Working Title: Lead Contracts Attorney
Job Class: Staff Attorney 3
Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept
Job ID : 96617
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes*, up to 50%
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers. This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 09/02/2026 date. Please note that to be considered a bidder, you must be a permanent, non-probationary DCYF employee in the same job classification as the position posted.
Date Posted : 08/26/2026
Closing Date : 09/16/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : DCYF / MAPE
Division/Unit : DCYF / Grants & Contracts
Work Shift : Day Shift
Work Hours : 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, up to 5%*
Salary Range: $43.69 - $64.80 / hourly; $91,224 - $135,302 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF does not participate in E-Verify.
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.
* Telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is seeking a Lead Contracts Attorney. The overarching goal of this position is to ensure that all contracts to which DCYF is a party are developed and administered consistent with applicable state and federal law, and to ensure that legal options for contracting are explored and fully vetted to advance DCYF's mission, vision, and values in an ever-changing legal landscape. This position advises on the most complex issues related to contract law, regulations, policies, and procedures. Core functions include, but are not limited to:
Provide legal strategy and advisement to DCYF legal staff on complex issues related to contracting within the state system.
Provide legal advice to DCYF leadership on the most complex contract issues, including intellectual property, indemnification, insurance, tribal law, procurement, and data practices.
Develop and oversee training to support technical expertise within DCYF administrations and divisions that originate contracts.
Create and oversee a Community of Practice within DCYF to ensure the highest standards of contract compliance with state and federal requirements are routinely met.
Provide legal advice on complex competitive solicitation issues to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements and negotiate contract legal issues with outside counsel.
Facilitate and enhance DCYF compliance with statutory and policy requirements, including but not limited to retainage requirements and ethical obligations.
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, day and year for each job held.
JD degree from an ABA accredited law school;
Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota;
5 years of experience as a practicing attorney in, or related to contract law; and:
Experience providing legal counsel to executive leadership related to government contracts, grants, procurement, or compliance.
Experience interpreting state and federal laws, regulations, and policies affecting public sector contracting and grants.
Applicants who meet the above experience requirements may be further evaluated based on the following during the interview process:
Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills;
Building and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing; ability to respond openly to requests and concerns; experience translating technical information into plain language for a variety of audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with tribal nation contracting.
Experience working in health and human services, public assistance programs, government, or other highly regulated environment.
Experience in negotiation skills, diplomacy, and ability to balance competing interests and conflict in law.
Facilitate conflict resolution and ensure competing interests are appropriately balanced.
Analytical skills to assimilate information and apply it in strategic, decision-making processes.
Experience consistently managing multiple complex projects at various stages of completion at one time.
Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Requirements
It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components:
Reference check
Criminal Background check
Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
Driver's License Check
Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees
Additional assessment may be required during the interview process
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.
