Working Title: Lease Specialist
Job Class: Lease Specialist
Agency: Administration Dept
Job ID : 96607
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 09/02/2026
Closing Date : 09/21/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE
Division/Unit : REM Leasing
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - up to 30%
Salary Range: $31.81 - $46.96 / hourly; $66,419 - $98,052 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
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.
The Real Estate and Construction Services (RECS) division manages over 320 construction projects and 800 property leases annually. Overall, the State has a real property footprint that includes 5,585 buildings and gross square feet and acreage equaling about 5.5% of the State. This position works in the Real Estate section/unit. To learn more about what we do, please visit our webpage (https://mn.gov/admin/government/real-estate/) .
The Lease Specialist serves as a key resource for state agencies by providing professional expertise in the negotiation, preparation, and administration of a broad range of lease agreements. In this position, you will ensure all leasing activities comply with applicable statutes, policies, procedures, and administrative requirements; and that each lease supports agency operations and service delivery. By applying technical expertise, you will negotiate and prepare (in some cases assist) all @types of commercial leases to meet the needs of the various state agencies needing to lease office and storage spaces, parking stalls, land, warehouse spaces, licensed adult foster care homes/community residential setting, residential treatment facilities, supervised living facilities, community behavioral health hospitals and other treatment facilities, dental clinics, driver and vehicle services testing sites, vehicle inspection sites, accident investigation sites, airport hangars, boat slips, equipment monitoring locations, radio towers, etc. This work includes leasing state-owned and non-state-owned property for state agencies; negotiating and preparing lease documents; negotiating and drafting income leases for the use of surplus state-owned land and buildings by private businesses or individuals, or by various political subdivisions of the state; preparing market comparison analysis and reports; and acting as a liaison and facilitating problem-solving between the landlord and agency.
If you are self-directed and are able to work independently with minimal supervision, possess good interpersonal and human relations skills, and are able to collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders, partners, and/or customers, please apply!
This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, additional onsite attendance may be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) for details.
In addition, traveling of up to 30% to conduct property tours and visit construction sites; and to meet with stakeholders, partners, and customers throughout the State will be required.
Minimum Qualifications
The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position.
Two (2) years of experience locating and negotiating commercial leases for office and storage space and preparing commercial lease agreements or equivalent related experience.
A Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, law, real estate, or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
An Associates degree as specified above may substitute for six (6) months of experience as described.
Applicants who met the above requirements will also be evaluated on the following:
Knowledge of acceptable principles and practices of commercial leasing, operation and maintenance of buildings, construction build-out, property management, and contract management.
Knowledge of fiscal management practices related to lease budgeting, construction cost estimating, financial analysis, and operating expenses reconcilitation.
Effective communication skills to produce clear and concise reports, lease documents, and correspondences; along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint), web conferencing platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, WebEx, etc.), and other online tools necessary to perform work duties efficiently.
Understanding of the factors that influence real estate values, including market conditions, property rights, taxes and other assessments, operating expenses, and public records; along with knowledge of commercial real estate trends, valuation principles that influence lease rates, property selection, and overall leasing strategy.
Ability to effectively negotiate, compromise, and mediate terms and conditions for lease documents, including ability to identify and resolve issues between landlord and tenants and respond effectively.
Strong customer service skills to develop and sustain productive, effective, and positive working relationships with people at all levels, both within government and private sector.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of applicable state statutes and rules related to leasing and other real estate transaction, building codes, operation and maintenance of buildings, construction plans, and contract management.
Knowledge of construction project management and lease administration, including the ability to interpret construction drawings, monitor project schedules, coordinate build-out activities, interpreting and managing lease terms, and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
Knowledge of construction project management and lease administration software or comparable tools, such as Microsoft Project or Archibus.
Experience in commercial leasing as both landlord (owner) and tenant in a corporate or public sector environment.
Ability to select and write appropriate comprehensive leases for the individual leasing situation at hand, demonstrating key skills such as sound judgment, strong analytical capabilities, and attention to detail.
Physical Requirements
Applicants must be able to physically visit work sites. Whether in an office setting, stakeholder/customer site, or project site, applicants will perform repetitive movements for administrative tasks, such as word and data processing. Applicants may stand, stoop, kneel, or crouch; and may require lifting or moving objects/materials up to 30 pounds with or without assistance. While in transit, weather and road conditions may vary. Applicants must obey all traffic laws and safety rules.
Additional Requirements
Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through American Databank and employment reference checks prior to employment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.
Applicants must possess a valid driver's license with acceptable motor vehicle record or have other reliable transportation.
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.
