At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant community in faith, prayer, and service.
- Company: St James' Church, a welcoming parish in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Supportive community, 5-bedroom vicarage, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a diverse community while nurturing faith.
- Qualifications: Deep Christian faith, inspiring communication skills, and a heart for all ages.
- Other info: Commitment to diversity and safeguarding within the church.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 24000 £ per year.
The Diocese of Ely seeks to appoint a Vicar (half time) of St James (Cambridge). St James’ is a welcoming and inclusive parish seeking a priest who will lead us in faith, prayer and service as we continue to grow as a lively Christian presence at the heart of our community.
We are looking for someone who will:
- have a deep and prayerful Christian faith, grounded in Scripture
- be an inspiring communicator with a well-formed theological mind
- appreciate good liturgy and church music
- relate easily and warmly to people of all ages and backgrounds
- have a heart for children, young people and families
- be an outward-looking, collaborative leader with a sense of humour
The parish is located in south Cambridge, close to schools, hospitals, the biomedical campus and the University, with a diverse and changing population. The 5-bedroom vicarage adjoins the church.
Applications: View the Benefice profile. Download the application form and equality monitoring form. Please note that applications must be submitted by email to archdeacon.cambridge@elydiocese.org
Closing Date: 12 noon on Friday 20 February 2026
Interviews: Monday 16 March 2026
Safer Recruitment in the Diocese of Ely: The Diocese of Ely is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to undertake safeguarding checks and training relevant to their role and to adhere to the Church of England’s safeguarding policies and procedures. Therefore, this position is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service).
A Diverse and Inclusive Workforce: The Diocese of Ely is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.
Vicar (half time) of St James (Cambridge) in Ely employer: Diocese of Ely
Contact Detail:
Diocese of Ely Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vicar (half time) of St James (Cambridge) in Ely
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Spend some time visiting St James and engaging with the parishioners. This will not only help you understand their needs but also show them your genuine interest in being part of their lives.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your communication skills. As an inspiring communicator, practice sharing your thoughts clearly and warmly. Consider how you can relate your faith and experiences to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your collaborative spirit! Think about ways you can work with local schools, families, and community groups. Highlight any previous experiences where you've successfully led or participated in community initiatives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace modern church life.
We think you need these skills to ace Vicar (half time) of St James (Cambridge) in Ely
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand who we are at St James. Dive into our values, mission, and community vibe. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit right in!
Be Authentic: We want to hear your genuine voice! Share your personal journey of faith and how it shapes your ministry. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through – we appreciate a good sense of humour!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any experience that aligns with our needs, especially in leading worship, engaging with families, and working collaboratively. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and how they can benefit our parish.
Follow the Application Instructions: Double-check that you’ve downloaded all necessary forms and submitted everything via email as instructed. We’re excited to see your application, so make sure it’s complete and sent before the deadline!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diocese of Ely
✨Know Your Faith Inside Out
Make sure you have a deep understanding of your Christian faith and how it relates to the role of a Vicar. Be prepared to discuss Scripture and how it informs your ministry, as this will show your commitment and inspire confidence in your potential congregation.
✨Communicate with Warmth
As an inspiring communicator, practice sharing your thoughts on faith and community in a relatable way. Think about how you can connect with people of all ages and backgrounds, and be ready to share personal stories that highlight your experiences and approach to ministry.
✨Embrace Collaboration
Show that you’re an outward-looking leader by discussing past experiences where you’ve worked collaboratively with others. Highlight your ability to engage with families, children, and young people, and express your enthusiasm for building relationships within the parish.
✨Bring a Sense of Humour
Don’t underestimate the power of humour! Being approachable and light-hearted can help break the ice during the interview. Share anecdotes that reflect your personality and how you use humour to connect with your community, making you a more relatable candidate.