Associate Application Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,600 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

The Lutheran Center (national office) is located in Chicago, Illinois. A staff of approximately 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

Information Technology (IT) provides technology services, support and solutions to drive the mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and ensure that the data sources of the enterprise systems inform and support the strategic direction and intent of the churchwide organization.

Information Technology believes in creating transformative change through spreading God's word, building community, and enabling spiritual growth.

Our people create value by accompanying our partners in delivering and advancing purposeful technology solutions that reduce complexity and increase the focus on mission in a secure, people-centered, consistent, impactful, collaborative, and cost-effective manner.

Under the direction of Application Analysts and senior IT staff, the Application Specialist provides foundational support for enterprise applications across financial, collaboration, constituent, and digital platforms. This entry-level role focuses on assisting with application maintenance, basic configuration, documentation, and user support.

The Application Specialist will help ensure the smooth operation of applications by performing routine tasks, supporting testing efforts, and maintaining documentation. This position is ideal for individuals beginning their careers in IT or application support, with opportunities to grow into more advanced roles.

This is a full time, regular, exempt, Chicago-based hybrid position. This position requires being in the office 2 days each week and more as needed.

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. Application Support & Maintenance.

a. Assist in monitoring and maintaining assigned applications. Perform basic troubleshooting and escalate issues as needed. Support routine updates and configuration changes under supervision.

2. Testing & Deployment Support

a. Participate in testing of application updates and new features. Assist with installation, configuration, and deployment tasks. Document test results and support quality assurance efforts.

3. Documentation & User Support

a. Help maintain technical and operational documentation. Provide first-level support to end users and assist in training or onboarding activities. Update knowledge base and IT portal entries.

4. Other Duties as assigned.

a. Perform other related tasks as assigned by supervisors or project leads.

1. 1+ year of experience in IT support, application administration, or related technical role (internships or academic projects acceptable). Associate degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and work experience or certifications will be considered.

2. Familiarity with Microsoft 365 tools, basic SQL, and general understanding of cloud-based applications.

3. Exposure to enterprise systems such as Workday, Blackbaud, or collaboration platforms is a plus.

4. Strong attention to detail, willingness to learn, and ability to follow instructions.

5. Strong mathematical and logical skills with accuracy to detail.

6. Must be able to handle confidential data in a professional manner.

7. Appreciation for the mission, vision, and, values of the ELCA.

8. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism.

9. 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 as well as various resources specific to this industry, including project management software.

Physical

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

Travel

Position requires minimal travel for in-person staff events. Valid driver’s license preferred.

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

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Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience.