The LCMS Mission

"In grateful response to God's grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities, and world."

Department Profile

The President shall be the chief ecumenical officer of the Synod.

• He shall represent the Synod, in consultation with the appropriate board or commission, in official contacts with all partner churches by aiding, counseling, and advising them and by strengthening the relations with and among them.
• He or his representative, as requested, shall represent the Synod in official contacts with other church bodies (Bylaw 3.3.1.1.2).

The Director of Church Relations (DCR) provides leadership and direction and is responsible for assisting the President in carrying out the duties of his office in engagement and relationships with other church bodies. The Assistant to the Director of Church Relations works at the direction of the DCR, to support and carry out the vision and directions of the President.

All staff of the Church Relation’s unit work closely with church bodies with whom the LCMS: (1) Is in altar-and-pulpit fellowship, (2) Is working toward altar and pulpit fellowship through visitation, theological dialogue, theological education, and mercy ministry, and (3) Is engaging in faithful ecumenism, clarifying honest theological agreements and disagreements through conversations.

The Church Relations unit divides their worldwide responsibilities into five areas: Europe, Latin/ Caribbean/South America, Asia, Africa, and North America.

Location

LCMS International Center (St. Louis) preferred. Remote status will be considered.

Reporting Relationships

This position is ultimately accountable to the Director of Church Relations, but on a day-to-day basis, reports to the Deputy Director of Church Relations (DDCR).

Essential Job Functions

• Responsible for Church Relations (CR) business functions including, but not limited to, purchasing, payments, reimbursements, contracts, expense approvals, and monthly p-card reconciliation.
• Assists DDCR in research, planning, and logistics for the CR unit including international meetings, events, Synod convention activities, and conferences hosted or attended by CR staff or representatives.
• Coordinates significant international and domestic travel arrangements including obtaining visas (or other entry/exit documents) for all CR staff or other partners, as requested.
• Prepares and assists in reviewing annual CR budgets and monthly CR financial reports making corrections, as needed.
• Responsible to update and maintain all files on international and USA church bodies the LCMS is in partnership with or has any level of ongoing contact or emerging relationship.
• Conducts research or special projects, drafts reports, and develops resources, as requested, to be used by CR to achieve unit goals.
• Responsible to develop and maintain information management system to store communications received and sent by DCR and DDCR including, but not limited to, files, resources, documents, protocol agreements, church body information, and CR historical information.
• Responds to phone calls and email as directed by the DDCR.
• Assists to develop the CR web page within the LCMS.org website and responsible to maintain/update CR page
• Responsible to maintain CR calendar and coordinate CR events with the Office of the President, as needed.
• Serves as the initial contact for CR answering questions, making referrals, or connecting to DCR. DDCR, or others.

Education and Experience

• A member in good-standing of a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with minimum of three years in business or management position. Theological training, preferred.
• Financial background, understanding or experience in reading financial reports and/or budgets.
• Demonstrated success working on a team with significant responsibilities and demands.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• Sound understanding of administrative principles and procedures
• Familiar with the structure, polity, organization, and procedures of the Synod.
• Capacity to analyze and recommend ways to improve efficiency.
• Ability to work as part of a team, strong administrative and organizational skills.
• Capable of prioritizing, planning, and carrying out multiple tasks while maintaining the flexibility to quickly shift from one project to another.
• Agile learner with the capacity to transfer knowledge and skills to colleagues.
• Strong capacity for, and enjoyment of, detail-oriented work. Ability to establish priorities to achieve defined objectives.
• Proven ability to work independently, as well as, collaboratively.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft 365 and aptitude for technology.
• Highly professional with personal maturity to exercise discretion and judgment in confidential matters with staff and board members.
• Excellent oral and written communication and listening skills.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None