Job Type

Full-time
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 Office of the Secretary provides administrative services and tools for ELCA leaders who are serving this church in their congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization, especially those given responsibility for governance of the ELCA. The secretary interprets the constitutions and other governing documents of this church and is responsible for maintaining its rosters, the ELCA archives, and the minutes and records of certain meetings. The Office of the Secretary receives the annual report of the congregations; coordinates the Churchwide Assembly and meetings of the Church Council and Conference of Bishops, providing schedule, travel, and physical arrangements for these meetings and other meetings of the churchwide organization; compiles information for the online ELCA Directory; staffs the nominating processes of this church; and coordinates the use of legal counsel and risk management services.
This position is responsible for supporting the archivist in managing the preservation of the historical records of the ELCA and its predecessor church bodies and facilitating access to them for research purposes. This position also researches and responds to reference questions from members of this church, churchwide staff, and general public. This position implements use of technology for preservation and access to historical records as well as manages Records Center activities and also maintains biographical files, files periodicals and serials, and maintains the Archives social media presence.
1. Researches and responds to reference inquiries (onsite, phone, email/letter) and assists on-site researchers.
2. Implements use of technology in the Archives for preservation of and access to historical material - including but not limited to film, audio, video transfers, and photo digitization.
3. Manages Records Center activities: tracking records, delivering or picking up boxes, coordinating Record Center annual document shred.
4. Manages and maintains Archives social media presence.
5. Responsible for delivery runs between Lutheran Center and ELCA Archives building using ELCA vehicle.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
1. 2 years of experience in an archive or library or similar setting. Master's degree in library science, history, or museum studies strongly preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Considerable knowledge of the history and structure of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its predecessor church bodies preferred.
3. Considerable working knowledge in archives-related computer technology and procedures; knowledge and interest in the preservation and access matters related to those areas.
4. Demonstrated ability to organize work and manage multiple projects.
5. Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
6. Demonstrated ability to work collegially with churchwide staff, contributors, volunteers, and the public.
7. Demonstrated ability to work in a team as well as independently.
8. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
9. Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.).
10. Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA.
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, with some warehouse environment work, including lifting boxes up to 40 pounds, climbing ladders while carrying boxes and filing. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Travel
Minimal travel required. Most travel is related to commuting from the Archives Building to the Lutheran Center for regular work-related tasks and meetings.
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 16 paid holidays. All benefits commence on your start date.
Contact
If you have questions about this job or your application, please complete this form to contact People Solutions (HR).
Salary
Commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Salary Description

$54,724.80 - 82,076.80