Grants and Contracts Specialist - Grants Specialist 2 (Intermediate)

Working Title: Grants and Contracts Specialist - Grants Specialist 2

Job Class: Grants Specialist 2

Agency: Public Safety Dept

• Job ID : 98050

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers and DPS employees eligible to bid. Eligible bidders (permanent, classified employees in the same job classification) should apply through self-service and confirm their bid by emailing Jess Fenlon at [email protected] by 11:59 PM 11/03/2026.

• Date Posted : 10/28/2026

• Closing Date : 11/12/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-MAPE

• Division/Unit : Office of Justice Programs / OJP Admin Team

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,138 - $91,224 / 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 (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.

The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) at the Department of Public Safety provides leadership and resources to reduce crime, improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, and assist crime victims. This position exists to administer state and federal grant programs relating to violence prevention and intervention, youth intervention, criminal justice, and juvenile justice. Learn more about OJP at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/about-ojp .

This posting will be used to fill two (2) positions. In these positions you will manage OJP grant and amendment processing, contract development, and annual plan management. You will independently initiate, process, and close grant agreements using IGX to ensure that all federal and state guidelines are met. Key responsibilities include:

• Creating and processing grant agreements and amendments for OJP

• Creating, processing, and managing interagency agreements, professional/technical contracts, and annual plan agreements

• Training OJP staff and grantees on grant and amendment processing steps

• Creating and managing purchase orders in SWIFT and the grant management system.

Employees may telework up to 50%, depending on the position and the needs of the division.

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

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.

• Two (2) years* experience in grant administration, program management, public administration, or closely related field.

Applicants that meet the above qualifications will be further evaluated on the following:

• Knowledge of grants management policies and procedures.

• Ability to analyze information, prioritize tasks, manage multiple priorities, and exercise sound judgment in identifying and addressing gaps in knowledge and practice.

• Ability to develop clear process documentation and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to work independently and maintain effective working relationships.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, data processing, and database concepts, techniques, and software.

• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities

*A bachelors degree in public or nonprofit administration, public policy, accounting, planning, political science, criminal justice, community and economic development, or closely related field as determined by the agency can substitute for one (1) year of experience OR a master's degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing and implementing new grant programs or modifying existing programs based on federal grant requirements or legislative direction.

• Experience as a federal grant manager and or managing sub-award of federal grants.

• Knowledge of project management principles.

• Skill in developing, implementing, and communicating technical documents such as policies, procedures, or training materials.

• Skill in community engagement, training, or providing technical assistance to potential grant applicants, grantees, community groups, or other stakeholders.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file folder and small tools. May need to maintain stationary position for long periods of time while carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, including the following components:

1. criminal history

2. reference check

3. drivers license check

4. SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former state employees only).

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.