Program Director, Theological Ethics na Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

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

Under general direction of the Director, Theological Ethics, this position works as part of a team within the Office of the Presiding Bishop which embraces churchwide work in theology, ethics, racial and gender justice, ecumenical, and inter-religious relations. This position shares responsibility in the Churchwide Organization (CWO) for the ELCA’s work toward: the development of ELCA social teaching, creation of studies and other means of addressing social issues; carrying out theological-ethical research and social analysis that is grounded in the biblical, confessional, and ethical witness of the ELCA; assuring participatory, deliberative, and responsive processes for arriving at positions on social issues; supporting the ELCA’s identity and means as a community of moral discernment; ensuring communication about the work of Theological Ethics via electronic and print media; developing educational and informational resources to foster the reception of and moral deliberation on ELCA social teaching and policy in synods, congregations, agencies and institutions, and the churchwide organization; and representing the ELCA and the work of Theological Ethics to key internal and external audiences.

Under general oversight of Director, Theological Ethics, the Program Director, Theological Ethics provides leadership for current and future social teaching projects as authorized by ELCA Churchwide Assemblies and Church Council. The program director will support all commitments and projects entered into by Theological Ethics that serve the churchwide organization’s priorities and desired institutional outcomes, with specific leadership to be assigned through a consultative process. The program director shares responsibilities for increasing the effectiveness of this work in the Churchwide organization, while participating in evaluative approaches that develop, replicate, and implement promising practices across all three expressions of the ELCA.  

This is a full-time, term-contract (starting March 2026, ending September 2028), exempt, hybrid position. This position has responsibilities that will require being in the office on occasion for key meetings. When necessary, travel in support will require attendance at multi-day meetings within the domestic U.S.

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. Under the general oversight of the Director for Theological Ethics, conceptualize, organize, and direct processes for ELCA social teaching and policy;

2. Develop study resources that address social issues in collaboration with particular areas of expertise, including stakeholders, most impacted by an issue.

3. Serve as lead writer and co-editor of study documents, public drafts, proposed social statements, messages, and resolutions.

4. As requested, examine and research social issues and theological questions in light of biblical, confessional, and ethical understandings, with attention to emerging developments in society. 

5. Provide effective, collaborative leadership of task forces, consultants, and other groups for the sake of a well-grounded, participatory development of social teaching and study resources.

6. As publisher of the Journal of Lutheran Ethics, support the work of the Editor and Book Review Editor as necessary, in consultation with the Director of Theological Ethics. 

7. Support the Lutheran Ethicists Network through a quarterly e-newsletter and support of the annual Lutheran Ethicists Gathering.

8. Provide leadership toward the development and publication of communications, educational resources, and existing social teaching. 

9. Assist the Director in preparing and participating in meetings with internal and external stakeholders. 

10. Within the Churchwide Office, attend to occasional questions related to faith and science and serve as the Liaison with the Lutheran Alliance for Faith, Science, and Technology.

11. Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

1. N/A 

Requirements

1. 5+ year of advanced work in theology and ethics, with special sensitivity to Lutheran confessions and traditions. Ph.D. or equivalent or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

2. A familiarity with and comprehension of ELCA social teaching as well as the policies and procedures that bring them into being.

3. Strong management skills, including ongoing planning, organizing, managing, and supporting work groups 

4. A compassionate commitment to the whole ecology of the church, and ability to deal with the controversial dynamics evoked by consideration of social issues.

5. Commitment to addressing the socio-economic-political issues of the day in light of the God’s Word of law and gospel.

6. Demonstrated capacity for theological-ethical research and social analysis.

7. Ability to network, communicate with, and manage persons/groups with particular and diverse interests and expertise on social issues.

8. Excellent writing skills and good public-speaking ability.

9. Ability to produce, track, prioritize and manage multiple deliverables with overlapping deadlines in a high demand environment, both independently and in collaboration with colleagues.

10. Demonstrated collaborative and interpersonal skills.

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

12. Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA, including a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism work. 

Physical

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone. This position requires sitting for long periods of time and being able to travel regularly.  Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Travel

Minimal travel – approximately 3 weeks (up to 5%). 

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 experience.