Contracts Specialist

Working Title: Contracts Specialist
Job Class: Acquisition Management Specialist Senior
Agency: Administration Dept

• Job ID: 91544
• 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: 01/29/2026
• Closing Date: 02/18/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Prof / Tech Contracting
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $ $55.42 / hourly; $77,798 - $115,716 / 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: Yes

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 Office of State Procurement (OSP) oversees $2.1 billion in goods and services purchases annually. The division offers volume discounts to state agencies and local units of government through 1,600 enterprise contracts and the two (2) largest multi-state cooperative purchasing programs in the nation. The team also oversees vendor relations for the state and administers business development programs that help economically disadvantaged and legislatively targeted companies do business with the State.

This position works in the Professional and Technical (P/T) unit and, as a Contracts Specialist, you will support the Commissioner of Administration's statutory responsibilities, primarily covered under Minnesota Statute §§16C.05 and 16C.08, and overall efforts of OSP by providing leadership, service, and legal/policy compliance to government entities in the procurement and contracting of P/T services in a socially and environmentally responsible fashion.

In this position, you will lead or assist in the creation and implementation of state-wide policies related to both division-wide and professional and technical services contracting and participate in the work of the unit responsible for the review and approval of approximately $650 million in P/T contracts and amendments. Other duties, as may be assigned by the Contracts Manager or Division Director, may include, but are not limited to:

• Review documents to ensure compliance with legal and policy requirements, including solicitations, contracts, amendments, certifications, annual plans, and other documents.
• Provide advice, analysis, expertise, information, technical assistance, and support to state agencies and other stakeholders in all the areas involved in the P/T solicitation process as well as the creation, administration, management, interpretation, and termination of legal and effective P/T contracts.
• Coordinate and support multiple government agency subgroups in the development of enterprise P/T contracts that sufficiently and efficiently serve the needs of the end-users while reducing redundancy.
• Lead or assist with contract negotiations as requested on a wide array of P/T contracts entered into across Executive Branch agencies.
• Advise OSP management on policies and procedures required to effectively maintain the standards set by the Legislature and Governor.

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 for details.

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.

• Four (4) years of experience in a legal setting that includes working with request for proposals (RFPs), contracts, and/or reviewing and analyzing legal documents; AND also includes two (2) years in government procurement.
• An Associate's degree in business or related field may be substituted for six (6) months of experience as described.
• A Bachelor's degree as specified may be substituted for one (1) year of experience as described.
• A Master's degree as specified may be substituted for 18 months of experience as described.
• A J.D. degree from an accredited law school may be substituted for two (2) years of experience as described.
• Legal skills sufficient to identify and appropriately resolve legal issues.
• Demonstrated research, analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills to understand and address procurement documents.
• Ability to write clear and concise legal documents and communication, including policies and procedures.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills that promote understanding and sound decision-making in stakeholders.
• Ability to read and interpret state statutes and policies.
• Strong computing skills of common PC tools, i.e., word processing, databases, and spreadsheets.

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Public, private, or tribal procurement experience.
• Knowledge of and experience with negotiation techniques and tactics.
• Experience in facilitating meetings and making presentations.
• Ability to work in a demanding environment, under tight deadlines, and function effectively in high pressure situations.
• Ability to maintain high standards with attention to detail, accuracy, and consistency.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and be resourceful as problems encountered may not have any existing and/or clearly defined solutions or precedence.

Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through American Databank and employment reference checks (where applicable) 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.

Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at or email For additional information about the application process, go to

If you have questions about this position, contact Ly Her at or

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title, and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Ly Her at

The Department of Administration is a core service agency serving the Governor, Legislature, state agencies, local governments, and the public. Our mission is to provide leadership, innovation, solutions, and support to help our partners succeed. To learn more about us, please visit

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at )

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources, and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at or email and let us know the support you need.