Assistant Chaplain (Muslim)

York St John University; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 5,000 - 9,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Disability leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Relocation package

Visa support

Job summary

York St John University in York invites applications for an Assistant Chaplain (part-time, 7.4 hours per week) to support the spiritual life of staff and students on the York campus. The role focuses on pastoral and religious care across a diverse community, with active engagement in learning and discussion around religion and belief.

The successful candidate will be a practicing member of the Muslim community, work to strengthen links with York mosques, and contribute to a welcoming, inclusive

Qualifications

• The successful candidate will be a practicing member of the Muslim community and in good standing with their mosque leadership.
• Significant experience of leading or supporting religious life and practices.
• Experience offering pastoral care in diverse contexts and working in a multifaith environment.
• Ability to build constructive relationships with staff and students with warmth and respect.

Responsibilities

• Provide pastoral, spiritual and religious care for staff and students on campus.
• Support religious life across a diverse university community and participate in related learning and activities.
• Strengthen links with York mosques and Muslim communities for campus benefit.

Skills

Pastoral care

Multifaith sensitivity

Relationship building

Communication

Job description

Location: York

Introduction to York St John University

Situated in the heart of the historic city of York, and with the recent addition of our new London Campus, York St John University has a long and proud tradition as a distinguished higher education provider.

Our success is founded on the quality of academic teaching and research, our thriving campus environments, our professional and pastoral support, and our values of an inclusive, innovative and ambitious community with a strong sense of belonging.

The Team

The Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Team is responsible for religious provision and pastoral care for all staff and students. We provide spaces and opportunities for reflection, listening, confidential support, prayer, worship, meditation, socialising and spiritual exploration. In doing this we work closely with teams across the university, from Student Life to academic schools.

The role

This Assistant Chaplain role, reporting to the Chaplain, assists the Chaplain in supporting the spiritual life of York St John University, York campus, serving people of all faiths and none. The successful candidate will provide pastoral, spiritual and religious care for staff and students in a diverse community, contributing to the life of the University and creating supportive spaces where friendships and community can flourish. Building on understanding of religion and belief among students and staff, the Assistant Chaplain will take an active part in related learning, discussions and activities.

As a Muslim in good standing with their faith community, the Assistant Chaplain will strengthen links with York mosques and Muslim places of worship, institutions, communities and associations for the benefit of the campus and its community.

This is a part-time role working 7.4 hours per week.

Key requirements

The successful candidate will be a practicing member of the Muslim community and in good standing with the President and Imam of their mosque, with significant experience of leading or supporting religious life and practices. They will have previous experience of offering pastoral care in a variety of contexts, and will be experienced in working in a diverse, multifaith environment. They will demonstrate the ability to build constructive relationships with staff and students, offering sensitivity and warmth to everyone visiting or using the Chaplaincy, regardless of their background, culture or faith.

Please visit our Social Media profiles to learn more about our contribution – @ysjchaplaincy

It is anticipated that the selection process will include an interview. Further details will be provided if you are shortlisted for interview.

Unfortunately this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship however we welcome your application if you are able to evidence right to work in the UK via an alternative route.

We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive policies and facilities and welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive working environment, consideration is given to all requests for job share or flexible working arrangements.

Our benefits package

We offer a wide range of employee benefits including -

• - Excellent annual leave entitlement, including five discretionary university closure days over the Christmas period
• - Disability leave (applies to staff who have disclosed a disability and is also available to staff with disabled dependants)
• - Employee Assistance Programme
• - Paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists
• - On-campus courses, one-to-one tutorials, and online resources to help you develop your digital skills and work with new software
• - Relocation expenses package for certain roles
• - Reimbursement of Skilled Worker Visa application fees and Visa loan scheme for additional costs (if applicable to the role)

Further information about life at YSJ

Our attached 'further information' document below provides further information about our culture, achievements and testimonials from our employees.

Closing Date - Tuesday 20 October 2026 at midnight

Provisional Interview Date - Tuesday 10 November 2026