Working Title: Contract Specialist
Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 95364
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously.
Date Posted : 07/11/2026
Closing Date : 07/21/2026
Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Division/Unit : Financial Management (FiM) / FM Contracts Staff
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day hours / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Join the Minnesota Department of Health as a Contract Specialist, where you will play a vital role in shaping and managing complex professional and technical contracts that support the state's health initiatives. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence statewide contracting policies, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and ensure equitable, compliant, and efficient contract processes. We value professionals committed to health equity, inclusive practices, and continuous improvement. If you excel at problem-solving, fostering collaboration, and applying a racial and health equity lens, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact on public health through expert contract management.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and review a wide range of PT contracts, including RFPs, interagency agreements, joint powers agreements, and work orders, ensuring clarity, compliance, and timeliness.
Serve as the primary point of contact for MDH staff and external partners on contract development, providing expert guidance, training, and technical assistance.
Lead or assist in internal audits and evaluations of contracts to verify compliance with policies, regulations, and funding requirements, promoting transparency and accountability.
Maintain and improve contract tracking systems, generating reports to monitor contract status, upcoming deadlines, and audit needs.
Collaborate across agency divisions and with external agencies to streamline processes, improve policies, and implement best practices.
This vacancy announcement will be used to fill up to three (3) Contract Specialist positions.
In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework, this position is eligible for up to 50% telework for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. Candidates residing outside of Minnesota further than 50 miles of the assigned work location at the time of application must be able to relocate to Minnesota within 30 days of their start date. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement, depending on job requirements, helping the State of Minnesota access top talent across the state.
MDH relies heavily on grant funding, in addition to state appropriated dollars. As an agency, we continually monitor funding levels and navigate some degree of uncertainty related to grant cycles and the impact of the grant funding on program priorities.
This position is currently funded and approved to be filled. While the position is funded at this time, future funding is dependent on the continuation of our funding sources. The Minnesota Department of Health works proactively to sustain programs and maintain our workforce, to avoid reductions in force to the very best of our ability. In the event of a loss of funding resulting in a necessary workforce reduction, that process is governed by our collective bargaining agreements and compensation plans.
Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
Three (3) years of experience drafting, negotiating, and managing complex contracts, including familiarity with state and federal regulations. Experience must include:
Contract development, review, and compliance monitoring.
Skilled in using contract management software.
Contract auditing, risk assessment, and process improvements initiatives.
Understanding state procurement laws, federal regulations and contractual best practices.
Qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:
Effective communication skills, including clarity in explaining complex contractual concepts and policies.
Ability to collaborate and build consensus with diverse internal and external stakeholders, especially marginalized communities.
Adaptability and judgment in managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines, including navigating organizational change.
Problem-solving skills, including addressing systemic inequities.
Educational Equivalencies:
A related degree will substitute for experience as follows: Doctorate or JD may substitute for two (2) years of experience. A master's degree may substitute for 18 months of experience. A bachelor's degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience. An associate's degree may substitute for six months of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working within government agencies, especially in health or public sector contracting.
Certification in contract management (e.g. NCMA Certified Contract Management Professional).
Background in training staff on contract policies and procedures.
Experience with audit and compliance frameworks related to federal grants and funding.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
MDH does not participate in the federal E-Verify program and is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I-9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E-Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.
This agency is unable to offer H-1B sponsorship.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
