Responsibilities

• In consultation with Director for Advocacy Engagement, manage strategy for advocacy engagement with young, diverse individuals and networks through awareness, shaping and cultivation of advocacy stories, priorities and activity as the ELCA commits and positions itself more strongly to be a younger and more diverse church.
• Develop and manage online communication platforms, inclusive of strategies for messaging advocacy priorities through creative content for the advocacy action center and alerts, e-newsletters, blogs, social media, podcasts, advocacy storytelling and website content.
• Support policy program directors to build and enhance best practices for effective communication and advocacy; develop, implement, and evaluate advocacy campaigns and produce related resources, and maximize staff participation in utilization of database resource.
• Monitor and track policy developments at the federal level with relevance to ELCA political interests related to policy priorities.
• Equip and train Lutherans (campus ministries, congregations, networks) and community partners to further ELCA federal advocacy priorities and develop and provide related faith-based resources for local advocacy and civic engagement. Facilitate building networks and connections between active advocacy ministries in the Lutheran ecology.
• Coordinate the development of resources and assist planning for Witness in Society events (ex. Ecumenical Advocacy Days, Advocacy Convening, Synod Assemblies, and with the S&J home area).
• Utilize and maintain digital advocacy communications database system, including formatting, monitoring, report building, and data cleaning. Evaluate and generate data to capture advocacy activities and statistical information.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 1. 3+ years of experience in communications, government, non-profit, faith-based organization or similar field. B.A. degree in political science, history, religion, international relations, communications, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2. Knowledge of the U.S. government and the federal policymaking and legislative process.
• 3. Familiarity with Lutheran theology and ELCA structures desired as well as a commitment to represent, positively and effectively, the social teaching and positions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Appreciation for the mission, values, and goals of the ELCA.
• 4. Excellent political instincts and demonstrated experience in and understanding of public policy issues.
• 5. Commitment to represent positively and effectively the social teaching and positions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
• 6. Knowledge of grassroots advocacy techniques and promotion.
• 7. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written in many forms of media.
• 8. Ability to research best practices to advance Witness in Society priority areas.
• 9. Participate in Witness in Society team meetings, events and meetings within home area of Service and Justice.
• 10. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism.
• 11. 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. Advanced experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.) required.Familiarity with block-based text editors and site builders like Wordrpress. Knowledge of Wordpress, Engaging Networks, Canva, Photoshop, Descript, and Zoom a plus.

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.