Hunger Advocacy Fellow - Federal Policy in WASHINGTON, District of Columbia at Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

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 position

ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellows participate in a year-long formative experience that supports their growth as a leader, as a person of faith, and as a professional advocate for an end to hunger and a just world where all are fed. The Hunger Advocacy Fellow for Federal Policy will learn the concrete skills of faith-based policy advocacy by embedding within and becoming a vital member of the Federal Policy Advocacy staff and by experiencing our practice of advocacy as Christian discipleship. The Hunger Advocacy Fellow for Federal Policy is part of the Witness and Society team in the Service & Justice unit.

Through the Service & Justice (S&J) unit, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Organization fosters and facilitates 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.?

Within the S&J unit, the work of the Witness in Society (WiS) team encompasses the advocacy ministry the ELCA churchwide organization 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; ELCA-affiliated 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.

ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellows participate in a year-long formative experience that supports their growth as a leader, as a person of faith, and as a professional advocate for an end to hunger and a just world where all are fed.

The Hunger Advocacy Fellow working in Washington, D.C. will learn the concrete skills of faith-based policy advocacy by embedding within and becoming a vital member of ELCA advocacy staff. These work experiences will build their professional skills and relationships, support their faith development, and help them discern and launch the next steps in their professional calling. Focusing on analyzing and addressing the root causes of hunger and economic injustice, and promoting a holistic approach to hunger ministry, the Hunger Advocacy Fellow will build ELCA World Hunger capacity to end hunger by deepening and expanding Lutheran statewide advocacy efforts in synods, coalitions and networks.

The 2026-27 Hunger Advocacy Fellow is a full-time contract employee (with benefits) of the ELCA. The 2025-26 Hunger Advocacy Policy Fellow, placed with the Washington D.C. Office, will serve as a member of the staff of this ELCA-affiliated state public policy office (sppo) as a full-time contract employee. The position’s hourly rate is $20 per hour plus benefits, including health insurance. The position begins in September 8, 2026 and ends August 31, 2027.

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. GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS: Assist and collaborate with Program Directors and senior leaders in federal policy advocacy to address hunger and its root causes including in areas of: economic justice, peacebuilding, creation care, and honoring the God-given dignity of all people. Organize, prepare materials for, and join meetings with congressional and federal government staff, coalitional partners, and internal ELCA constituencies.

2. ISSUE LEADERSHIP: With mentorship & support from supervisor and other colleagues, identify one issue or specific piece of legislation on which to lead policy advocacy, developing strategy and carrying it through to completion over the course of the fellowship. Represent the ELCA and its social teaching on this issue area to external and internal audiences, including government officials and the ELCA community.

3. ADVOCACY ENGAGEMENT: Support and collaborate with WiS Advocacy Engagement staff: research, write, and edit resources and communications; grow, train, and equip ELCA grassroots advocacy networks; build relationships of accompaniment with diverse ELCA ministries and communities including low-income families, young adults, and people of color.

4. TEAM SUPPORT AND COLLABORATION: Expand coordination and operational capacity of the Federal Advocacy team, helping in any way needed for the team’s success. Specifically support senior leaders and use this close collaboration to learn and develop professional skills. Contribute to team success by meeting deadlines, keeping organized notes & records, communicating reliably and quickly, and maintaining good working relationships.

5. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND FAITH FORMATION: Connect throughout the year with WiS, the S&J Home Area, ELCA World Hunger, ELCA Young Adults, and with fellow Hunger Advocacy Fellows across the country for collective faith formation, leadership development and community building. Participate (as aligned with their own convictions) in the faith life of the ELCA churchwide staff community including, worship, service, and theological study & discussion.

6. SOCIAL TEACHING OF THE CHURCH: In support of all items above, builds knowledge of ELCA social teaching relevant to hunger advocacy; the policy commitments of the ELCA; and the contributions of Christianity and the Lutheran church to public life.

7. Other duties as assigned

1. Possess an open, engaging personality and preparedness for interacting with community members directly affected by hunger or poverty. Understand and respect the expertise of individuals who have lived experiences of hunger, and excitement for creating platforms for the voices of these community members to be heard by policymakers.

2. Willingness to learn about the ELCA’s commitment to be a publicly engaged church, direct legislative engagement and coalition work, and to become familiar with ELCA mission and structure.

3. Understanding of and commitment to the biblical and theological basis of this church and its commitment to public policy advocacy. Ability to model these values in relationships with colleagues, partners and the public.

4. Strong interpersonal skills to work with synodical leadership, lay leaders and ministers in congregations, social ministry organizations, educational institutions and others.

5. Good research and analysis skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to design and lead public forums.

6. Knowledge of the social issues faced by communities they serve in, and the various points of view they elicit. Awareness of a sensitivity toward the diversity among residents of the state and ability to equip all types of audiences toward action on a common goal.

7. Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA.

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

9. 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

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, and sometimes, to move about the state Capitol for meetings and other events. This position requires sitting for long periods of time. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel

Minimal travel. This position requires minimal (overnight, domestic) travel by plane, car, etc. 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.