Sales and Business Relationship Associate
This posting will close September 24, 2026, at 11:00 pm central time.
About the ELCA
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,700 worshipping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region (Puerto Rico and the 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 Mission Investment Fund
The Mission Investment Fund (MIF), a financial ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, supports the establishment and growth of ELCA congregations, synods, and affiliated ministries by providing loans for capital projects for congregations and ministries. To fund these loans, MIF offers a variety of investments to ELCA members, congregations, and ministries.
The ELCA Federal Credit Union, a financial ministry partner of the Mission Investment Fund, offers financial products and services to members, pastors, congregations, synods, affiliated ministries, and their employees. The portfolio of products includes low-cost loans, deposit accounts, credit cards, and other solutions within a not-for-profit, cooperative structure.
Values - MIF's values are rooted in Christian faith, Lutheran traditions, and our identity as a ministry of the ELCA; Integrity, Customer Focus, Inclusion and Diversity, Faithful Stewardship, Courage and Openness to Change.
About the Position
The Sales & Business Relationship Associate (Ministry) supports organizational growth by assisting congregations and ministries in understanding and accessing mission-aligned financial solutions. This role manages a portfolio of smaller congregations and ministry organizations, supports ministry outreach efforts, and provides administrative and analytical support to senior relationship managers. The Associate develops foundational skills in ministry engagement, financial guidance, and relationship management to prepare for advancement into higher-level roles. This position is instrumental in driving the adoption of lending, deposit, and investment solutions within ministry communities. The individual is expected to proactively identify opportunities, build strong relationships, and clearly communicate the benefits of financial products to maximize engagement and generate new business. The role requires a persuasive approach to educate ministry partners on how these solutions can advance their organizational objectives.
Success in this capacity is measured by the ability to boost ministry participation and consistently increase loan and investment sales. The position also emphasizes the development of advanced sales and relationship management skills, ensuring readiness for more senior roles focused on complex client portfolios and strategic partnerships.
This is a full-time, regular, exempt (salaried), Chicago-based hybrid position. This position has responsibilities that will require being in the office on a weekly basis. This could mean 2-3 days most weeks and possibly more days when meetings and other events are happening that this position supports.
The eligibility of a candidate for remote or hybrid positions may depend on the residency of the candidate, and the budget for the role, including salary or pay, insurance coverage, and/or tax burden. Candidates for this 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.
1.Actively drive sales by guiding congregations and ministries through tailored loan, deposit, credit card, and investment solutions. Clearly communicate product benefits and provide ministry-focused support to increase adoption and generate new business opportunities.
2. Manage a portfolio of congregations and ministry organizations supporting growth opportunities through proactive relationship management.
3.Contribute to outreach and pipeline-building strategies by identifying congregations and ministry needs, documenting opportunities, and coordinating follow-up activities.
4. Participate in congregation visits, conferences, and ministry events as a visible representative of the organization.
5. Provide administrative, analytical, and relationship support to senior team members, contributing to pipeline development and relationship stewardship.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.