Education Funding Specialist

Overview

You will lead Newcastle’s education funding strategy, ensuring fair and effective allocation of funding to schools and providers. As the lead adviser on funding, you will shape local arrangements, advise senior leaders, and oversee a team of School Funding Specialists. The role combines financial modelling, policy interpretation and stakeholder engagement to improve outcomes for children and young people. This is a high-impact leadership position at the core of education reform and SEND funding. You will work with cross-sector partners to drive sustainable financial decisions that underpin inclusion and achievement.

Pay / Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Excellent learning and development opportunities
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Opportunity to shape the future of education in Newcastle

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of school and education funding arrangements in line with DfE and ESFA regulations
• Provide expert financial analysis, modelling and strategic advice for decision-making
• Collaborate with schools, academies, colleges and other providers to maximise resource impact
• Oversee management of Dedicated Schools Grant funding, including High Needs for SEND
• Develop robust financial monitoring to promote sustainability and reduce risk
• Lead consultation and engagement on funding matters with schools and stakeholders
• Contribute to local, regional and national discussions on funding policy and reform
• Support school leaders and governors with guidance, training and development
• Provide day-to-day leadership, management and development of a team of School Funding Specialists

Key requirements

• Significant experience in financial management and planning within a complex organisation
• Strong understanding of education funding and school finance
• Extensive knowledge of education and finance legislation, policy and best practice
• Experience of education funding, commissioning and funding formulae
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to influence, negotiate and build productive stakeholder relationships
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Experience of leading and developing teams, setting priorities and building capability
• Commitment to innovation and continuous improvement for better outcomes

• influencing
• negotiation
• strong communication
• education funding and school finance
• financial analysis and modelling
• knowledge of DfE and ESFA regulations

…