Hybrid Program Director, Theological Ethics

at St. Mark Ministries

• Job title: Program Director, Theological Ethics
• Job type: Contract
• Experience level: Lead
• Salary: $70,928 - $88,670 per year
• Degree requirement: Postgraduate Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Chicago, United States

About the role

• Program Director managing the ELCA's social teaching and theological ethics initiatives. Working collaboratively within the churchwide organization to address social issues and foster moral discernment.

Responsibilities

• Under the general oversight of the Director for Theological Ethics, conceptualize, organize, and direct processes for ELCA social teaching and policy;
• Develop study resources that address social issues in collaboration with particular areas of expertise, including stakeholders, most impacted by an issue.
• Serve as lead writer and co-editor of study documents, public drafts, proposed social statements, messages, and resolutions.
• As requested, examine and research social issues and theological questions in light of biblical, confessional, and ethical understandings, with attention to emerging developments in society.
• Provide effective, collaborative leadership of task forces, consultants, and other groups for the sake of a well-grounded, participatory development of social teaching and study resources.
• As publisher of the Journal of Lutheran Ethics, support the work of the Editor and Book Review Editor as necessary, in consultation with the Director of Theological Ethics.
• Support the Lutheran Ethicists Network through a quarterly e-newsletter and support of the annual Lutheran Ethicists Gathering.
• Provide leadership toward the development and publication of communications, educational resources, and existing social teaching.
• Assist the Director in preparing and participating in meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Within the Churchwide Office, attend to occasional questions related to faith and science and serve as the Liaison with the Lutheran Alliance for Faith, Science, and Technology.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 5+ year of advanced work in theology and ethics, with special sensitivity to Lutheran confessions and traditions.
• Ph.D. or equivalent or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A familiarity with and comprehension of ELCA social teaching as well as the policies and procedures that bring them into being.
• Strong management skills, including ongoing planning, organizing, managing, and supporting work groups
• A compassionate commitment to the whole ecology of the church, and ability to deal with the controversial dynamics evoked by consideration of social issues.
• Commitment to addressing the socio-economic-political issues of the day in light of the God’s Word of law and gospel.
• Demonstrated capacity for theological-ethical research and social analysis.
• Ability to network, communicate with, and manage persons/groups with particular and diverse interests and expertise on social issues.
• Excellent writing skills and good public-speaking ability.
• Ability to produce, track, prioritize and manage multiple deliverables with overlapping deadlines in a high demand environment, both independently and in collaboration with colleagues.
• Demonstrated collaborative and interpersonal skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.).
• Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA, including a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism work.

Benefits

• employer paid health premiums for employees
• health and dependent care FSA’s
• health savings account (HSA) with an employer contribution
• life insurance
• substantial employer contribution to 403b retirement plan (no match required)
• generous paid time-off policy including 17 paid holidays