Grants Specialist Coordinator

Grants Coordinator

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill a Grants Specialist Coordinator position to work in the division of Parks and Trails in St. Paul, MN. The days of work are Monday through Friday. Hours of work are 8:00am to 4:30pm.

This position exists to manage programs, activities and financial oversight of the Parks and Trails Division's Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), Outdoor Recreation Grant Program, and pass through grants such as Parks and Trail Legacy Grants. This position provides leadership and expertise in the development and implementation of several financial assistance programs and policies aimed at park and trail projects for long-term benefits to the people of Minnesota.

The position also plans and coordinates a grant delivery system and implements the system in a manner consistent with applicable state and federal laws and requirements from the Department of Administration's Office of Grants Management. Primary responsibilities include financial management and administration, implementing grant/program policies and procedures, and providing high levels of customer service and technical assistance for internal and external customers.

Responsibilities include:

• Establish, implement, carry out, and manage the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), Outdoor Recreation Grant Program, and pass through grants such as Parks and Trail Legacy Grants.
• Administer state grants associated with the state Outdoor Recreation and the Natural and Scenic Area Grant Programs to ensure grantees are in compliance with program requirements and are reimbursed properly for project costs.
• Review and approve reimbursement requests using financial software to track contracts and payments.
• Responds provided information and reports and participate in special projects as assigned.
• Conduct compliance visits with grantees and view the site.
• Prepare grant agreements and amendments.
• Support organizational financial and programmatic reporting.
• Provided information and documentation for state and federal audits, as required.
• Interact daily with local units of government, federal and state partners, external partners, and other divisions within DNR.
• Respond to project-related inquiries from the public.
• Responds, provided information and reports and participate in special projects as assigned.

During the first six (6) months of employment, the selected candidate will be required to work onsite full time to complete training and onboarding. Following this period, the position may be eligible for a flexible work arrangement, including part-time telework with supervisory approval. If telework is approved, a signed telework agreement will be required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Three years of professional experience administering grant programs.
• A bachelor's degree in Grants Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy/ Administration, Accounting, Finance, Natural Resources, or related field may substitute for one year of experience.
• Demonstrated experience in project management.
• Knowledge in grants and financial management, procedures and techniques and the applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations sufficient to administer statewide grants.
• Ability to evaluate information and data sufficient to develop policy and program administration recommendations, identify alternative solutions to complex issues and convey to a diverse audience.
• Ability to analyze fiscal reports for adherence and conformance to federal laws, state statues and departmental policies.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and analyze guidelines, statutes, contract agreements, amendments, and work programs in order to interpret and apply these to individual circumstance or situations.
• Demonstrated communication skills (written and oral) sufficient to establish strong working relationships with Agency leadership, as well as Agency staff, other state agencies, grantees, and contractors; work effectively as a team member and carry out work assignments; delivering information to ensure program compliance with policies and regulations, and possess the ability to identify issues, resolve disputes, and recommend solutions.
• Organizational and problem-solving skills sufficient to handle multiple projects, work within tight deadlines, and adapt to changes that arise.
• Knowledge and experience in creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive working environment.
• Knowledge and experience reviewing, approving, and managing grant budgets.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience administering federal or state outdoor recreation-based grants.
• Knowledge of state and federal policies and procedures for the administration of grants.
• Master's degree in public policy, non-profit administration, natural resources, or a related field.
• Proficiency with financial, accounting, and grant software.
• Knowledge of departmental structure, policies, and procedures.
• Experience with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and internal control principles such as…