Program Manager

Description This posting will close September 18, 2026, at 11:00 pm central time. 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 Churchwide Organization – Chicago, IL. Through the Service and Justice unit, the ELCA CWO fosters and facilitates this church’s engagement in service and promotes 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; 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. Manage the active WH-international grants for quality and accountability with acumen in EGM. This includes reviewing narrative and financial reports to ensure project activities are conducted as planned. This includes developing project summaries to track grants. Follow up with the area desks and ecumenical partners for inquiries related to reports and recommend the next tranche of payment (if applicable) or grant close out. Assist the ELCA World Hunger Director in promoting Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning (PMERL) and narrative analysis focused on outcomes, changes, and results through case studies, production of quotes, anecdotes, testimonies, storytelling, and stories of transformation. Ability to build capacities for grant recipients to report on project outcomes and impacts. Lead research and analysis on quantitative and qualitative meta data / trends identified within World Hunger grants, accompaniment, and programs. Draft and guide pipeline development of research findings to publish and utilize across S&J teams and to inform WH programs, Global Mission coordination, and Development Communications. Assist the ELCA World Hunger Director in accompanying area desks in supporting diaconal and sustainable development initiatives. This includes using accompaniment methodology to identify opportunities for strategic engagement in the work of companion churches and local faith-based partners toward addressing root causes, overturning injustice, and long-term transformation. Provide content information to Networking and Education, Development Communications and Philanthropy teams for publication, reports, and related story sharing. Build processes for successful coordination with Development Communications (DevComm) for stories for publications, situation reports and collaborate across S&J teams on special reports to donors. Perform other duties as required. This is a full‑time, regular, exempt, Chicago-based/hybrid position. The person in this position will be expected to in the Lutheran Center office a minimum of 2 days each week and more as the work may need. 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. Requirements 3-5 years of experience in grants management, non-profit management and/or social work. Experience in research and analysis on understanding the underlying causes of hunger and sustainable development. Experience with a denominational global mission with diverse constituents preferred. Familiarity with concepts of program Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning (PMERL) and narrative analysis focused on outcomes, changes, and results through case studies, production of quotes, anecdotes, testimonies, storytelling, and stories of transformation. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and in a team-oriented environment; advanced interpersonal relationship skills and ability to build consensus. Demonstrated intercultural competencies and emotional intelligence. Outstanding organizational skills, detail oriented, agile, flexible, and disciplined, able to meet deadlines, self-starter, able to work under pressure of demanding priorities and deadlines. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Understanding of and commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA, ability to articulate and operate within the accompaniment theology for mission. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti‑racism. Ability to speak, read and write Spanish a plus. 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. Experience with use of databases for reference and merging. Familiarity with Fluxx grants management system or willingness to learn. Physical While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, be visible on camera, use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone. This position requires sitting for long periods of time. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Travel Nature, means, and frequency of travel are required to perform this job. 10% travel. Some travel by plane, car, train, and other forms of transportation are required. 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. Salary Commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. As a religious organization, we reserve the right, where permitted by applicable federal and state law, to employ individuals who share and support our religious beliefs, mission, and values. #J-18808-Ljbffr