Program Development Intern Jobs in Saint Paul, MN

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Grant Writing & Facilitation Intern will support the Health & Human Services Department in identifying funding opportunities, assisting with grant development, and learning the full life cycle of grants management. Under the guidance of the Deputy Director and HHS leadership, the intern will gain hands-on experience researching grant opportunities, drafting components of grant applications, gathering program data, and helping coordinate the grant development process across program areas.

This position is designed for a student interested in public service, program development, or nonprofit/government funding strategies. The intern will develop practical skills in grant writing, project coordination, and communicating with internal stakeholders. By the end of the internship, the student will have a foundational understanding of how grants support community programs and how cross-department collaboration contributes to successful applications and project implementation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Assist in researching federal, state, and private grant opportunities that align with Health & Human Services program needs.
• Support the drafting, editing, and formatting of grant application materials, including narratives, budgets, attachments, and letters of support.
• Help gather and organize program data, statistics, and qualitative information needed for grant proposals.
• Participate in cross-department meetings to learn about program goals, funding needs, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in coordinating grant development timelines, task assignments, and communication with internal stakeholders.
• Learn to interpret grant announcements, requirements, and compliance guidelines with support from HHS leadership.
• Help maintain internal grant tracking tools, documentation, and digital files to support efficient grant management.
• Support early implementation activities for awarded grants, including scheduling kickoff meetings, organizing documents, tracking deliverables, and collecting required reports or data from program staff.
• Assist in monitoring grant progress by helping compile updates, documentation, or basic reporting materials.
• Contribute to process improvements and documentation, including checklists, standard templates, and resource libraries for future grant efforts.
• Perform general administrative tasks related to grant writing, facilitation, and implementation, as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES  
This section details the essential competencies required to perform the job effectively, including a mix of technical knowledge, practical skills, and personal attributes.

• Ability to gather, organize, and summarize information from multiple sources and basic understanding of written communication principles and an interest in developing strong writing skills.
• Familiarity with using standard computer software such as email, word processing, spreadsheets, and shared file systems.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to review materials for accuracy and clarity.
• Ability to manage time, stay organized, and follow through on tasks with guidance.
• Willingness to ask questions, seek clarification, and learn new processes related to grant development and implementation.
• Comfortable participating in team meetings and communicating respectfully with staff and partners.
• Curiosity about Health & Human Services programs and the impact of public funding on community needs.
• Basic analytical or problem-solving abilities; able to break tasks down into manageable steps.
• Professionalism, reliability, and the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

LANGUAGE SKILLS 
This section outlines the communication abilities necessary for effective performance.  These skills reflect the need to interact with the public, colleagues, and other stakeholders in a clear, professional, and effective manner.

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, with a wide range of individuals, including the public, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply information from complex documents such as laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and reports.
• Ability to engage with the public, handle inquiries, resolve conflicts, and build positive relationships with a diverse population.

REASONING ABILITY
This section outlines the cognitive skills required to perform the job effectively.  This includes the ability to apply logic, make decisions, solve problems, and understand complex information. 

• Ability to identify and define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to make decisions that are sound, well-informed, and timely, even in stressful situations.
• Ability to analyze situations, consider various perspectives, anticipate potential issues, and make recommendations or decisions based on logical reasoning.
• Ability to interpret complex information, recognize patterns, and understand the implications of actions or decisions.
• Ability to think conceptually and understand the relationships between ideas that are not immediately obvious.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law.  Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee's supervisor.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work may require the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, using hands to handle, feel, and perform fine motor skills and repetitive motions, and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms overhead or below the waist.
• Sufficient vision to perform tasks such as reading documents, operating vehicles, or working with detailed data.
• Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels for tasks such as communicating with the public, colleagues, or over the phone.
• Ability to listen actively and accurately understand verbal instructions or concerns.
• Ability to explain complex or technical information in a clear, understandable manner.
• Ability to use standard office equipment (computer, phone, copier).
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Ability to work in moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting with occasional work in the field depending on grant activities and program needs.
• The internship schedule is flexible and will be determined in coordination with the supervisor. However, work activities and meetings should generally occur during standard office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some flexibility outside of these hours as approved by the supervisor.
• Regular interactions occur with department staff, law enforcement agencies, supervisors, community partners, and members of the public.
• The position requires the ability to work both collaboratively with team members and independently with appropriate guidance.
• Travel within St. Croix County is required to assist with harm reduction grant distribution and related activities; a county fleet vehicle will be provided for authorized travel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Academic internship for 2- or 4-year college students; Summer 2026 and/or Fall 2026
• Must successfully pass criminal and caregiver background check.

Pay: Unpaid Internship
Department: Health and Human Services - Administration 
FTE: 8-10 hours/week

St. Croix County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.  We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to an individual's race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.