Director, Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin

Description

About the ELCA 

The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,700 worshipping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). With a vision to live in a world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ makes for all people and creation, the ELCA strives to be a welcoming, thriving, and connected church that introduces people to Jesus so they can discover community, justice, and love.

The Lutheran Center (national office) is located in Chicago, Illinois. A staff of 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.

Job Summary

Through the Service and Justice unit, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (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 regional ELCA synods in service and justice work within the territorial jurisdiction of this church; and providing guidance to members of the denomination on matters of social justice. 

Witness in Society (WiS) encompasses some of the work and ministry the ELCA does in the public sphere, advancing justice and shining a light on peace and dignity. Our advocacy activity is 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 (as well as more than 15 additional affiliated state partners serving even more states); and through the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. 

The director will lead and carry out the day-to-day operations of the Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW)in close collaboration with the LOPPW Policy Council and through elected or appointed leaders, with ELCA synods; Lutheran social ministry organizations, Lutheran seminaries, colleges, and universities; other agencies and institutions located in (state), and the ELCA state public policy office network. This work includes  building and nurturing the Lutheran community in public church discipleship; advocating with state government based upon research, analysis, and theological consideration of  public policy issues; working to develop advocacy networks; modeling the love of Christ for both those oppressed in society as well as oppressors;  supporting collegial relations with coalitions having public policy concerns and commitment similar to those of (SPPO); being the public voice for this office in synods, congregations, to other institutions, and the media. This is a full-time hybrid position located in Madison, Wisconsin. 

Physical Effort

This position involves tasks such as effective communication, operating a computer and telephone, and remaining in a seated position for extended periods. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to support individuals in successfully performing the essential functions of the role.  

Travel Frequency

This position requires some travel; up to 10% -approximately 5 weeks – requiring minimal overnight, domestic travel by car and plane.  

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.

Requirements

1. Policy Advocacy: Lead strategic advocacy with state legislators, legislative and administrative staff and other policymakers, prioritizing issues of domestic hunger, poverty and their root causes and promoting creation care. 
2. Grassroots Networks: Build and sustain a statewide Lutheran advocacy network, equipping ELCA members and leaders for advocacy as Christian discipleship. Support congregations in collaborative advocacy actions and provide resources for faith-based public policy engagement. 
3. Policy Council: Collaborate with the LOPPW Policy Council to set and evaluate annual state advocacy priorities based on ELCA social teachings. 
4. Synodical Relations: Act as a liaison between synods, the ELCA Washington Office, and state government. Equip and inform bishops, synod staff, and Lutheran institutions to act on public policy issues. 
5. Social Teaching Expertise: Maintain, grow, and apply deep knowledge of ELCA social teaching, the policy commitments of the ELCA and their role in public life. 
6. Administration: Manage office operations, budgets, personnel, and resources effectively. 
7. Coalitions and Partnerships: Represent the ELCA in coalitions advocating for shared public policy goals. Foster collaboration in ecumenical and interfaith initiatives for social change. 
8. Team Collaboration: Support the Witness in Society team and ELCA Churchwide Organization through meeting deadlines, timely communication, and efficient processes. Maintain good working relations with leaders, ministries, and colleagues, actively supporting colleagues’ success and promoting effective and sustainable team culture. 
9. Other Duties: Perform additional tasks based on context, priorities, and capacity.
    

Supervisory Responsibilities  

1. May supervise a Hunger Advocacy Fellow  

2. Site specific supervision