This posting will close August 8, 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.

About the position

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 Witness in Society (WiS) program 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.

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 2024-25 Hunger Advocacy Fellow placed with The New Jersey Coalition of Religious Leaders 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, arranged through The New Jersey Coalition of Religious Leaders. The 12-month position begins in September 2026.

The Hunger Advocacy Fellow will learn the concrete skills of faith-based policy advocacy by embedding within and becoming a vital member of ELCA state public policy office (sppo) network. 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.

This is a full-time, fellowship, hourly/non-exempt, New Jersey-based, in-person (this role will begin September 8, 2026, and end August 31, 2027) position. This position has responsibilities that will require being in the office on a weekly basis. The team works in the office one day a week and goes to the State House in Trenton 1 or 2 times a week depending on the legislative calendar.

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.

New Jersey Coalition of Religious Leaders website: New Jersey Coalition of Religious Leaders

Office is based in the ELCA New Jersey Synod Office:

1930 St. Hwy #33

Hamilton Square, NJ 08690

1. ADVOCACY ENGAGEMENT: Guide the development of an Interfaith state advocacy network by engaging with communities to empower disciples for hunger advocacy; connect with congregational ministries (especially hunger ministries) to provide tools and support for moral deliberation and faith-based advocacy; and work with community members who have faced hunger and poverty to create platforms for their voices to be heard by elected officials, policymakers and the church. Create advocacy opportunities that help expand the network and connect youth and young adults to the church and its ministries.

2. COMMUNICATIONS: Research, write and edit action alerts, position papers, web updates, newsletter articles and other resources, such as video and social media to educate the advocacy network and lawmakers on hunger advocacy priorities. Creatively facilitate communication and story-sharing with congregations, agencies and institutions throughout the state.

3. REPRESENTATION OF ADVOCACY NETWORK: Participate in ecumenical and human service coalitions that advocate for public policy positions in harmony with issues identified by the ELCA and the State Policy Council. Advocate on issues with state lawmakers, legislative and administrative staff and other public policy leaders.

4. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND FAITH FORMATION: Connect throughout the year with ELCA Witness in Society, Service and Justice Home Area, ELCA World Hunger, the sppo network and Hunger Advocacy Fellows in other parts of the country for collective faith formation, leadership development and community building.

5. 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.

6. Work in collaboration with sppo director to identify any additional contextual responsibilities or duties as needed in the region.

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 relationship 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.

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. Advanced experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.) required.Familiarity with block-based text editors and site builders like Wordrpress. Knowledge of Wordpress, Engaging Networks, Canva, Photoshop, Descript, and Zoom a plus.

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. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel

Position may require minimal overnight, domestic travel by plane, car. Valid driver’s license preferred.

Minimal travel; up to 5% - approximately 3 weeks

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 contact 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.