At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in providing funding to transform lives of fishermen and their families.
- Company: Join a historic charity dedicated to supporting mariners in need since 1839.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, supportive team environment, and meaningful work.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for home working and travel.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and families.
- Qualifications: Strong admin skills, empathy for beneficiaries, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity to join our staff team and assist in providing funding that helps transform lives. The Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners’ Royal Benevolent Society – “The Shipwrecked Mariners” for short – was founded in 1839 and operates throughout the British Isles. Our primary purpose is to provide financial help to fishermen, merchant mariners and their dependants, both retired and of working age, who are in need. The Society has over 1,200 regular beneficiaries and receives over 600 applications for assistance each year.
To help us continue to provide a great service to mariners and their families, we have an exciting opportunity for someone to join us in the role of Grants Officer. Our grants provide practical support for individuals and families that are experiencing severe financial distress and help them stabilise their situation during times of crisis. All our grants are means tested and exclusively focussed on those on low incomes (with little or no savings). A significant number of our grants are provided to those in retirement, however we also support those who are unable to work because of accident, illness, disability, or for compassionate reasons, as well as those who are struggling to find employment. Our grants are used to cover a wide range of needs but are primarily aimed at helping people maintain a reasonable and dignified standard of living. We also help those who are struggling with debts as well as providing immediate support to the dependants of seafarers who have died at sea or during accidents ashore.
We are offering this role on a full-time basis, with a minimum of 2 days per week (Tues and Weds) working from our Chichester office, but potential for home working at other times. Some travel will be required for the role, including occasional overnight stays.
To be our ideal candidate you will be:
- an experienced, self-starting administrator with excellent communication and IT skills
- have a great eye for detail
- have a clear understanding of and empathy for the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by those we are here to support
If you want to be part of a highly dedicated but relaxed and friendly team, who take great pride in supporting an often-neglected sector of UK Society, then we would love to hear from you.
To apply for this post, please click the ‘apply’ button below where you can send your CV and a supporting letter of no more than two pages of A4 (size 12 font). Your supporting letter should be focused on:
- Demonstrating how your personal qualities and experiences are closely aligned with the person specification for this role and have previously contributed to positive outcomes in your place(s) of work.
- Examples of your experience related to the key duties and responsibilities of this role.
- Helping us understand how you align with our organisational purpose and have a genuine empathy for the individuals that we support.
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 5th July 2026. We will notify those shortlisted for an interview by end of business on Sunday 12th July 2026 and hold face to face interviews on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st July 2026. The preferred start date for this role is 24th August, but we’re happy to be flexible about this for the right candidate. Candidates must have permission to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visa applications. The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society strongly believes in building a diverse team which understands the issues facing its beneficiaries, including those which most affect the quality of life and aspirations of vulnerable individuals and their families.
Grants Officer in Chichester employer: Shipwrecked Mariners' Society
The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming lives through meaningful support for fishermen and mariners in need. Located in Chichester, our friendly and relaxed work culture fosters collaboration and empathy, while offering flexible working arrangements and opportunities for personal growth. Join us in making a real difference in the lives of those we serve, as part of a committed team that values diversity and understands the challenges faced by our beneficiaries.
Contact Details:
Shipwrecked Mariners' Society Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grants Officer in Chichester
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Shipwrecked Mariners' Society.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Shipwrecked Mariners' Society.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Shipwrecked Mariners' Society.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Shipwrecked Mariners' Society. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Grants Officer in Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Shipwrecked Mariners' Society. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Grants Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shipwrecked Mariners' Society
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Shipwrecked Mariners' Society. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
