American Indian Mental Health Block Grant Manager - Grants Specialist Senior

Location: St. Paul
Telework eligible: Yes (applicants must reside in Minnesota or a bordering state within 50 miles of the primary work location)
Full-time, unlimited position
Day shift: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday
Travel required: Approximately 25% for meetings

About the Role

In coordination with the Central Grants Office, the Mental Health Grants Manager provides leadership and direction for the lifecycle of culturally specific grants and contracts processes, focusing on mental health initiatives across multiple program lines. This includes facilitating pre-award, RFP, award, post-award, monitoring, and close-out phases of the grant process in accordance with state and federal laws, regulations, and mandates.

The Grants Manager collaborates with internal teams, Tribal Nations, urban American Indian community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure culturally specific needs are met effectively. This position partners on targeted activities, projects, and outcomes with the American Indian Mental Health Policy Lead and other Behavioral Health Division staff, as well as staff from other DHS divisions and state agencies.

The incumbent serves as a tribal liaison for the Mental Health Block Grant within Tribal Nations and urban American Indian communities, providing technical assistance, consultation, and significant stakeholder engagement. Reporting directly to the AI Team Manager, the incumbent will report on various activities, projects, and outcomes to supervisors and managers within the agency, division, or department.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Mental Health Tribal Liaison and lead community engagement efforts with Tribal Nations and urban American Indian communities.
• Manage the full lifecycle of grants and contracts, including pre-award, RFP development, award, post-award monitoring, and close-out phases in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Collaborate with internal teams, Tribal Nations, urban American Indian leaders, and other stakeholders to address culturally specific mental health needs.
• Provide technical assistance and consultation on mental health initiatives and the Mental Health Block Grant.
• Develop work plans, conduct financial reconciliations, and negotiate contracts.
• Manage budget and financial administration for grants and contracts.
• Engage in project and program management, including data research to identify best practices, track program results, and present findings.
• Partner with the American Indian Mental Health Policy Lead and other Behavioral Health Division staff on targeted projects and outcomes.
• Report on activities, projects, and outcomes to agency supervisors and managers.

Requirements

• Two (2) years of experience working with grants and/or contracts for a human services or mental health program, demonstrating:
  • Understanding of grant management processes and cultural specificity within public health.
  • Expertise in program evaluation, budgeting, and government grants/contracts, including RFP management.
  • Experience developing work plans, conducting financial reconciliations, and negotiating contracts.
  • Project/program management experience, including data research skills to identify best practices, track results, and present findings.
• Lived experience in an Urban American Indian community or experience working with American Indian communities providing services.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, public health, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working effectively with diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Knowledge of Minnesota’s Behavioral Health service delivery systems.
• Familiarity with internal control frameworks and 2026 OGM fraud prevention policies.
• Knowledge of current mental health service strategies and evidence-based best practices.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Community engagement experience.
• Ability to deliver and train on mental health treatment programs.
• Strong human relations and communication skills, including clear and professional verbal and written communication.

Additional Requirements

• Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) criminal background check required for all finalists.
• Employee reference checks will be conducted for all finalists, including documentation review and contact with former employers.
• Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment; DHS does not provide sponsorship for work visas.

Pay

$30.76 - $45.26 hourly; $64,226 - $94,502 annually

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF, and diabetes care.
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan providing income after three years of service.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Resources for physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.
• Career development support:
  • Training, classes, and professional development opportunities.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including:
  • Mental health, relationship challenges, grief and loss, financial, and legal support.
  • Daily living/convenience services (chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care).

Benefits eligibility varies based on employment type, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service.