State Prog Admin Principal; Program Administrator

Minnesota Department of Commerce; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Pension plan

Employer paid life insurance

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Commerce is seeking a Program Administrator to oversee grant administration, progress tracking, and reporting for state and federal energy programs. This role emphasizes managing relationships with partners and ensuring compliance with funding requirements.

The position involves leading meetings, coordinating efforts across diverse stakeholders, and delivering results within a dynamic, hybrid work schedule at the Golden Rule Building in St. Paul.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in grant management or similar analytical work.
• Bachelor’s degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• Advanced degree may substitute for up to 18 months of experience.
• Experience budgeting, financial analysis, and tracking program performance is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage grant administration, progress tracking, and reporting for state and federal energy programs.
• Coordinate with partners to ensure programs comply with funding requirements.
• Build and maintain key relationships; troubleshoot challenges as they arise.
• Lead meetings and workgroups across diverse stakeholders to achieve project goals.

Skills

Grant management

Budgeting & analysis

Stakeholder collaboration

Leadership meetings

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration/Policy/Nonprofit/Business

Advanced degree in Public Administration/Policy/Nonprofit/Business

Tools

PAGE System

Job description

Working Title: Program Administrator

Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal

• Job ID: 96753


• Location: St. Paul


• Full/Part Time: Full-Time


• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited


• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers


• Date Posted: 09/04/2026


• Closing Date: 09/17/2026


• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Commerce Dept / Commerce-MAPE


• Division/Unit: Programs for Innovation & Equity


• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift


• Days of Work: Monday - Friday


• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 10% of the time


• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / 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

Working Title: Program Administrator

Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal

Agency: Commerce Department

• Job ID: 96753


• 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: 09/04/2026


• Closing Date: 09/17/2026


• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Commerce Dept / Commerce-MAPE


• Division/Unit: Programs for Innovation & Equity


• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift


• Days of Work: Monday - Friday


• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 10% of the time


• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / 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 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.

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.

This position will support grant administration, progress tracking, and reporting for state and federal energy programs. Examples include Training for Residential Energy Contractors, Formula Grant, Energy Auditor Training Grant, and the Home Energy Rebates.

This position manages key relationships, troubleshoots challenges, and collaborates with partners to ensure programs are implemented effectively and in accordance with funding requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years of experience performing analysis, exercising judgment, and relying on knowledge in grant management.

A Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Science, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

An Advanced degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Science, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or a related field may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.

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

• Experience with budgeting, financial analysis, monitoring, and tracking program performance.


• Experience managing innovative projects from initial concept and development through implementation, including identifying and pursuing external funding opportunities to support project implementation.


• Experience leading meetings, facilitating workgroups, and coordinating collaborative efforts among diverse stakeholders to achieve project goals.


• Experience working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Science, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration or a related field.


• Experience managing an Energy Program and/or training.


• Experience working within the State and Federal government systems, particularly the PAGE System.


• Experience designing energy budgets and preparing quarterly reports.

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, a criminal background check and drivers' license check prior to appointment.

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.