Sales and Business Relationship Manager in CHICAGO, Illinois at Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

This posting will close September 24, 2026, at 11:00 pm central time.

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.

About the Mission Investment Fund

The Mission Investment Fund (MIF), a financial ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, supports the establishment and growth of ELCA congregations, synods, and affiliated ministries by providing loans for capital projects for congregations and ministries. To fund these loans, MIF offers a variety of investments to ELCA members, congregations, and ministries.

The ELCA Federal Credit Union, a financial ministry partner of the Mission Investment Fund, offers financial products and services to members, pastors, congregations, synods, affiliated ministries, and their employees. The portfolio of products includes low-cost loans, deposit accounts, credit cards, and other solutions within a not-for-profit, cooperative structure.

Values - MIF's values are rooted in Christian faith, Lutheran traditions, and our identity as a ministry of the ELCA; Integrity, Customer Focus, Inclusion and Diversity, Faithful Stewardship, Courage and Openness to Change.

About the Position

The Sales and Business Relationship Manager is responsible for fostering strong, trust-based connections with key ministry leaders to advance the organization's mission. The role exists to drive growth in loans and investments by aligning financial solutions with ministry objectives, enhancing organizational visibility, and cultivating strategic partnerships within regional networks. The role focuses on regional ministry engagement, portfolio stewardship, and developing strong opportunity pipelines aligned with mission growth.

This is a full-time, regular, exempt (salaried), Chicago-based hybrid position. This position has responsibilities that will require being in the office on a weekly basis. This could mean 2-3 days most weeks and possibly more days when meetings and other events are happening that this position supports.

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. Assess ministry financial needs and align them with loans, investments, and other financial solutions. Support ministries through the lending and investment decision process
2. Build and manage regional portfolios with identified high-potential opportunities. Manage high touch relationships with high-value investors.
3. Advance mission-aligned growth initiatives through effective portfolio oversight.
4. Steward and cultivate long-term investor engagement and loyalty.
5. Serve as the primary representative in regional ministry networks. Build trusted relationships across congregations and ministry groups.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.

1. 5–7+ years of experience in sales, relationship management, ministry financial services, or commercial lending. Closing the deal
2. Solid understanding of ministry financial needs, lending processes, investment offerings, and credit fundamentals. Structure and polity of ELCA
3. Experience representing an organization at regional or community events
4. Ability to build and sustain long-term relationships with pastors, congregation boards, and ministry leaders.
5. Strong communication, interpersonal, and consultative selling skills.
6. Effective portfolio management skills and familiarity with CRM tools. (Salesforce); MS Office suite
7. Ability to assess ministry needs and align appropriate financial solutions.
8. Strong attention to detail, documenting relational notes
9. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism.
10. Appreciation for the mission, vision, values of the Mission Investment Fund, ELCA Federal Credit Union, and the ELCA.
11. 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. Must have experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.).

Required or preferred education, certifications, or licenses:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Sales
• Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP), Series 63, Sales Management or Consultative Selling Certification

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

Regular domestic travel, including overnight trips, to meet with ministries, attend conferences, and support regional engagement.

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 11 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.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. As a religious organization, we reserve the right, where permitted by applicable federal and state law, to employ individuals who share and support our religious beliefs, mission, and values.