Special Project Manager State Prog Admin Coordinator

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Job Details

Working Title: Special Project Manager

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Coordinator

Agency: Administration Dept

• Job ID: 96861
• 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: 09/08/2026
• Closing Date: 09/28/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Equity In Procurement
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / 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

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

The Office of Equity in Procurement (OEP) is a unit of the Office of State Procurement (OSP) and operates a program for Targeted Group, Economically Disadvantaged, and Veteran-owned small businesses. The program has been in effect since July 1, 1990. The office helps state agencies be leaders in equal employment opportunities, equal contracting opportunities, and full participation in civic life for all Minnesotans.

We are seeking a Special Project Manager to administer Minnesota Statute §16C.16 which governs targeted group, economically disadvantaged, and veteran-owned small businesses. This includes determining business eligibility, monitoring vendor performance, resolving agency and vendor disputes, and providing outreach and assistance to help businesses complete effectively for state contracts.

This position also serves as a lead for special projects and team coordination. Responsibilities include interagency collaboration, policy analysis, and oversight of procurement equity to ensure timely and successful execution of complex projects. Additional tasks involve collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports, and presenting outcomes to leadership.

This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, onsite attendance will 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.

Qualifications

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.

• Four (4) years of experience in vendor management, procurement, small business certification, contract compliance, or related work. Related work experience would include one or more of the following areas:

• Analysis of business financial, operation, or legal documentation

• Advising individuals or groups on meeting technical program requirements

• Application of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles to broaden and diversify business partnerships such as certification, outreach, contract compliance, and subcontracting goals

• Consulting on small-business development

• Preparation and delivery of training curriculum to a variety of audiences

• Development and implementation of a comprehensive DEI framework within a government or public-sector organization.

A bachelor's degree in Business, Public Policy, Legal, or any related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience as described. An associate degree in these or a related field may be substituted for six (6) months of experience as described.

In addition to the above, a successful candidate must demonstrate:

• Knowledge of procurement statutes, rules, and policies, especially Minn. Statute §16C.16, sufficient to guide decision-making and ensure project and program compliance.

• Skill in communicating clear expectations, project updates, decisions, and rationales to leadership, team members, and external partners.

• Knowledge of project management principles sufficient to plan, coordinate, and deliver complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.

• Expertise in data analysis, data visualization, and reporting methodologies to build and interpret statewide utilization dashboards and analytics.

• Leadership skills sufficient to provide direction, guidance, and informal oversight to project teams, cross-agency workgroups, and partners.

• Skill in navigating team dynamics and collaborative problem-solving approaches sufficient to foster cooperation, resolve conflicts, and maintain momentum on multi-stakeholder projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with a focus on legal interpretation or contract administration.
• Experience in State government procurement, contracting, purchasing, or related contract work.
• Knowledge of small business program certification and government procurement laws and procedures.
• Skill in negotiation, conflict resolution, or facilitating solutions between parties such as vendors, contractors, or government agencies.
• Experience facilitating collaboration among agencies, vendors, policymakers, and other partners to advance procurement equity and project goals.
• Certified Compliance Administrator or similar certification.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an incumbent to maintain a valid drivers license, and insurance, or have other reliable transportation.

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.

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 this position, contact Nella Austin at nella.austin@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 Nella Austin at nella.austin@state.mn.us.

About Administration Dept

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 mn.gov/admin.

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
• 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.