What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grants Specialist position at Minnesota Historical Society?
JOB TITLE: Grants Specialist
OPEN TO: This job is open only to current employees of the Minnesota Historical Society.
LOCATION: History Center - 345 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102
COMPENSATION: Typical starting range $59,841.60 - $65,332.80 annually
STATUS & HOURS: Full-time, regular (approximately 2080 annual hours) position.
BENEFITS: Eligible to participate in State Employee Group Insurance Program and a retirement program with employer contribution. Generous vacation and sick time accruals with additional paid holidays.
DESIGNATION: Bargaining Unit AFSCME Local 3173
POSTING DATE: July 01, 2026
DEADLINE DATE: July 15, 2026
TO APPLY: Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a resume and cover letter by the application deadline date.
DESCRIPTION: This position administers the coordination and evaluation of the MNHS’s external grants programs, and participates in the process of reviewing and awarding approximately $6 million in publicly funded grants annually.
SUMMARY OF WORK: 1) Coordinate, guide and evaluate the external grant programs for the full grant cycle from initial inquiry to final reporting; 2) Ensure consistency in the interpretation of grant program requirements and standards with Local History Services and historic preservation programs and services; 3) Provide professional expertise to applicants regarding history-related or historic preservation projects; 4) Coordinate the development, implementation, and maintenance of the Society’s grant systems, both paper and digital.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree history or closely related field or equivalent experience.
Five years progressive experience.
Direct experience in grant making (i.e. the review and awarding of grants), including knowledge in public funding, philanthropy, and the nonprofit, education, and government sectors.
Knowledge and experience in the field of grants management and demonstrated ability to work successfully with people in completing a wide variety of projects requiring adherence to specific, detailed, and technical guidelines.
Demonstrated understanding of interpretation of professional standards for digital media, historical organizations, conservation, archives, and interpretation and integration with the department’s education, Local History Services and historic preservation programs and services.
Strong organizational skills and record keeping capabilities plus the ability to organize and prioritize projects according to deadlines, complete complex projects independently, and work under time constraints.
Strong customer service experience, with solid communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation).
Strong computer skills; speed and accuracy in using word processing, database, web applications, and spreadsheet programs.
Practical application of business correspondence practices and basic bookkeeping procedures.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Advanced degree in history, historic preservation or closely related field.
Basic knowledge of American and Minnesota history.
Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations relating to grants and contracts.
Should you have questions with the application process, email humanresources@mnhs.org or call MNHS Job Line at 651-259-3181.
At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.
Salary : $59,842 - $65,333