Lead Contracts Attorney / Staff Attorney 3

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Job Details

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: 09/19/2026
• Closing Date: 10/12/2026
• 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: 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 youll 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.

Job Summary

• Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.
• This position was previously posted 8/26/2026 - 9/16/2026. Current applicants need not reapply.

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 DCYFs 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.

Qualifications

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

Application Details

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 the position, contact Luis Hernandez-Cuate at Luis.Hernandez-Cuate@state.mn.us.

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 Luis Hernandez-Cuate at staffing.dcyf@state.mn.us

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Children, Youth and Families ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DCYF ADA at ada.dcyf@state.mn.us.

About Children Youth & Families Dept

Our state depends on the success of Minnesota children, youth and families. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families puts children at the center of state government, creating a permanent state agency and commissioner focused on elevating children and families in policy and budget decisions.

This realigns state government to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs and practices.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesotas 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, youll 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
• 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 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.