Grants Program Specialist

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 59,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Dakota Victim Services Program (SDVS) under the Department of Public Safety seeks a meticulous professional to oversee programmatic, financial, and compliance aspects of federal and state grant programs across South Dakota. You will work with partners, provide technical assistance, and ensure grant operations meet laws and best practices.

Regular travel within the state is required for monitoring, training, and collaboration with subrecipients and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with trauma-informed, victim-centered approaches.

Responsibilities

• Regular in-state travel and on-site monitoring.
• Conduct programmatic and financial monitoring of grant-funded programs.
• Review reimbursement requests for allowability and compliance.
• Provide training and technical assistance to subrecipients.
• Develop quality assurance processes and monitoring tools.
• Analyze program performance and recommend improvements.
• Interpret federal/state regulations and agency policies.
• Collaborate with community organizations and stakeholders.
• Participate in stakeholder workgroups and initiatives.
• Assist with policies and guidance documents.

Skills

Regulatory interpretation

Grant compliance

Stakeholder communication

Tools

Data management systems

Spreadsheets

Word processing software

Job description

Job ID: 37262
Agency: Public Safety
Location: Statewide with preference for Pierre, SD; Rapid City, SD; or Sioux Falls, SD
Salary: $28.54-$29.97 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: J
Closing Date: 09/17/2026

The South Dakota Victim Services Program (SDVS), within the Department of Public Safety (DPS), is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our team.

SDVS administers federal and state grant funding to nonprofit and governmental organizations that provide direct services to victims of crime throughout South Dakota. SDVS also oversees the Crime Victims' Compensation Program, which assists victims and survivors of violent crime with eligible expenses resulting from their victimization.

This position is responsible for the programmatic, financial, and compliance oversight of federal and state grant programs. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with community partners, provide technical assistance and training, conduct monitoring activities, and help ensure grant-funded programs operate in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and best practices.

• Regular in-state travel;
• Conduct programmatic and financial monitoring of grant-funded programs, including on-site reviews and desk audits;
• Review reimbursement requests and supporting documentation to determine allowability, accuracy, and compliance with grant requirements;
• Provide training and technical assistance to subrecipients regarding grant administration, reporting requirements, and compliance obligations;
• Develop and implement quality assurance processes and monitoring tools based on federal and state regulations;
• Analyze program performance, identify areas for improvement, and recommend corrective actions when necessary;
• Interpret and apply federal regulations, state laws, administrative rules, grant conditions, and agency policies;
• Collaborate with community organizations, governmental agencies, and stakeholders to strengthen victim services and improve service delivery;
• Participate in stakeholder workgroups, committees, and initiatives focused on services for victims of crime;
• Assist with the development, revision, and implementation of policies, procedures, forms, and guidance documents;
• Participate in ongoing professional development related to trauma-informed, victim-centered, and evidence-based practices;
• Travel throughout the state to conduct monitoring activities, provide training, and attend meetings;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Public Safety. For more information on the Department of Public Safety, please visit https://www.sd.gov/dps .

The Ideal Candidate Will Have: A commitment to responsible stewardship of public funds and the effective administration of programs supporting crime victims. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills and be capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. This individual should be comfortable working independently while building collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and a willingness to identify opportunities to strengthen program operations, improve processes, build efficiencies, and implement practical solutions.

Knowledge of (preferred, but not required):

• generally accepted accounting principles and financial management concepts;
• trauma-informed and victim-centered service approaches;
• data management systems, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing software;
• project management and preparation of complex reports and documents
• federal and state grant administration principles and practices.

Skill to:

• interpreting and applying laws, regulations, policies, and grant requirements;
• reviewing and analyzing financial, programmatic, legal, and administrative documentation;
• identifying compliance concerns and recommending effective solutions;
• developing and delivering training to diverse audiences;
• communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing;
• building productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
• providing professional, responsive, and respectful customer service.

Ability to:

• analyze program outcomes and implement process improvements;
• manage multiple projects and deadlines with minimal supervision;
• exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions;
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, subrecipients, partner agencies, and the public;
• learn new systems, regulations, and program requirements quickly and accurately;
• work effectively under pressure while maintaining professionalism and attention to detail.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration Telephone: [phone] Email: [e-mail] http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

'An Equal Opportunity Employer'

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