Director, African Descent and African National Ministries

Posting will close 7/4/2026.

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

Through the Service and Justice unit, the ELCA Churchwide Organization shall foster and facilitate this church’s engagement in service with and among communities and promote efforts to call and act for justice. Its work includes engaging in mission, service, and justice in accompaniment with churches and organizations in other countries [serving as the means through which churches in other countries engage in mission to this church and society]; engaging with communities, coalitions and networks, congregations, and synods in service and justice work within the territorial jurisdiction of this church; and providing guidance to members on matters of social justice.

This position develops partnerships with other churchwide units, synods, congregations, and ELCA institutions and agencies to provide voice for the African Descent and African National members in the ELCA and to respond effectively to the needs of these communities. This position oversees the implementation of the African Descent Strategy and African Nationals Strategy, focusing on strengthening congregations, building leadership capacity, and justice work, and is engaged in this church’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.

This is a full-time, regular, exempt, Chicago-based/hybrid position. The person in this position is required to live in the Chicagoland area and is expected to be in the office a minimum of 2 days each week (more as needed).

The eligibility of a candidate for 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.

1. Lead the implementation of the African Descent Strategy and African Nationals Strategy in the ELCA ecology, including churchwide units, synods, congregations.

2. Implement sections of the Strategy Toward Authentic Diversity in the ELCA assigned to ethnic-specific leadership.

3. Provide advice, counsel, and service to churchwide units synods, and congregations in matters concerning African Descent and African Nationals ministries.

4. Serve as an advisor to various colleagues including Directors for Evangelical Mission (DEMs) and the New Ministry Development and Evangelism teams concerning the creation and support of African Descent and African Nationals ministries in the ELCA, including consultation for grant applications and ministry reviews.

5. Oversee and manage program budget. Responsibilities include developing and monitoring budget, tracking expenses, reviewing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with Office of the Treasurer requirements and internal policies.

6. Advocate, create, and assist in the development of programs and resources for African Descent and African Nationals rostered ministers and lay leaders who serve churchwide units, synods, congregations, and institutions.

7. Serve as a primary lead to the ELCA for data and information on the African Descent and African Nationals communities, rostered ministers, lay leaders, congregations, and ministry programs, to encourage greater participation and inclusion within the ELCA ecology. When appropriate, this will be done in partnership with Research and Evaluation in the Office of the Secretary.

8. Develop and maintain an African Descent and African Nationals ministries and leadership database.

9. Consult with the African Descent Strategy Team, the African Descent Lutheran Association and other networks of advisors throughout this church to gather advice and information, and to identify, research and address issues for advancement of the African Descent community.

10. Consult with the African Nationals Steering Committee and other networks of advisors throughout this church to gather advice and information, and to identify, research and address issues for advancement of the African Nationals communities.

11. Seek to deepen and expand relationships and partnerships within the African diaspora and with ecumenical and Full Communion partnerships, particularly with historically black denominations and religious networks.

12. Maintain regular means of communication with the African Descent and African Nationals communities.

13. Work collaboratively with Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities colleagues on team goals and priorities.

14. Other duties as assigned.

1. 7+ years of program management experience. Experience in strategic planning, program planning and implementation. Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. ELCA rostered minister or lay leader preferred.

2. Understanding of the ELCA's history, theology, polity and structure. Appreciation for the mission, vision, values and goals of the ELCA.

3. Considerable knowledge of and sensitivity for racial justice, African Descent and African Nationals community issues, concerns, and needs.

4. Well-developed interpersonal and relational skills. Excellent administrative skills. Experience working in an collaborative working environment within and across teams and skilled in collaborative decision making.

5. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism.

6. Ability to perform as a liaison between the African Descent and African National Lutheran community and the churchwide organization and synods.

7. Membership in an ELCA congregation.

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

Physical Effort

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/resources. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel

Considerable travel. This position requires overnight, domestic, international travel. Valid driver’s license and passport 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 complete this form to contact HR.

Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience.