Director, Organizational Effectiveness

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 ELCA Foundation

The ELCA Foundation works with individuals, congregations, synods, the churchwide organization and related ELCA ministry organizations to develop gifts and oversee the management of assets that will sustain and grow ministries of the ELCA. The Foundation is primarily responsible for working with individual donors to develop gift plans that support the current and future work of ELCA ministries; administering, managing and processing endowment assets, charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts and donor advised funds; and providing pooled investment services to the related entities of the ELCA. 

Job Summary

The Director, Organizational Effectiveness partners closely with the President and CEO as well as the ELCA churchwide organization’s Human Resources team to support the Foundation’s talent strategy and strategic plan initiatives. This role leads vital people-focused programs, such as succession planning, that strengthen staff engagement, leadership development, and operational alignment with the Foundation’s mission and strategic priorities.

This position serves as the Foundation’s primary liaison to the ELCA Churchwide Organization’s Human Resources team, helping ensure alignment with ELCA-wide HR policies, compensation practices, compliance requirements, and diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments. This position also supports board governance processes by coordinating board recruitment efforts, orientation, and ongoing engagement initiatives in partnership with the CEO and Board leadership.

This position plays a key role in helping operationalize strategy, supporting leadership development, and advancing a culture of collaboration, accountability, and mission alignment across the Foundation.

This is a full-time, regular, exempt, hybrid position. Ideally, this position is Chicago-based but we are open to the person living out-of-state. If Chicago-based, in-office days are Tuesdays and Thursdays. If remote, travel to Chicago is expected to be approximately quarterly. This position has responsibilities that will require being in office for interviews, meetings, board meetings, and retreats.

The eligibility of a candidate for a hybrid position 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. Organizational Effectiveness and Strategic Implementation
Partner with the President and CEO to implement initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, and leadership capacity.
Support strategic planning processes by helping translate strategic priorities into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
Provide organizational insights and recommendations that enhance collaboration and operational alignment across teams.

2. People and Culture Leadership
Serve as the Foundation’s primary liaison to the ELCA Churchwide HR team, coordinating efforts related to talent acquisition, compensation alignment, policy compliance, and performance management.
Promote a culture of engagement, accountability, and belonging consistent with ELCA values and the Foundation’s mission.
Support leadership in succession planning, staff development, and equitable compensation practices.

3. Board Engagement and Recruitment Support
Support the President and CEO in coordinating board recruitment strategies aligned with the Foundation’s future leadership needs.
Assist with board orientation, governance education, and engagement initiatives to strengthen board effectiveness.
Coordinate board development activities including assessments, retreats, and educational sessions.

4. Operational Alignment and Policy Support
Support alignment between the Foundation’s internal practices and ELCA churchwide policies and employment standards.
Assist in the development and implementation of internal policies that promote compliance, inclusion, and staff well-being.
Collaborate with finance and operations teams to ensure people initiatives align with organizational planning and resources.

5. Organizational Projects and Change Initiatives
Lead or support strategic initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness, staff engagement, and operational improvements.
Provide guidance to leadership on talent development, team effectiveness, and organizational culture.
Represent the Foundation in cross-unit initiatives and collaborative efforts across the ELCA.

Other duties as assigned. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

N/A

Requirements

Required Education/knowledge/experience/skills and abilities:

1. Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in human resources, organizational development, strategy, or nonprofit leadership. Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or certification in Human Resources, Organizational Leadership, Nonprofit Management, or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

2. Knowledge of HR best practices, organizational effectiveness, and nonprofit governance structures.

3. Experience supporting senior leaders and boards in governance coordination and organizational initiatives.

4. Demonstrated success supporting organizational change, culture initiatives, and leadership development programs.

5. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and leadership levels.

6. Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate strategy into practical actions.

7. Experience working in complex organizational environments, preferably within nonprofit or faith-based institutions.

8. Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA and the ELCA Foundation.

9. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism.

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

Physical and Travel Requirements:

No travel required.

Physical Effort: 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. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel Frequency

Minimal travel; up to 5% - approximately 3 weeks

Type of Travel required to perform this job:

Position requires some overnight, domestic travel by plane or car. Valid driver’s license 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.