Director for Indigenous Ministries

Indigenous Ministries Director

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.7 million members in more than 8,300 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.

This position directs the Indigenous Ministries program of the ELCA through its Service and Justice unit. The primary purpose of this position is to provide voice for Indigenous communities in the ELCA and to respond effectively to the needs of these communities, develop and implement strategic engagements through relationships with AIAN Tribal Nations in the United States and along its border, partners and collaborates with the American Indian Alaska Native Lutheran Association, ministry personnel, provide personnel management consulting, administer budget and grants, monitor and evaluate programs, collaborate with ecumenical partners and agencies in common mission objectives, and engage other expressions of the ELCA in companion relationships.

This is a full-time, regular, exempt, remote position. 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.

Responsibilities include:

• Accompanying, fostering and facilitating ELCA relationships with American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) ministries nationwide as well as agencies and institutions for mutual engagement in God's mission; maintaining a working relationship with the AIAN Lutheran Association; planning and coordinating with Service and Justice teams related to advocacy, World Hunger, and Lutheran Disaster Response; representing the ELCA Service and Justice unit at ecumenical tables.
• Developing strategies in consultation with other Service and Justice teams; implementing Service and Justice planning, monitoring and evaluation processes for grants to AIAN ministries. Supporting the work and activities of the ELCA's Truth & Healing Movement such as coordinating and supporting the activities of the various action teams implementing activities related to the Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery. Working closely with ELCA Strategic Communications to ensure the ongoing telling and retelling of the stories of Indigenous people and Indigenous issues.
• Providing for the pastoral care and well-being of AIAN colleagues in ministry; participating in candidate evaluation and appointments to AIAN ministry Calls and leading in the unit's relationships with AIAN Tribal Nations and Tribal Governments in carrying out assigned activities and functions.
• Serving 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.
• Participating in unit-wide budget planning and decision-making processes; proposing programs for extra-budgetary financial support.
• Providing analysis of regional political, social, religious, and security developments; serving as resource for churchwide organization's understanding of issues and trends within AIAN communities; proposing avenues for response. Working closely with the ELCA Witness in Society team and the Repudiation Advocacy Team to stay abreast of federal and state action and advocacy needs.
• Working collaboratively with Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities colleagues on team goals and priorities.
• Cooperating with ELCA synods, congregations, other ELCA units and teams within Service and Justice in common mission programs and activities.

Requirements include:

• 7+ years of experience leading ministry, non-profit, program management experience, experience in strategic planning, program planning and implementation as well as work with and among indigenous communities. Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master's degree or equivalent, M. Div./MTh preferred; extensive coursework, knowledge and ability to articulate understandings of mission, particularly accompaniment as a lens and methodology for Indigenous ministries.
  
  Official federally recognized enrolled tribal member or official State recognized enrolled Tribal member…