Job Opportunities at Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Job Description

Assignment Includes

• The Communications Consultant will work as part of the KELC Secretariat (commonly referred to as the Head Office) and will offer leadership and implement the communication function in KELC. The Communications Consultant will work cooperatively with the communication committee, all heads of departments, staff, volunteers to ensure good communication within the church. This position is responsible for the overall planning, organization and direction of KELCs communication strategies and public information activities and promoting the effective and timely communication to media, policymakers, donors, partners, members of KELC and other persons or bodies that would be the intended consumers of information that is connected with KELC.
• The Communications Consultant will ensure coordination and management of the KELCs integrated communication, publicity and public relations. This position will work with both external and internal constituencies be in constant consultation with the top leadership of KELC, to ensure overall continuity of institutional brand and consistency of image. This position will be responsible for fostering and maintaining relationships with the media, partner organizations, national and international institutions, government officials, KELC staff and members etc. This position will be fostering greater awareness about KELC and facilitating opportunities for KELC to increase its general and online visibility to the public and to the partners.

Specific Assignments May Include The Following

• Plan, organize, and direct overall communication strategies and public information dissemination for KELC, including a communication program to enhance the reputation and visibility of KELC locally, internationally and online
• Oversee internal and external communications and presentations, in close relation and consultation with the top leadership of KELC and its departments and committees
• Oversee KELC's digital communication, including managing the content for the website, social media platforms, such as Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram etc., and print media
• Prepare publishing and disseminating for members and partners the "Messenger" publication that circulates updated news about KELC, its membership, development areas, progress
• Attend church events and activities and document the happenings for posterity and for sharing with members and partners
• Attend press activities, such as press releases and events in which the church has an interest or stake
• Maintain extensive and positive relationships with national and international media and partners
• Represent KELC in the media and other relevant events and occasions
• Prepare and provide detailed relevant reports of the department and its activities
• Prepare audience-specific reports for consumption by the church members and partners
• Support communication goals of KELC regarding national and global advocacy around issues relevant to the church, inter-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary debates
• Participate in implementation of the churchs strategic plan in matters related to communication
• Identify KELCs communication needs and goals by conducting periodic assessments to understand how KELC communicates internally and externally and identify gaps and opportunities
• Develop and implement a master 'branding' plan for KELC with input from members and stakeholders
• Develop and implement annual plans that include goals, activities, materials and performance indicators. Annual plans should be discussed with key KELC leadership
• Produce content for distribution through several information channels and platforms.
• Work collaboratively with other departments, journal editors and editorial teams to pick noteworthy and newsworthy items and reflections that should go into KELCs website, social media and newsletter.
• Work closely with KELC officers to identify relevant events and opportunities.
• Maintain an updated database of experts on various technical areas (e.g. health, disaster response, fundraising, media/information policy, environment, politics, race, ethnicity, religion, war/conflict) for press inquiries and participate in various venues and events
• Promote the visibility of KELC through relevant journals, publications, media appearances and links to key institutions and people
• Manage and keep update, in conjunction with the developers, the KELC app and the content therein e.g. hymn books and calendar.
• Manage financial expenses or fees for internet domains, if any, are paid on time
• Set-up and manage the online audio-visual and virtual meetings software and hardware infrastructure e.g. zoom and skype platforms
• Ensure the communication gadgets and implements e.g. projectors and voice-recorders are under safe custody and well maintained and repaired.
• Coordinate/provide logistical support to members, groups and teams organizing local, national, and international events primarily aimed at raising the visibility of KELC
• Monitor appearances of KELC and its members in media, as well as participation in forums focused on funding, church affairs etc.
• Travel as assigned by the supervisor or designated superior.

All ELCA Global Personnel participate in mission interpretation.

Site Information

This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya with the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church

Required Experience

• A minimum of a bachelors degree in a relevant field (public relations, journalism, communication etc.)
• A minimum of three years professional experience, ideally with some experience with non-profit, religious or para-church organizations, social sector
• English required, Swahili helpful
• Excellent communication skills within a multi-cultural environment
• Ability to handle multiple projects under time and resource pressures
• Multilingual skills would be helpful (Swahili, German)
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including active listening
• Attention to details and be results-oriented
• Working knowledge of media operations and expertise in the field of public relations and release of information for publication will be an added advantage
• Ability to develop communication strategies related to organizational policies in collaboration with a diverse team
• Knowledge and experience in the application of theories, principles and practices of communication as they relate information services
• Knowledge of the latest advances in effective use of digital and social media for effective corporate communication, including (ideally) online communities, search as engine optimization and other digital marketing and communication tools
• Ability to develop and maintain strategic networks of people and institutions to disseminate KELC-related news and information to
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability.

