Fund for Leaders Information Manager

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 3 million members in more than 8,600 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. A 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.

About The Position

The Fund for Leaders Information Manager is responsible for effective data strategies and management, leads several key program processes, and manages the synod and congregation scholarships for the ELCA Fund for Leaders. 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.

Responsibilities

• Manages ELCA GrantMaker processes for Synod and Congregation scholarships.
• This includes producing and sending synods their annual reports, training and coordination of nominees with synod representatives, and communication with applicants as they apply.
• Implement strategies and procedures for the accurate and timely management of all information pertaining to Fund for Leaders scholarships, endowments, stewardship contacts, awards, and recipients in the ECIS database.
• Works effectively with Advancement Services and IT colleagues to automate processes and manage information for the efficient operations of the Fund for Leaders program.
• Generates and verifies all data for the FFL Annual Report, assists the FFL Director with coordinating the student/donor match process, and manages the collection and distribution of student thank-you letters.
• Serves as the FFL team’s in-office presence. This includes monitoring FFL’s mail and distributing it to appropriate colleagues in a timely manner, and coordinating/distributing FFL swag materials when partners have meetings in the building and/or mailing materials to events across the country.
• Manages the program’s calendar and tasks in Microsoft Planner. Updates Planner with appropriate documents related to each task for continuity from year to year.
• Maintains excellent relationships and responsive communication with synod staff, applicants and recipients, donors, and ELCA seminary staff.
• Serves as an active presence for the FFL program on ELCA LeadNet platform. Plays an active role in team efforts to grow use of the platform, leveraging current communications already occurring.
• Works with CCL Leadership teammates to learn about and support the whole team’s efforts and work toward continual improvement of data processes and procedures within the team’s purview.
• Collects and analyzes data on Synod and Congregation nomination process. Recommends operational improvements as needed to ensure the process aligns with programmatic core values.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in a related field;
• Bachelor’s degree in analytics, non-profit management, or related area, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Experience using a grantmaking system, CRM, or other database.
• Solid working knowledge of, or ability to learn, ELCA GrantMaker (Fluxx) platform and Blackbaud integrated CRM.
• Strong analytical skills: ability to comprehend patterns in data and work with data teams to design and implement processes/solutions.
• Ability to evaluate data for accuracy and troubleshoot issues.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel (prepare data for import into databases) and Word.
• Knowledge of Adobe PDF and Microsoft Planner preferred.
• AI competence, Microsoft CoPilot, and Power BI preferred.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills; self-starter; ability to manage time and projects and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work with sensitive materials and maintain appropriate confidentiality.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism.
• Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA.

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.
• Must have experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.).