Description

About the ELCA 

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with nearly 3.3 million members in more than 8,900 worshiping communities across the 50 states, Caribbean, and U.S. Virgin Islands. With a vision to live in a world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ makes for all people and creation, the ELCA strives to be a welcoming, thriving, and connected church that introduces people to Jesus so they can discover community, justice, and love.

The Lutheran Center (national office) is located in Chicago, Illinois. A staff of 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 

The People Business Partner (PBP) position partners with assigned home areas to deliver value-added service to management and employees that reflects the key objectives of the organization. The PBP provides advice and counsel on all people-related issues, including recruitment, retention, recognition and rewards, performance improvement, employee relations, training and development, and compensation. The PBP maintains an effective level of knowledge concerning the assigned area’s staffing strategy, financial position, its midrange plans, and its culture. The PBP reports to the Senior Director, People Solutions. 

 This is a full-time, regular, hybrid (Chicago-based), exempt position. This position has responsibilities that will require being in the Lutheran Center office on a regular basis.

1. Regularly consults with leader of assigned area, providing HR guidance when appropriate.

2. Analyzes trends and metrics in partnership with the People and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team to develop solutions, programs and policies.

3. Manages and resolves complex employee relations issues. Conducts effective, thorough and objective investigations.

4. Maintains in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance. Partners with legal partners as needed/required.

5. Provides day-to-day performance management guidance (e.g., coaching, counseling, career development, training needs and disciplinary actions).

6. Works closely with employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention. Provides HR policy guidance and interpretation.

7. Develops contract terms for new hires, promotions and transfers.

8. Provides guidance and input on business unit restructures, workforce planning and succession planning.

9. Identifies training needs for business units and individual executive coaching needs.

10. Performs other related duties as assigned. 

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the organization. 

Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree and minimum five years of professional human resources work experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above

2. Working knowledge of multiple human resource disciplines, including staffing, compensation practices, organizational analysis, diversity, performance management, and federal and state respective employment laws. 

3. SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential desirable.

4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

5. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

6. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

7. Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies.

8. Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the organization’s hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factors.

9. Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

10. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

11. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software, online communication platforms, etc. 

12. Appreciation for the mission, vision and values of the ELCA. 

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.

Travel

Minimal travel.

Salary 

Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Minimum: $72,842.

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 11 paid holidays. All benefits commence on your start date.