Terms And Conditions

• This position is supported under the terms of ELCA Service and Justice Expectations and Support for Long Term Global Personnel.
• Those provisions include: international transportation, transportation related to work assignment, pensions and major medical coverage, assistance with schooling for children from kindergarten through high school, housing and cash salary which is adjusted according to the goods and services differential for Jordan.

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Job Description

Location:

• Nairobi International Lutheran Congregation (NILC)
• Nairobi, Kenya

Assignment Includes

• The major assignment of the Nairobi International Lutheran Congregation (NILC) Pastor is to serve with undivided spirit to both the Kiswahili and the English-speaking groups with a wide knowledge of their background and self-interests. The pastor must be a uniting force in terms of service and attitude to the two groups.
• The NILC Pastor assisted by an associate pastor is expected to prepare the Sunday bulletin in both Kiswahili and English languages. The Pastor will preach and administer Holy Communion every Sunday or invite a guest preacher to do the same. Both Pastors assisted by their church elders are expected to have frequent visits to their church members, especially those with known problems.

Specific Assignments May Include The Following

There are five major areas of ministries in which the NILC Pastor will be in-charge or give proper supervision.

• Worship - Works with alter guild, flowers, musical instruments like guitars, keyboards, drums etc., greeters, choir, music and the ushers.
• Learning - Covers bible studies, confirmation, new life, membership, music school, and Sunday school.
• Witness - Oversees men's fellowship, women's fellowship, couples' fellowship, Youth fellowship, dinners, and healing team.
• Service - Sunday fellowship, outreach, Parish nursing, photography, dressmaking school, nursery school, and HIV/AIDS support group.
• Stewardship - NILC financial auditing, capital improvement, offering counters, building projects, and property maintenance.

The NILC Pastor must have an attitude of delegating the services of the above ministries to those who have been chosen to run the same. NILC under the pastors supervision must be represented in all Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church committees, executive council and the general assembly and abide to the KELC constitution. The Pastor will represent the NILC at the Theological committee of KELC and other bodies which he/she may be asked to participate.

All ELCA Global Personnel participate in mission interpretation.

Site Information

This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya with the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church and Nairobi International Lutheran Congregation. The NILC Pastor is accountable to church members, church council, KELC executive council, and the KELC General assembly.

Required Experience

• Master of Divinity degree required with experience in service at the congregational level or church institution.
• Speak English fluently
• Know/ready to learn Kiswahili

Terms and Conditions

This position is supported under the terms of ELCA Service and Justice Expectations and Support for Long Term Global Personnel. Those provisions include: international transportation, transportation related to work assignment, pensions and major medical coverage, assistance with schooling for children through high school, housing and cash salary which is adjusted according to the goods and services differential for Kenya

If Candidate is Married

Both must complete an application for this position, even if the spouse will not be fulfilling a specific role in the ministry. In the context of global mission service, a spouse is seen as a representative of both the ELCA and of the receiving church, regardless of their actual role. It is important for the ELCA that both members of a couple understand the role of a missionary and are comfortable with this reality. In addition, an accompanying spouse receives an appointment to service by the ELCA and the support package for mission personnel includes compensation for an accompanying spouse.

General Qualifications For ELCA Global Personnel

• Openness to various expressions of Christian faith and respect for people of other faiths
• Respect for beliefs, values and customs of church and culture where assigned
• Well-developed inter-personal skills demonstrating understanding and compassion
• Demonstrated ability to carry out the responsibilities and the ability to adapt to different standards and practices
• Ability to work within the framework of a local administration
• Adaptable and flexible - sense of humor - good physical and emotional health
• Live and serve in a way which reflects the vision and expectations of the ELCA

Keyword: Kenya, Communications, Journalism, Consultant, ELCA, Global Mission