.

Please visit our website for more information about Augustana University : www.augie.edu

Augustana University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Title IX Employer. Applicants must comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act and may be required to submit official transcripts upon employment. Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete a pre-employment background check.