Grants Specialist-Adv

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Wisconsin’s Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources, is seeking a Grants Specialist to administer the HOME Homebuyer and Rehabilitation Program and the State Housing Cost Reduction Initiative. You will oversee operations, ensure fiscal compliance, develop policy, and manage contracts and reporting into HUD systems.

Travel is required within the state; some remote work is possible upon supervisor agreement.

Qualifications

• Experience with grant funded programs.
• Experience conducting training and developing curricula.
• Experience researching, drafting and interpreting program policies.
• Experience with HOME or federally funded programs or comparable state initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Oversee HOME/HHR program operations and fiscal compliance.
• Translate HUD guidance into operational policy.
• Develop, negotiate, and manage contracts.
• Provide training and technical assistance to grantees.
• Monitor programs on-site and report data to HUD systems.

Skills

Grant administration

Training delivery

Policy development

Contract management

Job description

Join an organization that strives to exceed customer expectations by delivering efficient, high-quality state government services. The Department of Administration (DOA) provides direct services to state agency customers and designs and leads initiatives to make government more innovative and cost-effective. Working at DOA offers you the opportunity to make an impact on the quality of life in Wisconsin.

The Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources (DEHCR) is seeking a a highly skilled Grants Specialist to help administer the HOME Homebuyer and Rehabilitation Program (HHR). This position supports statewide affordable housing efforts by overseeing program operations, fiscal compliance, and policy development. The role includes contract development and management, reporting into federal and state systems, conducting on‑site monitoring, and providing training and technical assistance to grantees. Some travel is required for this position. For more information about the DEHCR, visit our website .

This position will have the option of working remotely upon agreement of the supervisor but may be asked to come into the office periodically. This schedule may change based on operational needs and organizational requirements.

As the flagship agency of the State of Wisconsin, our core values at Department of Administration areAdaptability, Collaboration, Stewardship, Equity, Service Excellence, and Integrity. Our values make it possible for us to fulfill our mission, with a set of shared principles and practices, and form the bedrock of how we operate, interact, and are seen by colleagues, partners, and other agencies.

This position is headquartered at the Department of Administration State Office Building, 101 E Wilson Street, Madison, WI.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Affordable Housing Section Chief in the Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources, Bureau of Housing, this position leads program administration, compliance, and policy development for the federally funded HOME Homebuyer and Rehabilitation Program (HHR) and the State Housing Cost Reduction Initiative (HCRI). The role oversees program operations and fiscal compliance for approximately $9M annually, translates complex HUD guidance into operational policy, develops, negotiates and manages contracts, manages reporting into federal and state systems, and provides training and technical assistance to grantees. This position is responsible for tracking and analyzing housing data and reporting directly into HUD’s federal database; tracking contract expenditures; approving payments; and reporting reconciliations or discrepancies to the Section Chief. The position directs on-site annual monitoring and statewide training to ensure grantees receive consistent technical support.

Starting hourly rate for this position will be $28.24 – $42.00 per hour depending on qualifications and experience, plus excellent benefits . This classification is assigned to pay schedule/range 07-03. A 12-month probationary period is required. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan.

This position requires some travel throughout the state including overnight stays.

Due to the nature of the position, DOA will conduct background checks on applicants prior to selection. DOA does not sponsor work visas and is not an eligible OPT (Optional Practical Training) employer for F-1 international students. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility form.

Certain positions may allow remote/work from home flexibility for a portion of their work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process.

Qualifications

It is critically important that your application materials clearly describe your experience related to the stated job qualifications.

Qualified applicants will have each of the following:

• Experience working with grant funded programs
• Experience conducting training and developing training curricula

Experience researching, drafting and/or interpreting program policies

In addition, well-qualified applicants will also have at least one of the following:

• Experience working with HOME or other federally funded programs, or comparable state initiatives, including use of data systems to manage program performance and compliance.
• Experience conducting administrative and fiscal monitoring, including contract oversight, financial analysis and regulatory reporting.
• Experience working with local units of government, businesses, non-profit agencies, or other low‑income programs.

The State of Wisconsin is committed to providing opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Any applicants and employees with a disability may request reasonable accommodations.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment (VNCA) program.

Applicant materials are due by 11:59pm on Thursday, August 27, 2026.