Sufficiency and Funding Manager

What's in it for you:

Dorset Council is committed to improving outcomes for children and young people in education, and as an education funding expert you will have a big influence on how we direct funding to best meet the needs and improve outcomes for children and young people in Dorset with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

This is a job-share opportunity to work in partnership with the current postholder. Together, you will have a strategic overview of income and expenditure within the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), particularly the High Needs Block (HNB), and will provide operational guidance, support and challenge to colleagues in schools and the council's Learning & Belonging teams.

Together, you will:

• Develop and maintain funding formulae for high needs pupils, ensuring compliance with legislation.
• Create and manage modelling for funding specialist provision in schools and academies.
• Analyse data to understand future trends in high needs funding requirements.
• Provide strategic advice and direction to senior management and elected members on financial matters.
• Support the efficient operation of the Schools Forum and engage in national lobbying for DSG funding.
• Liaise with capital colleagues on high needs capital investment programmes.

You will hold a degree or equivalent professional qualification in financial, educational, or business management, and will have:

• Substantial experience working through complex issues with internal and external partners.
• Significant experience in a similar or related financial environment.
• Extensive experience using ICT systems for data analysis and financial modelling.
• Proven track record of providing sound financial advice to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience in staff supervision and management.

• Knowledge of government legislation and guidance on school and SEND finance.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to manage large datasets.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage conflicting demands.