Muslim Chaplain & Advisor on Islamophobia

# About you To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience: **Essential criteria** 1. **Subject Matter Expertise:** Deep understanding of Islam and the diverse ways it is practiced, with the ability to provide expert guidance on addressing Islamophobia within a Higher Education context. 2. **Pastoral Excellence:** Proficiency in active, confidential listening and spiritual care, with a clear understanding of professional boundaries and when to refer individuals to specialist services. 3. **Communication:** Excellent spoken and written communication skills, with the ability to draft high-level briefings and engage authoritatively with senior university leadership and external stakeholders. 4. **Interpersonal & Cross-Cultural Fluency:** Demonstrable experience in multi-faith working and the ability to build rapport with a broad range of students and staff of all faiths and none. 5. **Student Engagement:** Proven ability to connect with a diverse student body with empathy, while offering appropriate challenge to foster personal and communal growth. 6. **Institutional Diplomacy:** Ability to navigate complex issues regarding freedom of expression and academic freedom, providing nuanced advice that balances community safety with university values. 7. **Collaborative Teamwork:** Proven ability to work effectively and contribute proactively as a member of a diverse team of colleagues within a fast-paced environment. 8. **Educational Delivery:** Experience in, or a clear aptitude for, sourcing or delivering training and workshops aimed at increasing cultural literacy and reducing prejudice. **Desirable criteria** 1. **Academic/Theological Qualifications:** Post-graduate training or recognised qualifications in Islamic Studies or a related field. 2. **Professional Pastoral Training:** Professional accreditation or recognised training in counselling, chaplaincy, or mental health first aid. 3. **Conflict Mediation:** Formal experience or qualification in conflict resolution, restorative justice, or mediation, particularly in multi-faith or highly polarised environments. 4. **Sector Expertise:** A sophisticated understanding of the current regulatory and social challenges facing the UK Higher Education sector. 5. **Community Engagement:** Experience in developing community-led initiatives that promote social cohesion or inter-communal dialogue. **Downloading a copy of our Job Description** Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process. ## Further information At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university. The Equality Act of protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension. We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination. When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance. We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible. Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly, and we recognise its growing role in professional work. Applicants may use AI tools to support preparation of their application, for example to research the role or structure written responses. However, applications must reflect the applicant’s own work and experience. AI tools should not be used during interviews or assessment activities unless this has been agreed in advance as a reasonable adjustment. Further guidance on the use of AI in recruitment can be found here. We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day. We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application. We welcome your thoughts on how organisations can create an inclusive environment, including one which supports free speech and the exchange of a wide range of ideas. To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘ [How we Recruit]( pages. Interviews are expected to be held on 2 or 3 November . This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service clearances.