Communications and Advocacy Engagement Manager

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 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.

The Lutheran Center (national office) is located in Chicago, Illinois. The ELCA churchwide 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. Dignity. Witness in Society equips advocates across the ecology of the ELCA and engages them 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.

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) is a State Public Policy Office within ELCA Witness in Society, a partnership of the ELCA, Pennsylvania’s synods, congregations, seminary and social ministry organizations. Its mission: In response to God’s love in Jesus Christ, LAMPa advocates for wise and just public policies in Pennsylvania that promote the common good. 

This position will create, implement, and manager communications strategies for supporting productive relationships with internal and external partners as well as effective advocacy with policymakers. This position will equip Lutherans for public witness and advocacy campaigns that include voices from and encourage accompaniment of communities and individuals who are most affected by public policies, yet often neglected in policy formation. 

This is a full-time, regular, Pennsylvania-based, hybrid position. This position has responsibilities that will require living within commuting distance of the office/work location and being in the office on a regular 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.

1. In consultation with the director, develop, implement, and manage communications to connect, engage and grow a vibrant state ELCA community as well as effective advocacy with policymakers. 

2. Develop and manage online communication platforms, including strategies for messaging advocacy priorities through accurate, responsible and compelling content for the advocacy action center and alerts, e-newsletters, blogs, social media, advocacy storytelling and website content. Use and maintain a digital advocacy communications database system, including monitoring, targeting and report building.

3. Develop and support strategy for multigenerational advocacy engagement that reflects God’s love for all people. Connect, equip and support disciples of all ages as their baptismal call leads them to serve, pray and speak for justice and peace alongside their communities. 

4. Steward relationships with ELCA campus ministries, congregations, camps, synods and justice networks in Pennsylvania. Encourage and facilitate their ministries of accompaniment. 

5. Develop related faith-based resources, organize legislative and executive branch meetings and site visits.

6. Plan and organize events for faithful and creative engagement with ELCA partners (Lutheran Day in the

Capitol, synod assemblies, youth gatherings, summits) and with inter-religious and secular partners (rallies, press events, trainings, conferences and Capitol visits). 

7. Monitor and track policy developments at the state level with relevance to LAMPa policy priorities.

8.  Participate in staff and other meetings. 

9. Other duties as assigned.

 

Requirements

1. 3+ years of experience in communications, government, non-profit, faith-based organization or similar field. Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, political science or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

2. Excellent verbal, written and visual communication skills in diverse media.

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. Knowledge of Pennsylvania government and the state policymaking and legislative process, as well as demonstrated experience in and understanding of public policy.

5. Demonstrated ability to work quickly in a rapidly changing context. 

6. Ability to motivate and engage diverse groups of people for common priorities and goals. 

7. Ability to research policy issues related to LAMPa’s policy priority areas.

8. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. 

9. Ability to work well both independently and collaboratively, with small groups and large audiences.

10. 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. Knowledge of Wordpress, advocacy database systems, graphic design platforms and Zoom Webinar a plus.

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. May be required to lift boxes of materials. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel

Some travel. Position requires minimal overnight domestic travel by car and plane. Possibility of more frequent same-day travel within the state. Valid driver’s license preferred.

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.