Description:
Posting will close July 15, 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
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.
Witness in Society encompasses some of the work and ministry the ELCA does in the public sphere, advancing justice and shining a light on peace and dignity in advocacy activity coordinated from the ELCA’s federal hub in Washington, D.C. alongside the Lutheran Office for World Community at the United Nations in New York City; Lutheran state public policy offices (SPPOs) in California, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin; and more than 15 directly affiliated locations serving even more states; and through the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.
The primary purpose of the position is to assist the Director and the Program Director of the Lutheran Office for World Community to advocate to the United Nations (UN) and represent the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the ELCA at the UN Head Quarters in New York.
This is a full-time, term-contract, fellowship, non-exempt, New York-based, in-person (this role will begin Aug. 1, 2026, and end July 31, 2027) position. This position has responsibilities that will require being in the office on a weekly basis.
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.
Job Responsibilities
1. ADVOCACY ENGAGEMENT: With direction from director and program director, advocate on issues and communities identified and prioritized by the collective Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation (find out more here). Advocate on LWF and ELCA priority themes of Human Rights, Gender Justice, Climate Justice, Peace, and Humanitarian Action.
2. NETWORKING AND COLLABORATION: Participate in and report on NGO coalitions meetings and briefings and engage with ecumenical and interfaith meetings and network opportunities. Serve in accompaniment with international visitors and guests. Support staff, partners and invited guests with logistical support and hospitality as they plan their trips, travel and when they are in New York.
3. COMMUNICATIONS: Advance digital storytelling to strengthen advocacy initiatives, inform LWF advocacy priorities, nurture ELCA connections, and build awareness of advocacy opportunities. Research, write, edit, and plan campaigns and resource development for social media, video, newsletter, blogs. Connect LWF and ELCA young adults to our advocacy ministry.
4. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND FAITH FORMATION: Connect throughout the year with ELCA Witness in Society, Service and Justice Unit and the Lutheran World Federation’s Action for Justice Unit for collective faith formation, leadership development and community building.
5. REPRESENTATION OF ADVOCACY NETWORK: Connect with peers and youth and young adults from LWF and ELCA for advocacy. Participate in opportunities, be they ELCA affiliated or in ecumenical or other coalitions, as a representative of the Witness in Society presence of the ELCA.
6. Other duties: as assigned
Requirements:
1. Must be at least 18-years-old.
2. Current student in (or recent graduate of) a college or university or student in a graduate degree program.
3. Willingness to learn about the ELCA/ LWF’s commitment to be a publicly engaged church.
4. Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA and LWF.
5. Some experience with Lutheran church structures, institutions, and relationships (preferred).
6. Strong interest in international affairs and commitment to the promotion of human rights and justice within the context of a Lutheran church agency vis-à-vis joint advocacy in multilateral spaces- namely the United Nations.
7. International experience (preferred).
8. Good research and analysis skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to design and lead public forums.
9. Fluent spoken and written English language ability required, ability in a second language preferred.
10. Strong interpersonal skills.
11. Awareness of/ sensitivity toward cultural diversity and an ability to collaborate with all people. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism.
12. 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 various communication and social media platforms (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. This position requires sitting for long periods of time as well as possible standing and walking to and in high-level in-person meetings at the UN, marches and rally and activities that related to the hospitality of international guests visiting our offices in New York City. Employee will occasionally need to lift boxes or materials up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Travel
Minimal travel; up to 5% - approximately 3 weeks. Position requires occasional (minimal) overnight domestic and international travel by train or plane. Driving skills, valid driver’s license not 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.
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.
