What are the responsibilities and job description for the Christian Storytelling Project Manager position at Augustana University?
In December 2025, Augustana University was selected as one of just 48 recipients (out of over 1100 applicants) for Lilly Endowment’s National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life. This $5 million grant will support Augustana in telling authentic and compelling stories of the rich spiritual lives of young adults, from the profound ways that their childhood congregations shaped them, to the faithful questions they are asking of God and the church as they navigate the complexity of college.
Sacred Discoveries will equip student storytellers and produce hundreds of narratives that illuminate God’s faithfulness and explore the questions, curiosities, and convictions that shape young adult faith. These stories will be shared widely through podcasts, short films, written publications, live storytelling events, service experiences, and artistic expressions, to inspire congregations and communities across the ELCA and beyond to know and love God.
A robust staffing model of three full-time positions will ensure faithful administration and effective implementation of the Sacred Discoveries initiative. All positions will report to the Senior University Pastor and Vice President for Mission Integration, who will also serve as the Sacred Discoveries Project Director.
The Sacred Discoveries Project Managers will share the responsibility of managing all internal and external project operations including:
- Overseeing faculty/staff/congregational micro-grant applications and awards
- Planning and leading storytelling events (retreats, suppers, workshops, service-learning trips, etc.)
- Designing and driving storytelling content production in collaboration with an external production agency
- Coordinating congregational visits and off-campus storytelling engagements, including God Pod (mobile recording studio) operations
- Supervising student interns
- Tracking engagement and impact of the project both internally and externally
- Nurturing relationships with congregations, ministry partners, and university faculty, staff, and students to extend the reach and impact of the Sacred Discoveries initiative
- Promoting long-term sustainability strategies for Augustana’s church relations and storytelling work
- Provides regular updates and reports to the Project Director
The Sacred Discoveries Project Managers will work closely with the Program Coordinator, as well as the University Pastors. Frequent collaboration will happen across the university with faculty, administrators and students. Regular travel (evenings and weekends) will be expected of these positions.
Qualified applicants should have previous experience in at least one of the following: Christian ministry, journalism, marketing, media production, or a related field. Though candidates need not be ordained, ELCA rostered ministers are welcome and encouraged to apply. An appreciation for higher education and faith-based storytelling is essential. Collaborative work is a critical component of the job and will require candidates who demonstrate the tenacity and persuasive skill to convene and catalyze diverse stakeholders.
Ideal candidates will be curious and creative. Exceptional communication skills (written and oral) are required. Experience in digital communication, social media, and basic content creation relevant to storytelling is helpful. This position involves managing complex, multi-year projects with many moving parts. Successful candidates will be high-capacity professionals who can thrive in fast-paced settings and manage substantial workloads with confidence.
Augustana University is experiencing a season of extraordinary momentum related to faith integration. The recent renovation and expansion of the Chapel of Reconciliation, a $4.5M project, demonstrates a renewed commitment to worship and faith life as the heart of the university. A $13.8M gift in 2023 established the Buntrock Scholarship for ELCA students, equipping young adults to explore the intersections of faith, vocation, and leadership. And now, Augustana’s selection as a recipient of Lilly Endowment’s National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life affirms, once again, the importance of the university’s church-related mission. This momentum is sustained by leadership at every level, from the university president to student government, who are united in their desire to faithfully steward Augustana’s Lutheran Christian identity and values.
Application Procedure: Confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. These positions will be posted and opened until filled, with the hope of filling positions as soon as possible. Interested applicants are asked to complete an Augustana University employment application and to provide a resume, cover letter and statement of diversity. These application materials are to be sent electronically to humanresources@augie.edu. Interested applicants rostered in the ELCA may also complete a Rostered Minister Profile and submit it to the Office of the South Dakota Synod, ELCA. If reasonable accommodations are needed to participate in the application process, please contact liz.vanwesten@augie.edu.
Please visit our website for more information about Augustana University: www.augie.edu.
Augustana University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Employer that seeks to recruit, develop and retain a talented and diverse workforce. Augustana University is committed to excellence through diversity and strongly encourages applications from the entire spectrum of a diverse community. Submission of official transcripts may be required upon employment. Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete a pre-employment background check.