ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow with state public policy office: The New Jersey Coalition of Religious Leaders

About The Position

The ELCA Churchwide Organization's Service & Justice (S&J) unit fosters and facilitates the church's engagement in service with and among communities and promotes efforts to call and act for justice. The Witness in Society (WiS) program within S&J encompasses some of the work and ministry the ELCA does in the public sphere, advancing justice and shining a light on peace and dignity.

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 and ends August 31, 2027. This is a full-time, fellowship, non-exempt, New Jersey-based, in-person position.

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. 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.

Responsibilities

• 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;
• 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;
• 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;
• Represent the advocacy network 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;
• Lead faith formation and leadership development for ELCA Witness in Society, Service and Justice Home Area, ELCA World Hunger, the spo network, and Hunger Advocacy Fellows in other parts of the country;
• Build 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.

Requirements

• 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;
• 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;
• 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;
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with synodical leadership, lay leaders, and ministers in congregations, social ministry organizations, educational institutions, and others;
• Good research and analysis skills;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to design and lead public forums;
• 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;
• Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA;
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Advanced experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.) required.
• Familiarity with block-based text editors and site builders like WordPress.
• 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.

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).

Contact

If you have questions about this job or your application, please complete this form to contact Human Resources.

Schedule

This is a full-time, fellowship, non-exempt, New Jersey-based, in-person position. The position begins in September 2026 and ends August 31, 2027.

Pay

Salary commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience.