Director – Indigenous Ministries

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Oversee the ELCA Indigenous Ministries initiative within the Service and Justice unit.

• Advocate for Indigenous communities within the ELCA and address their needs.

• Design and execute strategic collaborations with AIAN Tribal Nations across the United States and its borders.

• Collaborate with the American Indian Alaska Native Lutheran Association and ministry staff.

• Offer personnel management consulting services.

• Manage budgets and grants effectively.

• Assess and evaluate programs and grants related to AIAN ministries.

• Cultivate and facilitate relationships between the ELCA and AIAN ministries, agencies, institutions, Tribal Nations, Tribal Governments, ecumenical partners, synods, and congregations.

• Organize and coordinate advocacy efforts, World Hunger initiatives, and Lutheran Disaster Response with Service and Justice teams.

• Represent the ELCA Service and Justice unit in ecumenical discussions.

• Support the ELCA Truth & Healing Movement and action teams engaged in activities pertaining to the Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery.

• Collaborate with Strategic Communications to convey the narratives of Indigenous peoples and their issues.

• Provide pastoral care and promote the well-being of AIAN ministry colleagues.

• Engage in candidate evaluations and placements for AIAN ministry Calls.

• Advise colleagues on matters related to African Descent and African Nationals ministries, grant applications, and ministry reviews.

• Take part in budget planning and suggest programs for additional financial support beyond the budget.

• Analyze regional political, social, religious, and security trends, providing resources on AIAN community concerns.

• Collaborate with the Witness in Society team and Repudiation Advocacy Team to address federal and state advocacy requirements.

• Work alongside colleagues in Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities.

• Partner with ELCA synods, congregations, units, and teams to pursue shared mission programs and activities.

• Travel domestically by air and road to visit ministries and participate in events and conferences.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in ministry leadership, non-profit management, program management, strategic planning, and working with Indigenous communities.

• A Bachelor’s degree is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• A Master's degree or equivalent, preferably M. Div./MTh.

• Significant coursework, knowledge, and the ability to articulate mission understandings, particularly in accompaniment as a lens and methodology for Indigenous ministries.

• Preference for candidates who are an official federally recognized enrolled tribal member or an official State recognized enrolled Tribal member.

• Preference for ELCA rostered ministers or lay leaders.

• A collaborative work approach and effective decision-making skills.

• Proven ability to establish and sustain relationships with AIAN Tribal Nations, Tribal Governments, Inter-Tribal programs, ecumenical partners, ELCA synods, congregations, and interfaith relationships.

• Demonstrated skills in intercultural ministry.

• Knowledge and dedication to the global mission of the ELCA.

• Comprehensive understanding and respect for the values, customs, and decision-making processes within American Indian and Alaska Native cultures specific to the region.

• Proficient in strategic planning, program implementation, project management and evaluation, and budgeting.

• Ability to adhere to tight work deadlines while managing demanding travel schedules.

• Capacity to handle a high volume of e-communication in a timely manner.

• Strong verbal, written, and listening communication skills.

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

• Computer proficiency for operating a Windows computer and basic troubleshooting.

• Skills in using software applications effectively.

• Ability to learn new software, follow established processes, and identify improvement opportunities.

• Experience with Microsoft Office applications is preferred.

• Candidates must live within the fifty United States or the District of Columbia.

• Must have authorization to work legally in the United States.

• A valid driver's license is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Employer-covered health insurance premiums for employees.

• Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).

• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions.

• Life insurance coverage.

• Significant employer contributions to a 403b retirement plan (no matching required).

• Generous paid time-off policy.

• 17 paid holidays.

• Benefits begin on the start date.

• Option for remote work arrangements.

• Equal employment opportunities.