Working Title: Cultural and Ethnic Minority Grants Manager
Job Class: Grants Specialist Senior
Agency: Human Services Dept
- Job ID: 89694
- 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: 11/20/2025
- Closing Date: 11/24/2025
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
- Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / DHS BHA AMHS
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am to 4:30pm
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: Yes (Approximately 10% for meetings)
- Salary Range: $30.23 - $44.48 / hourly; $63,120 - $92,874 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
- FLSA Status: Nonexempt
- Re-Posting: Yes
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
We have re-posted this position. If you previously applied and are currently listed as 'under consideration', your application is still valid, and you will continue to be eligible for this role.
The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.
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.
This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.
Flexible work hours may be permitted with supervisor approval.
The position is designed to serve as the principal specialist responsible for providing statewide policy leadership, direction, and coordination for the African American Mental Health Center grant program. The role includes supporting the Cultural and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure Grants (CEMIG) throughout the grant management process and some additional grants including one-time legislated appropriations. Additionally, this position is tasked with coordinating with the Mental Health Supervision Grants program to ensure the equitable and non-duplicative distribution of grant funds to rural and underserved communities, with the goal of enhancing mental health services in these areas.
The incumbent will provide leadership, direction, and coordination across all phases of the grants and contracts process, which may span multiple program lines or involve all aspects of a specific program's operation. This includes managing pre-award, award, post-award, monitoring, and close-out phases in accordance with state and federal laws. The employee will support the development of and analyze fiscal expenditures, program evaluations, and quality indicators to draft data-informed recommendations aimed at improving the service delivery system. Moreover, the role involves offering statewide guidance on mental health and substance use evidence-based practices, while collaborating on related behavioral health policy initiatives to support an equitable, recovery-oriented system of care for underserved and rural populations.
In performing these duties, the incumbent will provide culturally competent technical assistance and consultation throughout the grants and contracts processes and program operations. This will involve engaging with a variety of stakeholders, including county and tribal governments, public health agencies, treatment providers, social service providers, advocacy groups, and other interested parties. Reporting directly to a supervisor, the incumbent will also be responsible for communicating activities, project outcomes, and progress to both internal and external stakeholders.
Specific position lead responsibilities and project work may change over time to reflect the Behavioral Health Administration priorities, initiatives, legislative updates and funding.
Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
- The employee will be responsible for directing the administration of all programmatic, technical, and budgetary aspects of the African American Mental Health Center Grant as well as additional legislated one-time appropriations, grants or sole source agreements. This role requires close collaboration with grantee provider organizations (vendors) to establish program goals and outcome measures that effectively address the mental health and substance use disorder needs of culturally specific individuals, families, and communities. The employee will ensure that these efforts are conducted in a culturally competent manner and in full compliance with applicable rules and legislation. Additionally, the employee will support the management of other legislatively appropriated funds that are dedicated to enhancing rural and culturally specific programs.
- Work closely with CEMIG Staff on aspects of the Cultural and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure Grant (CEMIG) contracts; Coordinate with the Mental Health Supervision Grants program, with the Culturally Responsive Recovery Community Grants; and with the Department of Health’s culturally specific health care grants to ensure services are provided to the highest quality.
- Develop, administer, and report on statewide grant-program criteria for three-to-five-year grant funding cycles to achieve legislative and policy goals within the limits of state and federal funding availability and legal requirements.
- Provide direction and serve as a resource to grant assistants during collaborative project development and implementation.
- Collaborating closely with grantee provider organizations (vendors) to establish program goals and outcome measures that address the mental health and substance use disorder needs of culturally specific individuals, families, and communities.
- Monitoring grantee compliance, including regular performance evaluations, site visits, and audits.
- Preparing reports and presentations for legislative, policy, or executive leadership stakeholders.
- Providing technical assistance and capacity-building support to grantees and community partners.
- Participating in or leading stakeholder engagement efforts to inform culturally specific program design.
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 of working experience demonstrating expertise with program budgets, contracts, and grants.
Experience must include:
- Understanding of core contract and grant management standards and practices.
- Grant knowledge, roles and relationships of county, tribal, state, and federal governments.
- In-depth understanding of mental health and substance use disorder services, particularly as they relate to culturally specific populations.
- Understanding of culturally specific practices and how they apply to mental health service delivery.
- Project and program management skills and experience negotiating contracts terms to a wide variety of contractors and/or grantees.
- Lived experience in an underserved community or passion and experience working with communities disproportionately impacted by mental health and substance use disorders.
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, public health, or other related fields may substitute for one (1) year of work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Variety of experiences working effectively with individuals from different backgrounds and cultures.
- Experience using Fondant Grant Lifecyle Manager.
- Experience with Minnesota’s grant management systems, such as the Contract Integration System, Enterprise Grant Management System, and SharePoint.
- Strong human relations and communication skills; communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing; respond openly to requests and concerns.
- Knowledge of Minnesota’s Human Services Mental Health Programs and/or delivery systems.
- Demonstrate a high level of soft skills to work collaboratively across divisions, administrations, and in partnership with community organizations.
- Certified Grant Management Specialist Certification.
- Experience working in Behavioral Health organizations, programs, or service lines.
Additional Requirements
- The MinnesotaDepartment of Human Services (DHS) will conduct criminal background checks on all finalists for this position. Finalists must pass the DHS background check.
- Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance. It also includes contact with the applicant's former employer(s).
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Ayanna Richardson at ayanna.richardson@state.mn.us .
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID# 89694, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Dennis Stevenson at dennis.b.stevenson@state.mn.us.
If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.
About Human Services Dept
WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.
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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
