What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grants Specialist position at City of Saint Paul?
The Grants Specialist is a key team member in the Saint Paul Emergency Management Department, responsible for securing and managing funding that supports the city’s ability to prepare for and respond to emergencies. This role requires strong collaboration with city departments, state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to ensure funding aligns with emergency preparedness goals.
The Emergency Management Department is a small, highly collaborative team that works across agencies and jurisdictions to strengthen Saint Paul’s disaster preparedness. The Grants Specialist must be proactive, flexible, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where teamwork is essential.
Here’s what you can expect to do:
Performs intermediate professional work in the administration, coordination, and oversight of grant projects and programs.
Oversees federal, state, and local grants that fund emergency preparedness programs, ensuring compliance and efficient use of funds.
Maintains accurate financial records, process reimbursements, and submit timely reports.
Works with program managers and leadership to ensure spending aligns with grant requirements and audit standards.
Researches and writes grant applications to secure and sustain funding.
Works closely with city departments, emergency response teams, community organizations, and external funding agencies to align grant-funded initiatives with public safety and preparedness goals.
Translates complex grant requirements into clear guidance for staff and partners.
Monitors and communicates changes in federal, state, and local grant regulations.
Maintains proper documentation and ensure compliance with all financial and reporting obligations.
Helps develop materials and training sessions on grant management best practices for staff and community partners.
For more information and essential functions, see our job description.
Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us. We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.
Successful candidates typically enter this role with eight years of relevant education and work experience. That path to qualification would usually include:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field; and
- Four years of work experience in grants administration, community development, or government program administration, at least two years of which must have been as a Grants Assistant or equivalent.
Substitution:
- Relevant work experience that would result in specialized knowledge comparable to the above degree can be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
- A related Master’s degree in addition to a Bachelor’s degree in a field listed above may substitute for up to two years of required work experience, in combination with two years of relevant experience.
- An Associate’s degree in a field listed above may substitute for up to two years of experience, in combination with six years of relevant work experience.
Candidates who qualify via substitution will be given equal consideration in all hiring processes and are encouraged to apply.
- Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date.
- Upload or submit the following required document via the online application system. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.)
- A resume
First time applying online? Read our How to Apply Online Guide.
Need technical support? For help with the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627.
Open Job Posting: This posting is open to anyone who meets the position requirements.
Selection Process: Applicants who meet the minimum job requirements will be placed on a hiring list for consideration. Hiring Managers may interview/hire anyone from the list. You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.
Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment. Candidates will be required to submit proof of education to Human Resources upon conditional job offer.
Human Resources Contact Information:
Ellen Friedman at 651-266-6533
Email: ellen.friedman@stpaul.gov
The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history.
Veteran’s Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran’s preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application. Click here for more information.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Salary : $76,379 - $100,433
