Director, Organizational Effectiveness

St. Mark Ministries

Director of Organizational Effectiveness leading talent strategy and supporting governance at ELCA Foundation. Implementing initiatives for leadership development and operational alignment in a hybrid role.

Posted 4/28/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $99,361 - $149,032 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Partner with the President and CEO to implement initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, and leadership capacity
Support strategic planning processes by helping translate strategic priorities into actionable plans and measurable outcomes
Provide organizational insights and recommendations that enhance collaboration and operational alignment across teams
Serve as the Foundation’s primary liaison to the ELCA Churchwide HR team, coordinating efforts related to talent acquisition, compensation alignment, policy compliance, and performance management
Promote a culture of engagement, accountability, and belonging consistent with ELCA values and the Foundation’s mission
Support leadership in succession planning, staff development, and equitable compensation practices
Support the President and CEO in coordinating board recruitment strategies aligned with the Foundation’s future leadership needs
Assist with board orientation, governance education, and engagement initiatives to strengthen board effectiveness
Support alignment between the Foundation’s internal practices and ELCA churchwide policies and employment standards
Assist in the development and implementation of internal policies that promote compliance, inclusion, and staff well-being
Lead or support strategic initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness, staff engagement, and operational improvements

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in human resources, organizational development, strategy, or nonprofit leadership
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or certification in Human Resources, Organizational Leadership, Nonprofit Management, or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience
Knowledge of HR best practices, organizational effectiveness, and nonprofit governance structures
Experience supporting senior leaders and boards in governance coordination and organizational initiatives
Demonstrated success supporting organizational change, culture initiatives, and leadership development programs
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and leadership levels
Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate strategy into practical actions
Experience working in complex organizational environments, preferably within nonprofit or faith-based institutions
Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA and the ELCA Foundation
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism
Minimum Technical Competency: Computer knowledge that enables you to operate a Windows Computer and follow basic troubleshooting instructions. Software skills to efficiently use computer programs and applications. Ability to leverage computer knowledge and software skills to understand new software, follow process, and identify opportunities for improvement. Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.) preferred.

Benefits

Comp & perks

employer paid health premiums for employees
health and dependent care FSA’s
health savings account (HSA) with an employer contribution
life insurance
substantial employer contribution to 403b retirement plan (no match required)
generous paid time-off policy including 17 paid holidays

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

human resourcesorganizational developmentstrategynonprofit leadershipgovernance coordinationorganizational changeleadership developmentanalytical skillsproblem-solving skillspolicy compliance

Soft Skills

interpersonal skillscommunication skillscollaborationengagementaccountabilitydiversityequityinclusionaccessibilityanti-racism

Certifications

Bachelor's degreeadvanced degree in Human ResourcesOrganizational Leadership certificationNonprofit Management certification