HE Access and University Bursaries Lead

The HE Access and University Bursaries Lead is a crucial role in supporting the achievement of our post-18 destinations goals. Our aim is to ensure every Ark student progresses to a best fit destination – whether a top university or a high-quality alternative pathway such as a degree or higher apprenticeship – as the key to high rates of sustained destinations and future career success.

The largest part of this role is the day-to-day running of the Ark University Bursaries programme, which provides financial support to Ark alumni  HE Access and University Bursaries Lead will manage the full bursary cycle: from information sessions in schools, through applications and interviews, to termly student contracts, verification and payments, and ongoing support for alumni and funders.

Alongside the bursaries, the HE Access and University Bursaries Lead will keep momentum on our wider post-18 destinations work: maintaining our university partnerships and HE access support for sixth forms, and supporting students pursuing alternative pathways.

The HE Access and University Bursaries Lead will report into the Head of Destinations. This role is currently operating hybrid working in our West London Office on a fixed term basis working full time.

Interviews will be taking place in person on Thursday 19th November 2026.

• Coordinate the termly student contract, verification and payment process, ensuring bursary payments are accurate, timely and properly recorded
• Manage the annual application and interview process, including producing common guidance for interviewers and schools, and lead interviews
• Maintain the bursary student workflow on SharePoint, keeping records accurate, up to date and handled in line with data protection requirements
• Act as the first point of contact for all alumni queries about their bursary payments, resolving issues promptly and escalating where appropriate
• Liaise with schools, funders and alumni to deliver information sessions in schools, raising awareness of the bursary and encouraging strong applications
• Track the progress and outcomes of bursary recipients to support funder reporting and the ongoing development of the programme
• Support network approaches to helping students in KS5 with HE IAG and applications, contributing to our network goal of 77%+ progression to Ark Top Third HEIs
• Maintain relationships with Ark Top Third and Russell Group universities, including Oxbridge and other highly selective institutions, and ensure partner activity continues to add value for our schools
• Work directly with targeted school sixth forms to address access concerns and support year on year gains in progression to top third HEIs
• Work with colleagues across the destinations team to contribute to the network's apprenticeship support offer, including sharing opportunities and supporting students with applications and assessment centres
• Help schools guide each student towards their best-fit destination, whether university or an alternative pathway, based on their strengths, interests and career goals

• Right to work in the UK
• Educated to degree level
• Knowledge and experience of the post 18 destinations landscape
• Experience of managing administrative processes, including those involving finances or payments, with a high degree of accuracy
• Experience of managing an application and selection process, including interviewing
• Experience of working with young people, schools and/or alumni
• Experience of working with and influencing a range of stakeholders, including funders or donors, sometimes with conflicting priorities and viewpoints
• Ability to synthesise complex and detailed information into both written and oral presentations for senior stakeholders and donors
• Str…