Grants Unit Manager - State Program Administrator Manager Senior

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 94,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays yearly

Health, dental, vision plans

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) seeks a dynamic leader to direct and modernize the agency’s outgoing grants management operations, ensuring strong internal controls, financial accountability, and consistent statewide grant practices.

This role provides strategic oversight for more than $500 million in state and federal funds, guiding the full lifecycle of grants—from policy design and risk mitigation to training and enterprise collaboration.

Qualifications

• Experience with government grants and internal controls.
• Experience applying Uniform Guidance and state grant policies.
• Experience leading process improvements in financial/grants environments.
• Experience supervising staff or leading cross-functional teams.
• Experience developing grants policies or training materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead agency-wide grants oversight and ensure strong internal controls across all outgoing grant processes.
• Supervise and develop a professional grants management team.
• Drive continuous improvement using analytics, process mapping, and risk-based decision making.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal grant regulations.
• Oversee the development and delivery of agency-wide grants training programs.
• Serve as MDH’s representative in statewide grants governance and cross-agency initiatives.
• Provide authoritative guidance to executives and program leaders on grants policy and compliance.

Skills

Grants management

Internal controls

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

CGMS credential (preferred)

Job description

Working Title: Grants Unit Manager
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 97486
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted: 10/15/2026
• Closing Date: 11/04/2026
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Financial Management / Grants Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $44.80 - $64.46 / hourly; $93,542 - $134,592 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Managerial Plan

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.

Job Summary

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking a dynamic leader to direct and modernize the agency’s outgoing grants management operations, ensuring strong internal controls, financial accountability, and consistent statewide grant practices. This role provides strategic oversight for more than $500 million in state and federal funds, guiding the full lifecycle of grants—from policy design and risk mitigation to training and enterprise collaboration. The ideal candidate is an experienced grants professional who thrives at the intersection of financial stewardship, operational excellence, and public service. This is an opportunity to shape statewide grant standards, strengthen internal controls to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse, and elevate the effectiveness of MDH’s investments in communities.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Lead agency-wide grants oversight and ensure strong internal controls across all outgoing grant processes.
• Supervise and develop a professional grants management team.
• Drive continuous improvement using analytics, process mapping, and risk-based decision making.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal grant regulations, including the Uniform Guidance.
• Oversee the development and delivery of agencywide grants training programs.
• Serve as MDH’s representative in statewide grants governance and cross-agency initiatives.
• Provide authoritative guidance to executives and program leaders on grants policy and compliance.

In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework, this position is eligible for up to 50% telework for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement, depending on job requirements, helping the State of Minnesota access top talent across the state.

Qualifications

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.

Four (4) years of experience working with government grants, is required, along with the following additional qualifications:

• Experience managing the full lifecycle of state or federal grants, including applying internal controls and compliance measures.
• Experience interpreting and applying federal Uniform Guidance and state grant statutes/policies.
• Experience leading process improvement initiatives within a financial, grants, or regulatory environment.
• Experience supervising staff or leading cross-functional project teams.
• Experience developing or implementing grants policies, procedures, or training materials.
  

Strong ability to multitask and manage competing deadlines in a complex, high-volume environment.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex policy concepts.

Strong facilitation and relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholder groups.

Sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in ambiguous or high-pressure situations.

Demonstrated ability to lead change, adapt to evolving needs, and champion continuous improvement.

A related degree may substitute for experience as follows: Doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience; Juris Doctor or master's degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; bachelor's degree may substitute for one year of experience; associate degree may substitute for six months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience designing or assessing internal controls related to grants, financial monitoring, or risk management.

Experience in government grants management at the state or federal level.

Experience representing an agency or organization in enterprise-wide workgroups or policy forums.

Project management experience leading department-wide or multi-agency initiatives.

Experience developing and delivering training to grant managers or grantees.

National Grants Management Association (NGMA) membership, Grants Management Body of Knowledge (GMBok) training.

Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS) credential (or progress toward credential).

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.

MDH does not participate in the federal E-Verify program and is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I-9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E-Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at [e-mail] .

About Health Department

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

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

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
• 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.