Grant Specialist

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

2d•$23

About The Position

If you enjoy problem-solving, collaboration, and work that makes a real impact, this role is for you. As a Grant Specialist, you’ll help turn DHHS program ideas into funded projects that support communities across Nebraska. You’ll work with smart, mission-driven colleagues, manage meaningful projects, and become a go-to expert in grants. This position offers a hiring rate of $23.367/hour, along with a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, wellness, and professional growth. Here’s what you can look forward to: • 13 paid holidays • Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately • 156% state-matched retirement (yes, you read that right!), tuition reimbursement, and career advancement opportunities. • 79% employer-paid health insurance plans, dental and vision insurance, plus a $20,000 employer-paid life insurance policy. • Public Service Loan Forgiveness • Training and development tailored to your career goals • Fun, inviting teammates and a safe, secure work environment As a Grant Specialist, you’ll be at the heart of DHHS grant operations, helping programs turn ideas into action and funding into impact. Your day-to-day will include: Collaborating with program teams to make grants, funding rules, and compliance requirements understandable and manageable. Drafting grant agreements—from new awards to amendments and renewals—making sure everything moves smoothly from request to signature. Partnering with legal counsel to keep grants compliant with state and federal rules. Overseeing grant finances, reviewing funding, processing adjustments, and maintaining accurate records that help the agency make informed decisions. Coordinating federal reporting (FFATA/FSRS) and ensures timely, accurate reporting. Training and guiding colleagues, helping program managers and staff navigate grants systems and procedures. Leading competitive grant process by drafting Request for Applications (RFAs), providing applicant guidance and information sessions, conducting evaluator training, scoring, and presenting award recommendations — all to ensure a fair, transparent process that impacts communities across Nebraska. We’re Looking For Someone Who: Pays attention to detail and catches issues before they become problems. Communicates clearly, professionally, and in a way that makes complex rules easy to understand. Juggles multiple priorities and deadlines without losing accuracy. Learns quickly, adapts to new systems and processes, and provides guidance to others. Handles sensitive information with discretion and integrity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, or other appropriate curriculum, plus two years of significantly related work experience, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to the above requirements.
Experience can be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
Knowledge: Grant fundamentals, compliance rules, federal reporting requirements.
Skills: Drafting agreements, reviewing documentation, analyzing funding, managing priorities, communicating clearly, and problem solving.
Abilities: Interpret and apply rules, work independently, learn new systems quickly, manage multiple priorities at once, collaborate effectively, maintain confidentiality, adapt to change, troubleshoot problems, guide others, and promote consistent practices across the agency.

Nice To Haves

Experience with grant writing, grant management, competitive grants, RFAs, or federal reporting is a plus, but not required – you’ll have the support you need as you grow into this role

Responsibilities

Collaborating with program teams to make grants, funding rules, and compliance requirements understandable and manageable.
Drafting grant agreements—from new awards to amendments and renewals—making sure everything moves smoothly from request to signature.
Partnering with legal counsel to keep grants compliant with state and federal rules.
Overseeing grant finances, reviewing funding, processing adjustments, and maintaining accurate records that help the agency make informed decisions.
Coordinating federal reporting (FFATA/FSRS) and ensures timely, accurate reporting.
Training and guiding colleagues, helping program managers and staff navigate grants systems and procedures.
Leading competitive grant process by drafting Request for Applications (RFAs), providing applicant guidance and information sessions, conducting evaluator training, scoring, and presenting award recommendations — all to ensure a fair, transparent process that impacts communities across Nebraska.