Grants Administrator - Grants Specialist Senior

Minnesota Department of Administration; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Administration seeks a Grants Administrator to oversee the federal grants program under the Developmental Disabilities Act. The role supports the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, prepares performance reports, and coordinates with council members, grantees, and contractors.

Ideal candidates will have strong contract/grants experience, analytical abilities, and proficiency with grants management software, spreadsheets, and word processing.

Qualifications

• Two years of advanced professional experience with contracts or grant programs.
• Experience interpreting the legal aspects of grants and contracts across multiple policy layers.
• Knowledge of accounting and financial practices to review grant reports.
• Critical thinking to interpret policies and determine eligibility and compliance.
• Strong communication to interact with clients and officials.
• Proficiency with grants management software, spreadsheets, and word processing.
• Organizational skills to manage records and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Administer the federal grants program under the Developmental Disabilities Act.
• Serve as staff to the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities Grant Review Committee.
• Compile data and prepare the annual Program Performance Report.
• Support a 25-member Council, grantees, and contractors.
• Perform other duties to meet statutory obligations.

Skills

Contract interpretation

Grant management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Records management

Financial review

Policy interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field

Tools

Grants management software

Spreadsheets

Word processing

Job description

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/08/2026
• Closing Date: 10/28/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Developmental Disabilities Council
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $30.76 - $45.26 / hourly; $64,226 - $94,502 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Grants Administrator

Job Class: Grants Specialist Senior

Agency: Administration Dept

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The mission of the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities (DD Council) is to provide information, education, and training to build knowledge, develop skills, and change attitudes that will lead to increased independence, productivity, self-determination, integration, and inclusion (IPSII) for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

In this dynamic and dedicated team of three (3) individuals, we are seeking a Grants Administrator to administer the federal grants program under the Developmental Disabilities Act (P.L. 106-402) by carrying out the program goals of the Five Year Plan; serve as staff to the Grant Review Committee of the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities; compile all data and prepare the annual Program Performance Report; support a 25-member Council, grantees, and contractors; and perform other duties as necessary to meet our statutory obligations.

This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, additional onsite attendance may be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy for details.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two (2) years experience of advanced professional level work with contracts and/or grant programs.
• Experience interpreting the legal aspects of grants and contracts to navigating multiple layers of institutional, system, state, federal, and grantor policies to maintain existing and pursue new grant opportunities.
• Knowledge of accounting and financial practices and principles to review grant financial reports and recognize problems.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to interpret policy and procedures that may be ambiguous or not well-defined; review progress and financial reports; and determine eligibility and compliance with requirements, state statutes, and grant management policies.
• Skill in human relations to tactfully communicate with clients when problems arise and develop strong working relationships with local, state, and federal officials.
• Proficiency with software related to grants management, spreadsheets, and word processing.
• Organizational skills to manage records, work on multiple projects, and meet deadlines with attention to detail and accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with public sector financial or grants management.
• Knowledge of the Developmental Disabilities Act, OMB circulars, and best practices in developmental disabilities.
• Knowledgeable about information, resources, and access for individuals with disabilities.
• Champion change by continuously seeking improvement practices, along with examining best practices.
• Cultural competency, sensitivity, and awareness of differences, barriers, opportunities, and other various backgrounds.
• Possess strong self-awareness and high emotional intelligence.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicant must pass a criminal background check through American Databank and employment reference checks prior to employment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.

About The Department Of Administration

The Department of Administration is a core service agency serving the Governor, Legislature, state agencies, local governments, and the public. Our mission is to provide leadership, innovation, solutions, and support to help our partners succeed. To learn more about us, please visit mn.gov/admin.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources, and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.