At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic school funding and financial planning to support education in Newcastle.
- Company: Join a dynamic council team dedicated to improving educational outcomes for young learners.
- Benefits: Enjoy a role with impact, collaboration, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable learners through innovative financial strategies.
- Qualifications: Strong background in education funding or local government finance is essential.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to influence national policy at a local level.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Opportunity: Education Funding Specialist Grade: N11 Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for education and finance? Ready to influence the future of school funding in Newcastle and make a real impact on young lives? We\’re looking for a forward-thinking Education Funding Specialist to join our senior team and take a leading role in shaping the financial strategy that supports education across the city. Why This Role Matters This is a pivotal role at the heart of the councils education system. You\’ll oversee the strategic management of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), ensuring that funding for schools and educational services is allocated fairly, transparently, and in full compliance with national requirements. You\’ll work directly with schools, Council leaders, and national bodies to influence how funding supports school sustainability and educational outcomes-particularly for Newcastle\’s most vulnerable learners. What You\’ll Be Doing As the Education Funding Specialist, you will: Provide strategic leadership on all aspects of school funding and financial planning. Advise and support the Assistant Director: Education and Skills on policy development aligned with Council priorities. Lead Newcastle\’s Financial Services to Schools team, ensuring schools receive expert financial advice and support. Engage directly with the Schools Forum, DfE, and ESFA on funding allocations and consultations. Collaborate with colleagues across the Council on key issues including SEND provision, school organisation, and school effectiveness. Drive innovation in financial modelling, school budget sustainability, and value-for-money initiatives. Key Responsibilities Ensure school funding arrangements are legally compliant, transparent, and developed in collaboration with schools and forums. Design and lead robust financial monitoring systems for maintained schools to ensure sustainability and mitigate risk. Support school leaders and governors in aligning financial planning with educational priorities through guidance, challenge, and training. Lead Newcastle\’s response to government consultations on school and education funding policy. Champion best practices in financial management across all schools and educational services. Who We\’re Looking For You\’ll be a confident and credible finance leader with: Strong experience in education funding, school finance, or local government finance. A strategic mindset and the ability to interpret and influence national policy at a local level. Excellent communication skills and experience in working with senior leaders, school heads, governors, and national partners. A track record of leading teams and delivering high-quality financial services. A passion for achieving the best outcomes for children and young people through smart financial planning. Take the next step in your career and help shape the future of education
Education Funding Specialist employer: Ackerman Pierce Ltd
Contact Detail:
Ackerman Pierce Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Education Funding Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and its implications for school funding. Understanding how the DSG operates will allow you to speak confidently about its impact during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in education finance, especially those who have experience working with local councils. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends and changes in education funding policies at both national and local levels. This knowledge will demonstrate your commitment to the role and your ability to influence policy effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed financial strategies in an educational context. Highlighting your past achievements will showcase your capability to lead Newcastle's Financial Services to Schools team.
We think you need these skills to ace Education Funding Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in education funding, school finance, or local government finance. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic mindset and ability to influence policy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and finance. Explain how your skills align with the role's responsibilities, particularly in providing strategic leadership and supporting school sustainability.
Highlight Communication Skills: In your application, emphasise your excellent communication skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked with senior leaders, school heads, and governors to achieve financial objectives.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Detail your experience in leading teams and delivering high-quality financial services. Mention any specific initiatives you have driven that resulted in improved financial management or educational outcomes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ackerman Pierce Ltd
✨Understand the Role Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Education Funding Specialist. Familiarise yourself with the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and how it impacts funding allocation. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that highlight your strategic mindset, especially in relation to education funding and financial planning. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced policy or improved financial processes in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your communication skills, particularly when dealing with senior leaders and external partners.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Education
Express your commitment to improving educational outcomes for children and young people. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that align with the council's priorities, showing that you are not just a finance expert but also genuinely care about making a difference.