Grants Contracts Coordinator

State of Montana•Helena, MT

10h•Hybrid

About The Position

This role connects public resources with real community impact by helping the State of Montana secure and manage funding that supports workforce programs and services. As a Grant Writer, you will play a key role in ensuring grant opportunities are identified, pursued, and managed effectively to benefit Montanans. You will work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment that values strong communication, accountability, and continuous improvement. MISSION STATEMENT: Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity. It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here. POSITION OVERVIEW: The Legal Services unit supports the Department of Labor & Industry by providing guidance and coordination on grants, contracts, and compliance requirements. This position serves as the primary coordinator for identifying funding opportunities, developing grant applications, and managing awarded grants. The role works across divisions and with external partners to align funding strategies with program needs. This position contributes to the department’s mission by ensuring resources are secured and administered in a compliant, efficient, and impactful manner. WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU: Meaningful public impact: Support programs that strengthen Montana’s workforce and communities by securing and managing critical funding. Specialized professional growth: Build expertise in grant writing, contract coordination, and compliance within the public sector. Collaborative work environment: Partner with program staff, legal teams, and external stakeholders across the state. Transferable skill development: Strengthen skills in research, persuasive writing, project coordination, and regulatory analysis. Mission-driven culture: Contribute to an organization that values public service, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience developing written materials such as grant applications, proposals, reports, or other structured documents that require clarity, accuracy, and persuasive communication.
Experience coordinating projects or programs that involve multiple stakeholders, timelines, and compliance requirements.
Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies, contracts, funding requirements, or regulatory guidance.
Strong organizational skills, with experience managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency with standard office software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and email systems, and the ability to learn new systems as needed.
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (such as public administration, communications, business, or a related area) or equivalent experience.

Nice To Haves

Written communication and proposal development: Develop clear, persuasive, and well-structured grant applications, reports, and supporting documents.
Research and analytical thinking: Identify funding opportunities, analyze requirements, and synthesize complex information into actionable proposals.
Organization and project coordination: Manage multiple grants, timelines, and competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Collaboration and stakeholder engagement: Work effectively with internal teams, community partners, and government entities to gather input and align priorities.
Compliance and regulatory awareness: Interpret and apply grant requirements, contracts, and policies to ensure accountability and proper use of funds.
Time management and adaptability: Produce high-quality work under tight deadlines and adjust to changing priorities and funding cycles.

Responsibilities

Identify funding opportunities: Research and evaluate federal, state, and other funding sources to support agency programs and initiatives.
Develop grant applications: Prepare, write, and submit competitive grant proposals in collaboration with internal stakeholders and subject matter experts.
Manage grant lifecycle: Coordinate grant activities from application through award, renewal, and closeout to ensure continuity and success.
Ensure compliance: Monitor grant agreements, contracts, expenditures, and activities to ensure adherence to funding requirements and regulations.
Prepare financial reports: Compile and analyze financial, audit, and performance reports to meet grant and contract obligations.
Analyze project costs: Review and assess project budgets and expenditures to support accurate reporting and funding decisions.
Review contractual requirements: Interpret contract provisions and identify actions needed to meet governmental and funding requirements.
Evaluate program effectiveness: Conduct periodic reviews of grant-funded programs to assess outcomes and support continuous improvement.

Benefits

Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP
Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan
Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73%25 - 9.07%25 of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness
Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.
This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)