Director, Digital Communications

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

Strategic Communications is a team within the Operations home area responsible for planning and implementing effective internal and external communications, public relations, video production, marketing, social and other online strategies for the churchwide expression of the ELCA. The team is responsible for creating unified storytelling through all types of media.

The Director of Digital Communications manages the Digital Communications team in Strategic Communications. This person is responsible for developing and executing an innovative digital strategy that includes web, social media, video production, public relations, and other online platforms as well as internal communications for ELCA staff. This person will execute a content strategy for ELCA.org and oversee its maintenance and accuracy by coordinating periodic reviews of content and analytics, working closely with team members and colleagues in IT to coordinate updates and prioritize web projects. 

The ideal candidate will have a deep, current, and evolving understanding of the digital landscape and digital trends, tools, and best practices, along with strong leadership skills to guide a dynamic team in shaping impactful communications that reach and inspire ELCA members and prospective members. We are looking for a strategic thinker and collaborative leader who will develop strong relationships with the Senior Director, the Director of Content Strategy, and the Director of Marketing and contribute to a unified leadership presence within Strategic Communications. Creativity and a passion for mission-focused work is important.

This is a full-time, regular, remote position. 

Candidates for this remote 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

1. Develop and implement a digital communications strategy to support the ELCA’s mission and Strategic Communications’ priorities, ensuring consistent and compelling messaging across digital platforms.
2. Collaborate with Strategic Communications staff to identify communication goals, target audiences, and engagement metrics.

3. Oversee content management for ELCA.org and the seeker site, including relevance and timeliness of updating content across all ELCA programs, working collaboratively with Strategic Communications, IT, and others to foster a user-friendly website.

4. Facilitate close integration of the user experience and synergy between ELCA.org, the seeker site, and LivingLutheran.org in collaboration with the Director of Content Strategy.

5. Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging digital tools like AI, incorporating relevant and secure advancements into the ELCA’s strategies.

6. Oversee the Digital Communications team, including hiring, mentoring, and supporting team members in achieving their professional and developmental goals.

7. Guide the creation of high-quality, engaging, and inclusive content in collaboration with the Director of Content Strategy that reflects the values of the ELCA and resonates with a diverse audience.

8. Direct the development and execution of social media, public relations, and video placement strategies to expand reach and engagement.

9. Track and analyze digital communications performance to evaluate effectiveness and inform ongoing strategies.

10. Provide regular reports and insights to leadership to demonstrate the impact of digital efforts and recommend areas for improvement.

Supervisory Responsibilities

1. Public Relations Manager

2. Video Production Manager

3. Social Media Manager

Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in communications, marketing, digital media, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

2. Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in digital communications, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role. Supervisory experience is preferred.

3. Experience working in a nonprofit, religious, or mission-driven organization is preferred.

4. Strong knowledge of digital platforms, tools, and best practices, including website management, social media, public relations, video, and analytics.

5. Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans that drive measurable outcomes.

6. Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide staff and collaborators.

7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong understanding of storytelling for diverse audiences.

8. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

9. Familiarity with the ELCA’s mission, values, and structure is a plus.

Physical 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone. This position requires sitting for long periods of time.  Employee will occasionally need to lift boxes or materials up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel 

Position requires minimal overnight, domestic, or international travel. Valid driver’s license required.

Salary 

Commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

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 17 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).