Introduction Do you love building collaborative relationships? This position works with internal and external partners to assist in the management and coordination of the Wisconsin Fast Forward grant program. Use your grant management expertise and people skills to serve as a point of contact to ensure compliance with programs and services. Apply today for the Grants Specialist - Advanced vacancy in the Division of Employment & Training, Office of Skills Development.
The Division of Employment & Training has a permanent vacancy for a Grants Specialist - Advanced. This position will be headquartered in Madison, WI with the ability for remote work, based business needs.
The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) offers interesting and meaningful work with an employee-friendly and inclusive work environment, work-life balance, a casual office environment, flexibility, and many opportunities to grow your skills. Apply now to find out why there's so much to love about working for Wisconsin .
This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies (permanent, project or Limited Term).
Position Summary - Coordinate and administer Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) worker training grants with applicants and award recipients
- Manage grant schedules, reporting processes, contracts, and compliance requirements for a grant portfolio
- Develop and implement grant-related policies, procedures, guidelines, and workforce training programs
- Monitor grant objectives, expenditures, progress reports, and project outcomes, including conducting on-site evaluations and reviewing final reports
- Provide technical assistance, consultation, and training to grantees, stakeholders, and partner organizations
- Assist with grant application review, award processes, program planning, and policy analysis while serving as a technical resource on grant administration
- Coordinate stakeholder meetings, training events, and media activities in partnership with OSD staff and the DWD Communications Office
- Collaborate with IT and finance staff to support application development, accounts payable processes, auditing functions, and program operations
To learn more, please review the position description .
Salary Information Starting pay is between $34.00 and $40.00 per hour, depending on qualifications, plus an exemplary benefits package :
- Generous paid time off , including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap.
- Excellent and affordable health insurance options (2026 rates start at $45/month for single and $111/month for family coverage).
- Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more).
- A top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
- A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses.
- A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services.
Public service is rewarding! This position may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness .
Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see an estimate of the total value of our competitive benefits package!
The classification title for this position is Grants Specialist - Advanced (schedule 07, range 03). A 12-month probationary period will be required. This position is not represented in a collective bargaining unit and is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Pay will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan in effect at the time of appointment. Starting pay may vary for current state employees.
Job Details Travel: Occasional statewide travel is required, with the occasional need for an overnight.
Remote work: Employees with approved remote and hybrid-remote work arrangements are generally expected to work within the state of Wisconsin. High-speed internet access is required to meet the needs of remote work. Remote work options are subject to change.
Criminal histories: W e also consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Finalists for this position may be required to allow DWD to conduct a background check or other checks to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled. For positions with access to sensitive federal tax information, FBI fingerprinting may also be required.
Eligibility to work in United States: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e. a US citizen or national or a lawful permanent resident) at the time of appointment. DWD does not sponsor visas and is not an eligible OPT employer for those with F1 visas. This is not a contract position. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant completing the I-9 upon hire.
Qualifications Qualifications marked with an asterisk (*) below will be evaluated in the first step of the selection process. Additional qualifications may be evaluated in subsequent steps.You
need to have the following experience:
- *Providing oversight for grant awards (e.g. managing the grant application process, monitoring grantees for compliance, reviewing eligibility determinations, etc.)
- *Reviewing requests for reimbursement of approved expenses and managing the distribution of the funds (e.g. including experience with a Request For Proposal/Request for Applications process)
- *Monitoring recipients for compliance with complex statutes/regulations/guidance, including prescribing and monitoring corrective action
- *Reviewing and approving submitted reports (e.g. quarterly program, final reports, fiscal reports, etc.)
- Researching, analyzing, developing, and implementing policies and procedures
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to relate interpersonally with others to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Any of the following experience would be
nice to have:
- *Negotiating the resolution of noncompliance issues (e.g. notifying grantees of failure to meet compliance, assisting grantees with getting back to compliance, etc.)
- *Developing and providing training or technical assistance to internal and/or external stakeholders
- Participating in an IT project as a subject matter expert (e.g. defining business rules, systems testing, implementation planning, etc.)
- Establishing and meeting multiple work deadlines and prioritizing tasks with competing priorities
- Problem solving skills
How To Apply Note: If you are viewing this posting on an external site, please visit Wisc.Jobs (search 20948) to complete your application.To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. That will prompt you to access your existing account or create a new account. You will be asked to attach a resume and a letter of qualifications as part of the application process. It is important that these materials clearly illustrate how your qualifications relate to the qualifications of this job. Please review this additional guidance on developing your resume and letter of qualifications (including a template) as you prepare to apply.
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general Wisc.Jobs user information and technical assistance.
- Technical issues: if you encounter issues submitting your on-line application (e.g. signing in or uploading a resume), please email the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov or call (608) 267-1012 (Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm).
- Position questions: if you have questions about the position or this recruitment (e.g. projected start date, skills needed, etc.), please email Deb at DJTJobs@dwd.wisconsin.gov or call (608) 266-1024.
Please note that once you submit your application, you will not be able to update your materials.
What happens next? A panel will review your application materials to determine your eligibility for further consideration in the selection process. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process, which is typically a virtual interview.
DWD values a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer . Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.
The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.
Deadline to Apply Application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM (central standard time) on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.