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: 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.

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Kathleen Maertz at kathleen.maertz@state.mn.us or 651-201-5936.

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 Kathleen Maertz at kathleen.maertz@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us.

About Health Department

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

Working together to improve the state we love.

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

Benefits

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.

Your Benefits May Include

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 Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals

Training, classes, and professional development 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 studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support

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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.