Grants Specialist / Grants Specialist Intermediate

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Health insurance

Job summary

State of Minnesota's Department of Children, Youth, and Families is seeking a Grants Specialist to process, analyze, and monitor grants, ensuring compliance and advancing program goals.

You will provide technical assistance, draft grant documents, manage records and budgets, and collaborate with program staff to support responsible funding decisions.

Qualifications

• One year professional experience of program administration with contract and grant management experience within a government agency or public sector organization.
• Experience with drafting grants and/or contracts within government agency or public sector organization.
• Experience in monitoring compliance to state or federal grant and contracting regulations.
• Experience with data management systems and financial reporting systems.
• Experience monitoring compliance activities or using grant management tools.
• Ability to analyze financial reports, review budgets, and recommend solutions to procedural and operational problems.

Responsibilities

• Process, analyze and monitor assigned grants throughout the full grants lifecycle to assure compliance with administrative processes.
• Provide technical assistance to program specialists and applicants on grants processes.
• Maintain grant program records including drafting grant agreements/contracts, budget information, program requirements and program reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned and serve as an effective member of the Office of Grants and Contracts by contributing as necessary so the entire range of team responsibilities and activities is accomplished in an appropriate and timely manner.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, or finance

Associate’s degree may substitute for six months of experience

Job description

Working Title: Grants Specialist

• Job ID: 97856
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes*, up to 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 10/27/2026 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: 10/20/2026
• Closing Date: 11/03/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: DCYF / MAPE
• Division/Unit: DCYF / Grants & Contracts Admin
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No*
• Salary Range: $27.83 - $40.63 / hourly; $58,109 - $84,835 / 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 posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies

This position exists to process, analyze and monitor assigned grants to assure compliance with administrative processes through the development and implementation of internal grant processes; provide technical assistance to program specialists and applicants/geanees on grants processes; and develop and implement a system for maintaining grant records, technical materials, budget information, program requirements and program reports.

Responsibilities include:

• Process, analyze and monitor assigned grants throughout the full grants lifecycle to assure compliance with administrative processes through the development and implementation of internal grant processes.
• Provide technical assistance to program specialists and applicants on grants processes.
• Maintain grant program records including drafting grant agreements/contracts technical materials, budget information, program requirements and program reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned and serve as an effective member of the Office of Grants and Contracts by contributing as necessary so the entire range of team responsibilities and activities is accomplished in an appropriate and timely manner.

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.**

One (1) year professional experience of program administration with contract and grant management experience within a government agency or public sector organization OR Three (3) years advanced technical or paraprofessional experience.

Experience must demonstrate:

• Experience with drafting grants and/or contracts within government agency or public sector organization.
• Experience in monitoring compliance to state or federal grant and contracting regulations.
• Experience with data management systems and financial reporting systems.
• Experience monitoring compliance activities or using grant management tools.
• Ability to analyze financial reports, review budgets, and recommend solutions to procedural and operational problems.

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

• Interpersonal skills to cultivate professional networks, build consensus, resolve conflicts, and effectively collaborate with internal and external customers to accomplish common objectives.
• Project management skills sufficient to effectively plan, budget, track, coordinate, oversee contracts and grants, and direct resources available to meet program and project needs.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance may substitute for one year of experience or a related degree as determined by the agency; Associate’s degree may substitute for six months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in the non-profit or government sectors.
• Demonstrated experience leading grant programs, budgets, contracts, payments, and financial monitoring.
• Experience contributing to or leading the development of annual or semi-annual funding or grant summary reports.
• 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

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Andrea Stronghart at [e-mail].

About The Department Of Children, Youth And Families Department

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.