Education Funding Specialist

Newcastle City Council; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid working

Learning and development opportunities

Local Government Pension Scheme

Supportive working environment

Opportunity to shape education in NEWK

Job summary

Newcastle City Council is seeking an Education Funding Specialist to lead strategic work in education funding and school finance across Newcastle. You will manage a team of School Funding Specialists and ensure high-quality financial services, advice and guidance to schools and partners.

You will influence funding arrangements, provide strategic advice to senior leaders and the Schools Forum, and drive compliant delivery of Dedicated Schools Grant and SEND funding outcomes in line with national

Qualifications

• 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 relationships with stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience of leading and developing teams.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Education funding

Policy & legislation

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Communication & presentation

Team leadership

Strategic advisory

Job description

This is a rare opportunity to lead some of the most important financial and strategic work within the education system. You will play a key role in ensuring that millions of pounds of education funding are allocated fairly, transparently and effectively, helping schools, settings and providers deliver the very best outcomes for children and young people across Newcastle.

Role Overview

As Education Funding Specialist, you will be Newcastle's lead professional adviser on education funding and school finance. You will lead, manage and develop a team of School Funding Specialists, setting clear priorities and ensuring the delivery of a responsive, accurate and high-quality service to schools and partners. You will oversee the development and implementation of local funding arrangements, ensure compliance with national regulations, and provide strategic advice to senior leaders, elected members, schools and the Schools Forum.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of school and education funding arrangements in line with DfE and ESFA regulations.
• Provide expert financial analysis, modelling and strategic advice to support decision-making.
• Work closely with schools, academies, colleges and other providers to maximise the impact of available resources.
• Support the management and oversight of Dedicated Schools Grant funding, including High Needs funding for children and young people with SEND.
• Develop robust financial monitoring arrangements to promote financial sustainability and minimise risk.
• Lead consultation and engagement on funding matters with schools and stakeholders.
• Contribute to local, regional and national discussions on education funding policy and reform.
• Support school leaders and governors through advice, guidance, training and development opportunities.
• Provide effective day-to-day leadership, management and development of a team of School Funding Specialists, supporting them to deliver high-quality financial services, advice and guidance to schools.

This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people in Newcastle. You will work alongside passionate colleagues and partners across education, finance and children's services, helping to shape strategic investment decisions that support inclusion, achievement and opportunity.

Required Experience and Skills

• 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.
• The ability to influence, negotiate and build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience of directly managing, leading and developing teams, including setting priorities, supporting performance and building capability.
• A commitment to innovation, continuous improvement and achieving the best outcomes for children and young people.

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where operationally appropriate.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• The opportunity to help shape the future of education in Newcastle.
• Proud.
• Fair.
• Ambitious.

About Newcastle City Council

At Newcastle City Council, our values are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud of our city, fair in our approach, and ambitious for our residents and colleagues. If you share these values and have the expertise to lead this important area of work, we would love to hear from you.