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). 

What you can expect to be doing: 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.

About You: 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.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• 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.

The expected working pattern for this job-share post is for 20 hours over 3 days per week, year-round with hybrid working available. Term-time only or other working patterns may be considered.

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We:

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You will:

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.

Find out more about how to apply.