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- Tasks: Lead worship and liturgy, coordinate congregational development, and oversee safeguarding for youth.
- Company: Canterbury Cathedral is a historic site and the heart of the Church of England.
- Benefits: Join a vibrant community with opportunities for creative expression and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a significant moment in history while inspiring others through faith and music.
- Qualifications: Seeking a creative priest with experience in liturgy and safeguarding.
- Other info: Applications may close early due to high interest; we encourage diverse applicants.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Canterbury Cathedral is the cathedral of the archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England and symbolic leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Located in Canterbury, Kent, it is one of the oldest Christian structures in England and forms part of a World Heritage Site.
The Canon Precentor for the Metropolitical Cathedral of Christ at Canterbury has responsibility for Liturgy and Music, co-ordination of our Congregational Development and Deputy Safeguarding Lead for Children and Young People.
The Crown with the Bishop of Dover in consultation with the Dean and Chapter wish to appoint a priest as Canon Precentor. As Head of Worship and Liturgy, you will be essential in the preparation for the installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. This role also leads the safeguarding for our work with children and young people as we prepare for our INEQE audit scheduled for November 2026, and helps to coordinate our courses and learning for our congregations.
We seek a colleague with creative flair who will support the Cathedral's life, sustaining all that is good and helping us to fulfil our prayer of inspiring life in all its fullness.
As applications are received, interviews may take place prior to the advertised closing date. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
Head of Worship and Liturgy employer: Canterbury Cathedral
Contact Detail:
Canterbury Cathedral Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Worship and Liturgy
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the history and significance of Canterbury Cathedral. Understanding its role within the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion will help you articulate your vision for worship and liturgy in a way that resonates with the values of the Cathedral.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members at Canterbury Cathedral or similar institutions. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the culture and expectations of the role, which you can leverage during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your creative approach to worship and liturgy. Think about innovative ideas you've implemented in previous roles and how they could enhance the spiritual life of the Cathedral community, especially in preparation for significant events like the installation of the Archbishop.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to safeguarding children and young people. Be ready to share your experiences and strategies in this area, as it is a crucial aspect of the role and demonstrates your alignment with the Cathedral's values and responsibilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Worship and Liturgy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities of the Head of Worship and Liturgy. Familiarise yourself with the specific duties related to liturgy, music, and safeguarding, as well as the context of Canterbury Cathedral.
Craft a Tailored CV: Highlight your relevant experience in worship, liturgy, and music. Include any leadership roles you've held, particularly those involving safeguarding or community development, to demonstrate your suitability for the Canon Precentor position.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and how your creative flair aligns with the Cathedral's mission. Mention specific experiences that showcase your ability to inspire and lead within a congregational setting.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors. Ensure that your application reflects professionalism and attention to detail, which are crucial for a leadership role in a prestigious institution like Canterbury Cathedral.
How to prepare for a job interview at Canterbury Cathedral
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of the Head of Worship and Liturgy. Familiarise yourself with the Cathedral's mission and values, as well as the significance of the role in preparing for the installation of the Archbishop.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
As they are looking for someone with creative flair, be prepared to discuss your innovative ideas for worship and liturgy. Think about how you can inspire congregations and enhance their spiritual experience through music and liturgical practices.
✨Prepare for Safeguarding Questions
Given the safeguarding responsibilities associated with the role, be ready to discuss your experience and approach to safeguarding children and young people. Highlight any relevant training or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your commitment to this important aspect.
✨Engage with the Community
Demonstrate your understanding of community engagement and development within a church context. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully coordinated courses or learning opportunities for congregations, showcasing your ability to connect with diverse groups.
