Join Our Team: Senior Imam (RL-3)
Salary: £41,000 – £47,000 per year (depending on experience)
Location: Chelmsford, Essex
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: Monday 15 December 2025
About Chelmsford Muslim Society (CMS)
Chelmsford Muslim Society (CMS) is a vibrant and growing community serving the needs of Muslims in and around Chelmsford, Essex.
Our masjid hosts the five daily prayers, Jumu‘ah, madrasah classes, youth activities, community events, and interfaith engagement.
We are dedicated to fostering faith, education, and community wellbeing—guided by the Qur’an and Sunnah, and rooted in service to Allah and His creation.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Senior Imam (RL-3) to lead and develop our religious and educational programmes.
This is a key leadership role within CMS, combining teaching, khitābah, pastoral care, youth engagement, and outreach—with scope to shape and strengthen the future of our community.
You will be a confident khatīb and educator, capable of mentoring junior staff, designing meaningful programmes, and engaging diverse audiences.
This post sits at the RL-3 level of the CMS Religious Leadership Framework—equivalent to a programme lead who manages their own area of work, mentors others, and drives measurable community impact.
Key Responsibilities
Religious and Educational Leadership
Lead prayers, Jumu‘ah, and key religious events with professionalism and relevance.
Deliver engaging classes for adults and youth, and supervise teachers in the Makarim Academy or other CMS learning programmes.
Ensure curriculum quality, differentiation, and assessment processes are in place.
Provide pastoral care and spiritual guidance, ensuring appropriate safeguarding practice.
Programme Ownership
Design and oversee a major area of CMS religious work such as youth, education, or outreach.
Set and review objectives, ensure volunteer training, and maintain quality assurance.
Coordinate termly reviews and reports to the management committee.
Mentorship and Team Development
Coach junior imams and volunteers in khutbah delivery, teaching, and adab.
Foster a supportive, learning-oriented team environment.
Community Engagement
Deliver relevant, contextual khutbahs that address the needs of modern Muslim life.
Lead da‘wah and interfaith programmes, and represent CMS in local partnerships with schools, the NHS, councils, and faith forums.
Person Specification
Essential
Recognised ʿĀlimiyyah qualification or BA in Islamic Studies (or equivalent).
Proven experience teaching both children and adults.
Strong English communication skills (spoken and written).
Confident khutbah delivery (examples or recordings available on request).
Experience in programme design and volunteer development.
Understanding of safeguarding and child protection in UK contexts.
Desirable
Experience in youth mentoring, chaplaincy, or outreach.
Familiarity with quality assurance in education.
Public-speaking confidence and community leadership track record.
Driving licence and flexibility for evening or weekend activities.
Pay and Benefits
Salary: £41,000 – £47,000 depending on qualifications, experience, and assessment.
Additional allowances: potential for unsocial-hours or on-call pay during Ramadan and key events.
Application Process
To apply, please complete the application form below on this page, including:
An up-to-date CV.
A cover letter specifically tailored to this role.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and assessment, which may include a sample khutbah, a short teaching demonstration, and a scenario-based discussion.
Key dates
Application deadline: Monday 15 December 2025
Interviews: As soon as suitable candidates apply (potentially before the closing date)
Expected start date: Friday 3 January 2026
All applications and communications will be treated confidentially.
