Working Title: Team Coordinator
Job Class: Grants Specialist Coordinator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 92073
Location : St. Paul; Bemidji
Telework Eligible : Yes; hybrid
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 03/03/2026
Closing Date : 03/30/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Operations Services /Community Grants Team
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $33.48 - $49.66 / hourly; $69,906 - $103,690 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
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 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is launching the new Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) Community Grants Program -a high-visibility, high-impact initiative designed to expand access to funding and support community-based natural resource projects across Minnesota. We are building a mission-driven team to stand up and lead this program from the ground up. If you are energized by designing systems, collaborating across sectors, and ensuring public funds are managed with excellence and integrity, this is a unique opportunity to help shape a new statewide program at its inception.
The Community Grants team partners with the Community Grants Advisory Council, agency leadership, legislators, grantees, and communities statewide to design and administer Requests for Proposals (RFPs), evaluate and award grants, monitor compliance and performance, and ensure responsible stewardship of public funds.
The DNR is seeking to fill three (3) permanent Team Coordinator positions within the Office of Management and Budget Services (OMBS), one (1) position at our office in Bemidji, MN, and two (2) at our central office in Saint Paul MN. Two complementary grant specialist senior role opportunities on the same team are also open; candidates interested in hands-on grant administration and operational responsibilities are encouraged to review that posting as well. (Job ID 92177)
As a Team Coordinator, you will serve as a functional lead in one or more core areas of the program-such as RFP design, evaluation and review, award processes, monitoring and compliance, or community outreach and assistance. This role blends technical expertise and collaboration, requiring strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to transparent, accountable grant administration.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Serve as a functional lead for one or more major program areas (RFP design, evaluation, awards, monitoring, compliance, or outreach), ensuring program effectiveness and regulatory adherence.
Perform core aspects of grant administration, including proposal evaluation, grantee communication, payment processing, compliance monitoring, records management, policy adherence, audit support, and grant closeout.
Provide technical assistance and guidance to applicants and grantees to ensure clarity of requirements and successful project implementation.
Lead and support continuous improvement of program systems, documentation, and workflows.
Support communication and coordination with the Community Grants Advisory Council and external stakeholders as needed.
Provide flexible, proactive support to the grants team to ensure smooth operations and timely progress on evolving priorities.
This position may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis, which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location at least 50% of the time.
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years of professional experience administering grant programs, overseeing grant compliance, or providing training and assistance on grantmaking policies . Prior experience must demonstrate the ability to analyze financial data for adherence and conformance to relevant statues and departmental policies or implement grantmaking policy and procedure changes .
A bachelor's degree in Grants Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy/ Administration, Accounting, Finance, Natural Resources, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Knowledge of grants procedures and techniques and the applicable state laws, rules, and regulations sufficient to administer statewide planning grants programs.
Ability to lead a functional area, exercise independent judgment, interpret and apply policy in complex situations, and provide direction or guidance to others. Program areas include: 1) RFP design, evaluation, awards, 2) monitoring, compliance, or 3) outreach.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective working relationships and clearly convey information in support of program goals and compliance requirements.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret and apply statutes, guidelines, contracts, and policies; evaluate data and complex information; identify issues and alternative solutions; resolve disputes; and develop and communicate sound policy and program administration recommendations.
Organizational and problem-solving skills sufficient to handle multiple projects, work within tight deadlines, and adapt to changes that arise.
Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Office or similar programs sufficient to create and interpret work products of advanced professional staff, reports, spreadsheets, financial analyses, databases, and correspondence.
Preferred Qualifications
A master's degree in Public Policy/ Administration, Accounting, Natural Resources, or a related field.
Knowledge of the functions of a major statewide natural resource management organization.
Experience in one or more of these areas:
Presenting to advisory councils, executive leadership, or legislative audiences.
Designing and providing training to diverse audiences with a variety of levels of expertise.
Developing or revising policies, procedures, or program guidance.
Developing and administering grant request for proposal and evaluations.
Analyzing, drafting, and executing grant or professional/technical contracts.
Continuous improvement processes, root cause analysis and project management.
Capital investment or capital improvement policies and procedures.
Additional Requirements
There are no driving duties required.
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification
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 careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
