Grants Specialist Inter or Grants Specialist Senior

Minnesota Department of Commerce; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Commerce is seeking a Grants Specialist Intermediate or Senior to lead grant-related contracting activities and coordinate with a team of grant specialists on a portfolio that includes multiple programs and federal/state grants. The role supports technical assistance to agency staff and grantees, with a hybrid schedule and up to 50% telework.

Ideal candidates will have 2–3 years for Intermediate or 3+ years for Senior in grant/contract/finance administration, a

Qualifications

• Experience administering state or federal grant programs.
• Familiarity with MN State Procurement Statutes and Federal guidance.
• Strong written and verbal communication to convey complex information.

Responsibilities

• Provide the full range of grant-related contracting activities.
• Collaborate with grant specialists on day-to-day administration of multiple grants.
• Provide technical assistance to agency staff and grantees.

Skills

Grant administration

Contract administration

Financial analysis

Written communication

Verbal communication

MS Dynamics CRM

Public sector experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Accounting/Nonprofit

Advanced degree equivalence

Tools

MS Dynamics CRM

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Working Title: Grants and Contracts Specialist
• Job Class: Grants Specialist Intermediate or Senior
• Agency: Commerce Department
• Job ID: 97456
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/07/2026
• Closing Date: 10/20/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Commerce Dept / Commerce-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Resource Acquisition & Distribution
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range:
  • $27.83 - $40.63 / hourly; $58,109 - $84,835 / annually
  • $30.76 - $45.26 / hourly; $64,227 - $94,503 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Employees/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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—ness 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.

Hybrid work schedule available, up to 50% telework depending on business needs. Telework can be outside of the State of Minnesota if the candidate lives in a state bordering Minnesota and lives 50 miles or less from the primary work location. Primary work location will be the Golden Rule Building in St. Paul.

Internal candidates should contact the Human Resources Representative listed on the job posting with questions.

This vacancy is being posted at 2 job class levels: Grants Specialist Intermediate and Grants Specialist Senior. Final job class will be determined based on successful applicant’s qualifications.

This position shall provide the full range of grant-related contracting activities for the MN Department of Commerce.

The position will work in coordination with other grant specialists on the day-to-day administration of a complex portfolio of the Division's federal and state grants, including 40101d, JTIQ, and State Competitiveness Fund (SCF) Match.

This position will also provide technical assistance to agency staff and grantees.

Minimum Qualifications

Grants Specialist Intermediate

• 2 (two) years of experience performing analysis, exercising judgment, and relying on knowledge in grant, contract, or finance administration.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Writing, Nonprofit Management, or related field is equivalent to one (1) year of experience.
• An Advanced degree Business Administration, Accounting, Writing, Nonprofit Management, or related field is equivalent to eighteen (18) months of experience.

Applicants who meet the above education/experience requirements will be further evaluated based on the following:

• Experience administering state or federal grant programs
• Familiarity with MN State Procurement Statutory guidance and policy and Federal OMB Uniform Guidance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills sufficient for writing reports and communicating complex or technical information to a variety of audiences.

Grants Specialist Senior

• 3 (three) years of experience performing analysis, exercising judgment, and relying on knowledge in grant, contract or finance administration.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Writing, Nonprofit Management, or related field is equivalent to one (1) year of experience.
• An Advanced degree Business Administration, Accounting, Writing, Nonprofit Management, or related field is equivalent to eighteen (18) months of experience.

Applicants who meet the above education/experience requirements will be further evaluated based on the following:

• Experience administering or monitoring State or Federal grant programs, including grant development, award, expenditure, compliance, reporting, or closeout activities.
• Experience interpreting and applying State and Federal grant, contract, procurement, and financial requirements.
• Experience independently analyzing complex or sensitive grant, contract, or financial issues and developing recommendations or solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple grants, projects, or priorities with limited direction.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex requirements to a variety of audiences.
• Working knowledge of MN State procurement statutes, policies, and procedures and Federal OMB Uniform Guidance.

Preferred Qualifications

Grants Specialist Intermediate

• Experience with MS Dynamics CRM environment.
• Experience working in the non-profit or government sectors.
• Experience in monitoring compliance to State and Federal grant and contracting regulations.

Grants Specialist Senior

• Experience with MS Dynamics CRM environment.
• Experience working in the non-profit or government sectors.
• Experience providing technical assistance, consultation, or training related to grant administration and compliance.
• Experience developing, reviewing, or negotiating grant agreements, amendments, budgets, or other grant-related documents.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasional moving of articles such as boxes, accounting records, laptop computer, and portable printer.

Additional Requirements

Job offer is contingent upon passing reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Human Resources at [e-mail] or 651-539-1506.

About Commerce Department

Commerce protects the public interest through a broad range of regulations and programs. We oversee more than 40 industry areas in Minnesota and license about 250,000 professionals and businesses to ensure that their services and products are fair, accessible and comply with state laws.

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.