Details
05/08/2018
Program Director, Advocacy Engagement
ELCA
Job Description:
This position will be located in our Washington DC office.
The Program Director for Advocacy Engagement creates and implements effective and integrated ELCA Advocacy communication strategies. The position directs ELCA Advocacy engagement with internal stakeholders, including (but not limited to) ELCA units, State Public Policy Offices, the Conference of Bishops, synods and E-advocacy networks. In collaboration with Mission Advancement, the position manages communications with external stakeholders, including interfaith partners, coalitions, legislators, federal agencies, media, and the public. The position develops and directs resource development for and the implementation of communications strategies that equip Lutherans for public witness and for advocacy campaigns that give voice to communities and people unheard in public debates. The Program Director for Advocacy Engagement works with the Director to implement the operational plan for ELCA Advocacy, ensuring its alignment with and advancing the strategic directions for the churchwide organization. This position manages the Hunger Advocacy Fellowship grant process with the State Public Policy Office network.
Job Responsibilities
1. Directs all methods of public communication carried out by ELCA Advocacy in the Washington DC office and provides strategy and guidance for public communication carried out by state advocacy ministries and the Lutheran Office for World Community. Coordinates with Lutheran State Public Policy Offices and ELCA synods to extend the reach of and align the online presence of ELCA Advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels.
2. Partners strategically with internal and external stakeholders to implement and maintain systems of coordination to further advocacy engagement and to fulfill ELCA priorities. (Internal stakeholders include ELCA World Hunger, Strategic Communications, Constituent Support, IT, Young Adult Ministry, and Racial Justice Ministries. External stakeholders include full-communion partners and ecumenical/interreligious partners.)
3. Oversees the ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellowship, a year-long transformative experience that places Fellows in State Public Policy Offices, combining leadership development and faith formation with impactful advocacy that furthers the principles and goals of ELCA World Hunger.
4. Supervises staff management of online communication platforms at the national and state levels. Develops strategies for messaging advocacy priorities through creative content, including the advocacy action center and alerts, e-newsletters, blogs, social media, and website content.
5. Manages the coordination and planning of ELCA Advocacy events, workshops, and presentations.
6. Expands the reach of ELCA Advocacy by representing ELCA Advocacy at public events, focused on building the network, equipping people for their baptismal vocations and educating Lutherans on seeking justice through advocacy
7. Supports yearly operations and advocacy priority planning process for the ELCA Advocacy office, leading the monitoring of progress toward ELCA operational goals.
8. Performs other duties as required or assigned.
Travel.
Some travel is required (5-10%).Travel by air and/or automobile. Valid driver’s license required.
Physical Effort.
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.
Experience and Skills:
1. 5 years of experience with advocacy communications/ public relations and grassroots organizing; experience in/ with nonprofit organizations and/or government offices preferred.Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Political Science or related field desirable.
2. Excellent communications skills, including writing, public speaking, and small group interaction. Demonstrated excellent written communications skills.
3. Familiarity with online communications and digital media, including Luminate or related systems and social media.
4. Demonstrated familiarity with government offices, processes and timelines including the federal budget process, federal departments, and the congressional committee structure.
5. Ability to motivate and engage diverse groups of people for common priorities and goals in an intense work environment.
6. Demonstrated ability to write news releases, stories and public statements on a quick deadline.
7. Familiarity with Lutheran theology, church life and ELCA structures desired.
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