Grants and Contracts Compliance Support Specialist / State Program Administrator Principal

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota is seeking a Grants and Contracts Compliance Support Specialist within the DCYF Grants & Contracts Support division in St. Paul. This role provides oversight of grant and contract management to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.

Responsibilities include leading risk assessments, monitoring, and implementation of internal controls to safeguard public funds while guiding staff with technical assistance and best practices in grantmaking and contracting.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience in issuing and managing public sector and/or government grants and/or contracts.
• Extensive knowledge of the full lifecycle of state and/or federal grants and/or contracts, including solicitation, evaluation, negotiation, contract execution, monitoring, payment and closeout including applicable state statutes and federal regulations.
• One (1) year performing internal compliance monitoring and risk assessment.

Responsibilities

• Lead agency-level oversight, compliance monitoring, and risk assessment of DCYF grants and contracts functions to ensure agency alignment with federal and state requirements and internal standards.
• Develop and implement agency-wide strategies to address vulnerabilities identified in grants and contracts practices.
• Provide technical assistance, general support, and specialized guidance to DCYF contract and grants staff to ensure staff across the agency have resources and information needed to achieve high quality contracting and grantmaking work.

Skills

Grant management

Risk assessment

Compliance monitoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy

Master's degree in public policy

Job description

Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal

Working Title: Grants and Contracts Compliance Support Specialist

Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job ID: 97093
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes*, up 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers. This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 9/24/2026 date. Please note that to be considered a bidder, you must be a permanent, non-probationary DCYF employee in the same job classification as the position posted.
• Date Posted: 09/17/2026
• Closing Date: 10/07/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: DCYF / MAPE
• Division/Unit: DCYF / Grants & Contracts Support
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No*
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

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.

Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.

This position provides strategic leadership and expertise for the oversight of grant and contract management work throughout the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to ensure DCYF compliance with federal and state regulations, statutory requirements, and internal policies and controls. This position leads proactive risk assessment, specialized oversight projects, and the implementation of internal controls to mitigate systemic risks and safeguard DCYF’s financial and operational integrity.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead agency-level oversight, compliance monitoring, and risk assessment of DCYF grants and contracts functions to ensure agency alignment with federal and state requirements and internal standards. Develop and implement agency-wide strategies to address any vulnerabilities identified in grants and contracts practices.
• Ensure that compliance, risk mitigation, and program integrity practices are integrated into DCYF contract and grant functions to establish a culture of accountability that effectively meets requirements and safeguards public funds. Identify and recommend long-term, agency-wide changes. Exercise necessary leadership to ensure that recommended changes are implemented.
• Provide technical assistance, general support, and specialized guidance to DCYF contract and grants staff to ensure staff across the agency have resources and information needed to achieve high quality contracting and grantmaking work.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.

Three (3) years of experience in issuing and managing public sector and/or government grants and/or contracts

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Extensive knowledge of the full lifecycle of state and/or federal grants and/or contracts, including solicitation, evaluation, negotiation, contract execution, monitoring, payment and closeout including applicable state statutes and federal regulations.

AND

One (1) year performing internal compliance monitoring and risk assessment.

Applicants who meet the above experience requirements may be further evaluated based on the following during the interview process:

• Working knowledge of grant and contract management software systems and public sector accounting systems.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls, policies, processes, and procedures.
• Strong ability to collaborate with others to design and implement effective strategies that increase compliance, mitigate risk, and strengthen program integrity.
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing; ability to respond openly to requests and concerns; experience translating technical information into plain language for a variety of audiences.

A bachelor’s degree in public policy or a related field may substitute for 12 months of experience OR a master’s degree in Public Policy or a related field may substitute for 18 months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor's or master’s degree in public policy, legal studies, business administration or a related field.
• Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP) Certification or similar compliance certification.
• Experience implementing formal compliance analyses such as descriptive analytics, diagnostic analytics/root cause analyses, predictive analytics, regulatory requirement mapping, or risk scoring.
• Experience implementing new processes utilizing Continuous Improvement and/or Change Management principles within large cross‑functional teams.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components:

• Reference check
• Criminal Background check
• Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
• Driver’s License Check
• Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees
• Additional assessment may be required during the interview process

About Children Youth & Families Dept

Our state depends on the success of Minnesota children, youth and families. The Department of Children, Youth and Families puts children at the center of state government, creating a permanent state agency and commissioner focused on elevating children and families in policy and budget decisions.

This realigns state government to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership‑driven policies, programs and practices.

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.