Trinity College seeks to appoint an Ordained Priest in the Church of England to lead and support the spiritual and religious life of the College, to oversee the Chapel and conduct services for regular worship and special occasions, and to contribute to the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of all the College’s members, of all faiths and none.

The post is envisaged as an early career post, regarded as equivalent to a second curacy: it is expected that the person appointed will serve for three to five years, non-renewable.

The Chaplain serves as a Fellow on the College’s Governing Body and is a Trustee of the Charity. The Chaplain is a significant person within the College, widely known and visible throughout the community.

The Chaplain is responsible for:

• leading and supporting the spiritual and religious life of the College and its members;
• fostering a lively and stimulating religious environment within the College, embracing those of different Christian traditions, other faiths and those of no religious belief;
• being available to staff, students, Fellows and Old Members to support their spiritual and emotional wellbeing;

• organizing and conducting Chapel services, both for regular worship and for special occasions (e.g. weddings, baptisms and memorial services for students, Fellows, staff and alumni) and overseeing the Chapel diary throughout the year;
• preaching at College services and organising visiting preachers;
• ensuring that the College meets the needs of its students and staff of different Christian denominations and different religious faiths, advising those of all faiths on places of worship and faith-based activities in Oxford;
• serving the needs of Trinity’s increasingly diverse community (both staff and students), coordinating and organising a vibrant programme of events and visiting speakers representing a range of religious faiths in response to key religious festivals and observances, to ensure that all students are included and supported;
• oversight of the Chapel and the Chapel Choir; participating in the selection of, and working closely and effectively with, the organ scholars to promote a high quality and flourishing tradition of Chapel music;
• representing the College as appropriate in the wider religious life of the City, the University and the College’s livings and benefices.

Welfare and Wellbeing

As an integral part of the responsibilities associated with the role, the Chaplain is responsible for:

• providing year-round pastoral support to members of Trinity’s community of all faiths and none (including very occasionally on an emergency out-of-hours basis), working to a code of conduct for clergy, and inspiring trust that it is safe for any member of College to share a variety of personal concerns with the Chaplain;
• working effectively and collaboratively with the network of staff who have responsibility for different aspects of student welfare and wellbeing under the leadership of the Senior Wellbeing Officer;
• providing support to those who seek it;
• serving as a member of the Wellbeing Committee.

Experience

Essential:

• Experience and skill to organise and conduct the services in the College Chapel, to preach effectively and to organise appropriate guest preachers and speakers across a range of denominations and faiths
• Experience of working in an environment requiring confidentiality, tact and diplomacy
• Pastoral experience whether with students or otherwise

Desirable:

• Previous experience in a college or parish environment
• Experience of working with young people
• A working knowledge of Prevent and Safeguarding legislation

Qualifications

Essential:

• Be an ordained member of the Church of England
• Professional training in delivering pastoral care
• Educated to degree level

Desirable:

• Educated to graduate level

Skills and Aptitudes

Essential:

• Excellent interpersonal oral and written communication skills; able to form positive relationships with a wide range of people and obtain the confidence of all sections of the College
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Effective administrative skills, with excellent time management and prioritisation skills
• Be able to work in sympathy with the Organ Scholars and Chapel Choir to sustain and grow the musical traditions of the Chapel
• A demonstrable aptitude to provide pastoral support with the discretion such support requires
• Be committed to diversity and equality and able to relate positively to and empathise with people from a wide range of backgrounds and of all faiths or none
• Ability to exercise judgement and take initiative
• Ability to be calm and effective whilst under pressure

Desirable:

• Excellent IT skills appropriate to a Windows-based office