Bursary and Welfare Manager in City of London

Location: National Support Centre, London SE1

Salary: £40k per year

Job type: Full time, permanent

Closing Date: 17th May 2026.

Marine Society have an exciting new role! Help us deliver and expand our core bursary and welfare services and support the needs of seafarers. You will manage our highly renowned Slater scholarship fund and other training bursaries, together with the Coming Ashore mentoring programme and careers advice and guidance resources.

You'll be expected to have a good understanding of seafaring training and certification requirements and have experience of working in the not-for-profit sector. A background working in the maritime sector is helpful but not essential.

The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is the leading maritime charity for youth development and lifelong learning. We are a vibrant and growing charity inspiring young people to achieve their potential through challenge and nautical adventure and also enabling seafarers and maritime professionals to realise their potential through learning and career development.

Working with our employees, cadets, and volunteers, we have built a strong vision and five-year Future Ready strategy to meet the growing demand for what we provide, both for young people, seafarers and maritime professionals - and the thousands who aspire to be the sea cadets and marine professionals of the future. It is also about equipping them to achieve their potential and thrive in a rapidly changing world, while growing our charity to benefit even more people - including those from under-represented or marginalised groups.

About the role:

This new role is to manage the bursary and welfare services of Marine Society. This requires an in depth understanding of seafarer's needs and the training and certification they require to progress in their careers, both at sea and ashore. The manager will also oversee wider aspects of careers information and guidance and assisting with fundraising activity.

Responsibilities:

• Assess and process all bursary applications, including Slater Scholarships, Worcester, Hanway and Green Skills bursaries against clearly defined eligibility criteria.
• Authorise the award of financial bursaries and approve beneficiary claims and expenses.
• Maximise the use of bursary funding and ensure successful outcomes for beneficiaries.
• Identify new bursary funding opportunities and devise bids in collaboration with the fundraising team.
• Manage the bursary and Coming Ashore programme restricted funds. Monitor and report on expenditure and activity.
• Manage the operation of the Coming Ashore mentoring programme and ensure its sustainability.
• Produce statistical reports and analysis pertaining to bursaries and welfare services for internal and external stakeholders.
• Put in place and maintain online and physical resources that provide seafarers with information, advice and guidance and supports maritime career development.
• Lead the annual Matrix accreditation process.
• Work with the Digital Marketing Coordinator to ensure the effective marketing of bursary and welfare provision through a range of media and ensure the website remains up to date and relevant to seafarer needs.
• Represent Marine Society on external committees and forums that relate to welfare, including Merchant Navy Welfare Board and Nautilus Slater Management Committee.

Requirements:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualifications/experience.
• In depth knowledge and understanding of the training needs of UK and international seafarers including their welfare and certification routes within the maritime sector both at sea and ashore.
• Experience of working as team leader or manager in the not-for-profit sector.
• Experience of preparing and presenting reports to management team and funders as required.
• Ability to use social media and press effectively to inform and promote seafarer welfare and professional development.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave per annum increasing with length of service.
• Hybrid working for many roles.
• Life assurance (4x salary).
• Private medical insurance.
• Generous pension (employer contribution up to 10%).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Wellbeing portal and EAP with 121 counselling.
• Employee development: We are investing in our employees' development and have an annual calendar of learning and development opportunities, designed to support employees to develop into their roles and stretch them to achieve their full potential.

All successful applicants are required to attend safeguarding training and undergo pre-employment checks including a criminal record check.

Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of: Student Welfare Manager, Financial Aid Manager, Student Support Services Manager, Bursary and Scholarships Manager, Student Funding Manager, Welfare Services Manager, Student Wellbeing Manager, Financial Support Services Manager, Student Assistance Manager, and Student Services and Welfare Manager, may also be considered for this role.