Director for Latino Ministries in CHICAGO, Illinois at Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

This posting will close September 28, 2026, at 11:00 pm central time.

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 2.7 million members in more than 8.300 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. The ELCA churchwide 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. Discover the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America | ELCA

About the position

Through the Service and Justice unit, the ELCA Churchwide Organization fosters and facilitates this church’s engagement in service and promotes 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; engaging with communities, coalitions and networks, congregations, and synods in service and justice work within the territorial jurisdiction of this church; and providing guidance to members on matters of social justice.

This role provides advice, counsel, and services to the ELCA in assessing and responding to the needs and opportunities of Latino ministries; oversees implementation of the Latino Ministry Strategy across churchwide units and synods; develops Latino-specific policies, programs, projects, and resources in collaboration with churchwide units, synods, congregations, and ELCA institutions; cultivates durable relationships with Latino rostered ministers, lay leaders, congregations, and community partners; and works in close partnership with the Asociación Luterana de Ministerios Latinos (AML)*.

This is a full time, regular, exempt, Chicago-based hybrid role. The person in this role is required to be in the office a minimum of 2 days each week and more as needed.

The eligibility of a candidate for 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. Provides advice, counsel, and service to churchwide units, synods, and congregations in matters concerning Latino ministries.

2. Oversees implementation of the ELCA Latino Ministry Strategy across churchwide units and synods, and within the first year of hire, leads a collaborative revision of the Strategy with the Asociación de Ministerios Latinos (AML) to reflect current demographic growth and emerging needs.

3. Oversees along with other MDCC staff the implementation of the unit’s Strategic Ministry Plan.

4. Develops and delivers support programs for Latino rostered ministers and lay leaders serving in congregations, synods, institutions, and churchwide units, and advocates on their behalf.

5. In collaboration with other ELCA units and the Office of the Secretary, maintains an updated directory of ELCA Latino rostered persons, lay leaders, congregations, ministries, programs, and resources.

6. In collaboration with the AML identify subjects and issues to be addressed in the Latino community.

7. Develops an annual plan of activities in support of the Latino community in consultation with the AML Executive Council, with clear goals, measures, and reporting.

8. Serve as an advisor to various colleagues including Directors for Evangelical Mission (DEMs) and the New Ministry Development and Evangelism teams concerning the creation and support of African Descent and African Nationals ministries in the ELCA, including consultation for grant applications and ministry reviews.

9. Other duties as assigned.

1. 7+ years of experience leading ministry, non-profit, program management experience, experience in strategic planning, program planning and implementation as well as work with and among Latino communities. Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master's degree or equivalent, M. Div./MTh preferred; extensive coursework, knowledge and ability to articulate understandings of mission, particularly accompaniment as a lens and methodology for Latino ministries. Demonstrated experience in community organizing, leadership development, or congregation-based organizing. Lived experience as part of the Latino community. ELCA rostered minister or lay leader preferred.

2. Knowledge and sensitivity for multicultural and Latino issues, concerns, and needs.

3. Collaborative work style within and across teams and skill in collaborative decision making; facility in building and maintaining strong relationships with Latino communities, ecumenical colleagues, ELCA synods and congregations, and inter-faith relationships; demonstrated and well-developed competencies in intercultural ministry.

4. Knowledge and commitment to the global mission of the ELCA and an appreciation for the church in all its expressions; in-depth knowledge and appreciation for the values, customs, and decision-making processes in Latino communities; articulate in expressing the strategic intent and commitments of this church.

5. Demonstrated skills in administration, strategic planning, program implementation, project management and evaluation, budgeting; able to meet the unit’s tight work deadlines while maintaining demanding travel schedules; able to maintain high volume of e-communication in a timely manner.

6. Ability to perform liaison functions between the Latino community and the churchwide organization and synods.

7. Effective verbal, written, and listening skills.

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

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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and 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

Position requires considerable, overnight, domestic, international travel by plane, car to various ministries, attend events, and conferences. Valid driver’s license preferred. US passport 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 email us at Careers.HR@elca.org.

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.