Our Ability Jobs

Working Title: Contracts Specialist

Job Class: Acquisition Management Specialist Senior

Agency: Administration Dept

• Job ID : 79591

• 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 : 08/22/2024

• Closing Date : Open until filled. First review of resumes to begin approximately 09/09/2024.

• 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: $36.71 - $54.60 / hourly; $76,650 - $114,004 / 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 Office of State Procurement (OSP) (https://mn.gov/admin/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.

To promote a culture of flexibility, we offer staff a hybrid work environment that varies by team, position, and business needs. With a telework arrangement, 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) years of experience in procurement or a legal setting, which includes working with contracts or reviewing and analyzing legal documents.

• A Bachelor’s degree in business or related field may be substituted for one (1) year 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.

• Admitted or eligible for admission to the Minnesota bar within 6 months of commencing employment with the State.

• Public or private procurement experience.

• Extensive experience with contract drafting and interpretation.

• Knowledge of and experience with negotiation techniques and tactics.

• Experience in facilitating meetings and making presentations.

• Ability to work in a demanding public 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.

• Strong organizational and time management skills to work independently with minimal supervision.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through American DataBank and employment reference checks prior to employment.

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.