Grants Manager - Grants Specialist Sr

Minnesota Department of Public Safety - DPS; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 64,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Public Safety seeks a Grants Manager to administer state and federal grant programs within the Office of Justice Programs. You will lead grant development, monitor compliance, and coordinate training for internal staff and external applicants.

The Grants Senior role focuses on establishing goals, implementing reporting systems, and ensuring program integrity while collaborating with diverse partners across the state.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years* of dedicated experience in program management, public administration, or closely related field.
• Experience interpreting and applying complex laws, regulations, polices, and procedures to ensure program compliance.
• Experience identifying and responding to non‑compliance concerns and developing corrective action plans.
• Knowledge of accounting and budgeting principles and ability to review financial documentation.
• Experience managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and strong problem‑solving skills.
• Clear communication to varied audiences in written and verbal formats.
• Ability to work with diverse backgrounds and communities.
• A bachelor’s degree can substitute for one year of experience or a master’s degree for eighteen months.

Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor a portfolio of state and federally funded grants for the Office of Justice Programs.
• Provide comprehensive grant program administration including development of new grant programs and competitive funding processes.
• Lead special projects to improve grant administration efficiency and compliance.
• Engage with communities and provide training and technical assistance to applicants and grantees.
• Develop, implement, and communicate policies related to grants administration.
• Provide high levels of customer service and technical assistance to grantees.

Skills

Program management

Public administration

Grant administration

Financial reporting

Communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in public or nonprofit administration

Master's degree may substitute for experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers and for all current Minnesota Department of Public Safety employees only. Eligible bidders (permanent, classified employees in the same job classification) should apply through self-service AND confirm their interest bid by emailing [e-mail] by 11:59 PM 10/19/2026.
• Date Posted: 10/13/2026
• Closing Date: 10/26/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Office of Justice Programs / OJP GRANTS RED TEAM
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• 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: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Grants Manager

Job Class: Grants Specialist Senior

Agency: Public Safety Dept

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.

The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) at the Department of Public Safety provides leadership and resources to reduce crime, improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, and assist crime victims. This position exists to administer state and federal grant programs relating to violence prevention and intervention, youth intervention, criminal justice, and juvenile justice.

The OJP Grants Specialist Senior is responsible for administering state grant programs. The Grants Specialist Senior establishes program goals and objectives, is a project leader for grant programs, develops financial and programmatic reporting systems, develops, and conducts grant program administration training sessions for both internal and external stakeholders, monitors compliance of grantees, and evaluates policies and procedures for program administration.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage and monitor a portfolio of state and federally funded grants for the Office of Justice Programs.
• Provide comprehensive grant program administration including development of new grant programs or modification of current grant programs and the execution of competitive funding processes.
• Lead special projects for the Office of Justice Programs to improve the efficacy, efficiency, and compliance of OJP grants administration and access to OJP’s grant programs.
• In collaboration with the External Relations Unit and Operations Unit, develop and execute community engagement with and training and technical assistance to potential grant applicants, grant applicants, grantees, community groups, and other stakeholders regarding OJP funding opportunities and OJP grants administration.
• Develop, implement, and communicate policies, procedures, and processes related to grants administration for OJP.
• Provide high levels of customer service and technical assistance to grantees and potential grantees.

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

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 and year for each job held.

• Two (2) years* of dedicated experience in program management, public administration, or closely related field.

Applicants that meet the above qualifications will be further evaluated on the following

• Experience interpreting and applying complex laws, regulations, polices, and procedures to ensure program compliance, including experience administering and managing grants, contracts, or other legal agreements
• Experience identifying and responding to non‑compliance concerns, including developing corrective action plans and maintaining accountability while preserving effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of accounting and budgeting principles sufficient to review financial documentation, identify discrepancies, and resolve fiscal reporting issues.
• Experience managing multiple tasks, attention to detail, organization, meeting deadlines, strong problem‑solving skills, and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Communication skills sufficient to present complex information in plain language to varied audiences including one‑on‑one communication, written reports, and presentations.
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to establish collaborative working relationships with colleagues and partners with varied backgrounds and experiences.
• Excellent computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities
• A bachelors degree in public or nonprofit administration, public policy, accounting, planning, political science, criminal justice, community and economic development, or closely related field as determined by the agency can substitute for one (1) year of experience OR a master's degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience analyzing, interpreting, and implementing federal and state laws, rules, policies, and procedures related to grant program administration.
• Experience as a federal grant manager and/or managing sub‑awards of federal grants.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of project management.
• Experience developing, implementing, and communicating technical documents such as policies, procedures, processes, or training materials.
• Experience with community engagement, training, and/or technical assistance to potential grant applicants, grant applicants, grantees, community groups, and other stakeholders regarding public funding opportunities and public grants administration.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file folder and small tools. May need to maintain stationary position for long periods of time while carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

• criminal history
• reference check
• drivers license check
• SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former state employees only).

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

About Public Safety Dept

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a diverse, complex agency dedicated to serving communities across the state. DPS has 10 public facing and four support divisions with about 2,400 dedicated employees operating programs statewide that all have one goal: Building a safer Minnesota.

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.

• 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
• 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.

For accommodations or questions about accessibility specifically relating to this job announcement, please email the Affirmative Action Division at [e-mail] or call 651-539-1875 (voice) or using your preferred telecommunications relay provider.