Hunger Advocacy Fellow - Federal Policy

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. About the Position ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellows participate in a year‑long formative experience that supports their growth as a leader, as a person of faith, and as a professional advocate for an end to hunger and a just world where all are fed. The Hunger Advocacy Fellow for Federal Policy will learn the concrete skills of faith‑based policy advocacy by embedding within and becoming a vital member of the Federal Policy Advocacy staff and by experiencing our practice of advocacy as Christian discipleship. The Fellow works within the Witness and Society team in the Service & Justice unit. The position is a full‑time contract employee with benefits, beginning September 8, 2026 and ending August 31, 2027. The hourly rate is $20 per hour plus benefits. Candidates must reside within the United States or the District of Columbia and be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. Responsibilities Government Affairs : Assist and collaborate with Program Directors and senior leaders in federal policy advocacy to address hunger and its root causes including economic justice, peacebuilding, creation care, and honoring the God‑given dignity of all people. Organize, prepare materials for, and join meetings with congressional and federal government staff, coalitional partners, and internal ELCA constituencies. Issue Leadership : Identify one issue or specific piece of legislation on which to lead policy advocacy, developing strategy and carrying it through to completion over the course of the fellowship. Represent the ELCA and its social teaching on this issue area to external and internal audiences, including government officials and the ELCA community. Advocacy Engagement : Support and collaborate with WiS Advocacy Engagement staff to research, write, and edit resources and communications; grow, train, and equip ELCA grassroots advocacy networks; build relationships of accompaniment with diverse ELCA ministries and communities including low‑income families, young adults, and people of color. Team Support and Collaboration : Expand coordination and operational capacity of the Federal Advocacy team, helping in any way needed for the team’s success. Specifically support senior leaders and use this close collaboration to learn and develop professional skills. Contribute to team success by meeting deadlines, keeping organized notes & records, communicating reliably and quickly, and maintaining good working relationships. Leadership Development and Faith Formation : Connect throughout the year with WiS, the S&J Home Area, ELCA World Hunger, ELCA Young Adults, and with fellow Hunger Advocacy Fellows across the country for collective faith formation, leadership development and community building. Participate in the faith life of the ELCA staff community, including worship, service, and theological study & discussion in alignment with personal convictions. Social Teaching of the Church : Build knowledge of ELCA social teaching relevant to hunger advocacy, the policy commitments of the ELCA, and the contributions of Christianity and the Lutheran church to public life. Other duties as assigned. Requirements Possess an open, engaging personality and preparedness for interacting with community members directly affected by hunger or poverty. Understand and respect the expertise of individuals who have lived experiences of hunger, and excitement for creating platforms for the voices of these community members to be heard by policymakers. Willingness to learn about the ELCA’s commitment to be a publicly engaged church, direct legislative engagement and coalition work, and to become familiar with ELCA mission and structure. Understanding of and commitment to the biblical and theological basis of this church and its commitment to public policy advocacy. Ability to model these values in relationships with colleagues, partners and the public. Strong interpersonal skills to work with synodical leadership, lay leaders and ministers in congregations, social ministry organizations, educational institutions and others. Good research and analysis skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to design and lead public forums. Knowledge of the social issues faced by communities they serve in, and the various points of view they elicit. Awareness of sensitivity toward the diversity among residents of the state and ability to equip all types of audiences toward action on a common goal. 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. 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 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, and sometimes, to move about the State Capitol for meetings and other events. 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 Minimal travel. This position requires minimal (overnight, domestic) travel by plane, car, etc. A valid driver’s license is required. Benefits The ELCA offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including employer‑paid health premiums for employees, health and dependent care FSAs, a health savings account (HSA) with an employer contribution, life insurance, and a substantial employer contribution to a 403(b) 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 Human Resources. Salary Commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience. #J-18808-Ljbffr Evangelical-Lutheran-Church-in-Americ