Current Vacancies

Priest / Residentiary Canon

Be part of a team sharing Christian faith and life, serving the community and raising aspiration in wonderful West Yorkshire in the Diocese of Leeds.

Wakefield Cathedral is at the centre of the city and district, one of three cathedrals in the diverse Diocese of Leeds; a place of daily prayer and worship; a valued gathering-space and partner for many groups and organisations.  We are looking for a priest who will be a key part of the cathedral clergy team with particular emphasis on growing the congregations in number and in faith, leading on pastoral care and on outreach to children, young people, and younger adults.  This could be an associate clergy role for someone early in ministry or a Residentiary Canonry for a suitably qualified cleric.  At a time of change in cathedral, city, and diocese, this is a great moment to make a difference for the gospel.  We’re praying for a faithful priest and colleague who will be sustained by our rhythm of prayer and will get stuck in to cathedral life and mission.

To find out more contact Philip Hobday, Dean of Wakefield, on dean@wakefield-cathedral.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Wakefield Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all, especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Click here for details of our safeguarding policies.  This role is subject to satisfactory safer recruitment checks including completion of a Confidential Declaration form and Enhanced DBS.

Applications close                                           12 noon Friday 27th March 2026

Shortlisting outcome                                     w/b 6th April

Interviews in Wakefield                                 Friday 24th April 2026

Information Pack

Link to apply via Pathways

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Chief Operating Officer

Help lead a fantastic team in an iconic building at the heart of the community: we are looking for a Chief Operating Officer who will oversee people, finance, and day-to-day operations in this amazing place at the heart of our city and district – a centre of prayer and Christian faith for at least nine hundred years.

The Chief Operating Officer co-ordinates the work of the Cathedral’s staff and works closely with the Dean in overseeing day-to-day operations.  As with all the Cathedral’s senior management roles, the post-holder must be comfortable both representing the Cathedral at a senior level externally and overseeing staff, budgets, risk management, and projects – while being willing to be hands-on on a busy and demanding site in a small team.  The Chief Operating Officer oversees work in fabric, finance, and administration, working with staff, professional advisers, and key governance committees.

We’re not expecting someone to know it all from day one, or to be equally at home in all aspects of this varied role, or someone who necessarily has experience of working for a church.  But if you’re up for a challenge in a fascinating place with great people, do be in touch!

To find out more contact Philip Hobday, Dean of Wakefield, on dean@wakefield-cathedral.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Wakefield Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all, especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Details of our safeguarding policies are available at www.wakefieldcathedral.org.uk/safeguarding.  This role is subject to satisfactory safer recruitment checks.

Applications close                    12 noon Friday 17th April 2026

Interviews                                 Tuesday 5th May 2026

Information Pack

Click here to apply

Organ Scholar

Wakefield Cathedral is looking to appoint a talented and enthusiastic individual as organ scholar.  This role supports the Director and Assistant Director of Music ensuring excellent music, organ accompaniment and choral direction, working with our various choirs for children, young people and adults.

Wakefield Cathedral has a busy music department, with various choirs offering singing opportunities to children aged 6 to 18, as well as to professional and amateur adult singers.  The organ scholar will work with all these groups as an accompanist and, as appropriate, choral director, as well as playing regular organ volunatries.

As a training post, the full scope of the role will be adapted to suit the needs and interests of the successful candidate, but you will already have some experience of playing the organ, ideally in a liturgical context, and will be committed to ongoing development of your skills.  The organ scholar will be expected to attend at times to be agreed with the Director of Music, which will include attendance on Sundays and evening rehearsals during the week.

Although this scholarship is only open to candidates who will be aged 18 or over on 31 August 2026, we would be very open to discussing other possibilities with younger musicians who would be keen to gain experience of a cathedral music department.  The role is offered initially for a period of twelve months (September to August), but it may be possible for it to be renewed subject to agreement.

Wakefield Cathedral takes its responsibility for the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults very seriously and their welfare is paramount in all areas of cathedral life.  Details of our safeguarding policies and practices can be found here.  Because this role involves regulated activity with children and young people, appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Confidential Declaration and Enhanced Disclosure with Barring checks from the Disclosure and Barring Service.  Appointment will be subject to three satisfactory references and satisfactory proof of the candidate’s right to work in the United Kingdom.

Part-time, fixed-term scholarship (twelve months)
Probation period: One month
Pay: Honorarium of £2000 pa
Location: Wakefield Cathedral

Full Role Description: Role Description Organ Scholar 2026
Application Form: Application Form
Application Deadline: Friday 15 May
Interview date: to be agreed
Start date: 01 September 2026

Volunteer Role: Front of House Team Member

Location: Wakefield Cathedral, Northgate, Wakefield, WF1 1HG
Hours: Flexible – to be discussed with the Volunteer Coordinator
Commitment: Minimum of 2 hours per week (flexible to suit your availability)

Role Summary

Wakefield Cathedral is looking for friendly and enthusiastic individuals to join our Front of House Volunteer Team. As a Front of House Volunteer, you will play a vital role in creating a welcoming environment for all who visit the cathedral, whether they are attending services, exploring the history and architecture, or seeking a moment of quiet reflection.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, and be part of the vibrant life of the cathedral.

Why work for us?

Wakefield Cathedral is a forward-thinking cathedral, eager to fulfill its potential as outlined in our recent strategic document Firm in Hope, a ten-year plan highlighting the role of the cathedral across the city, the diocese and beyond and the opportunities that lay ahead.

Our values – Joyful, Generous and Inclusive – aren’t just a random selection of words; they embody the spirit, togetherness and values which each of our team demonstrate on a day to day basis.

When working at Wakefield Cathedral you will be working in one of just 42 cathedrals across England, supporting the rich variety of work which the cathedral gets involved with every day in the most amazing of buildings.