Contracts Manager - State Program Administrator Manager Senior

Working Title: Contracts Manager
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 94294
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted: 05/19/2026
• Closing Date: 06/08/2026
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Financial Management / Contracts
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $44.03 - $63.35 / hourly; $91,934 - $132,274 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Managerial Plan
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• 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.

Are you a strategic thinker with a knack for turning complex processes into smooth operations?  

Join us as a Contracts Manager dedicated to overseeing two financial operations units that conduct activities related to coordinating and executing agency professional and technical contracts (Contracts Unit) and encumbering funds for contracts and outgoing grants (Encumbrance Unit).  This position focuses on driving process improvements.  You will lead efforts to streamline contract management, boost compliance, and reduce risks. Bring your expertise in contract systems, data analysis, and team leadership to help us work smarter, protect organizational interests, and make a real difference in how we serve the public. If you’re passionate about operational excellence and ready to make an impact, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities include: 

• Manage the complete contract lifecycle, including reviewing, editing, negotiating, and approving contractual agreements to ensure legal compliance and organizational standards.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for contract management, promoting consistency, compliance, and process efficiency across the organization.
• Analyze and optimize contract review workflows and systems, identifying opportunities for process improvements and streamlining operations.
• Supervise and mentor encumbrance staff, providing guidance on procedural controls for outgoing grants and contracts.
• Partner with agency divisions to monitor and maintain their financial transactions for contracts, grants, leases and loan forgiveness agreements. 
• Collaborate with legal, audit, finance, and procurement teams to resolve contract issues, address non-compliance, and support audit and risk mitigation efforts.

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 or in a bordering state within 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.  

Four (4) years of experience working in contract management, encumbrance, procurement or a related operational area specifically involving:

• Reviewing, editing and managing contractual agreements and legal documents.
• Drafting, analyzing and negotiating contracts or contractual terms to ensure compliance.
• Ensuring organizational adherence to legal, audit and internal control standards in contract management.
• Preparing reports, training materials or policy documentation related to contracts and contractual language.
• Leading cross-functional teams and implementing organizational change initiatives.  

Qualifications to be assessed at interview:

• Strong communications skills.
• Ability to analyze workflows, implement process improvements, and manage data analytics to monitor performance.

A related degree will substitute for experience as follows: Doctorate or Juris Doctor degree may substitute for two years of experience; master's degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; bachelor's degree may substitute for one year of experience; associate degree may substitute for six months of experience.  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in public administration, business administration or a related field, or a Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws degree.
• Five years of experience in contract management, procurement, encumbrance or legal review with at least 3 years specifically involving reviewing, editing and negotiating contractual agreements.
• Strong capacity for data analysis and process improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma.  
• Experience with contract management systems such as SWIFT, SharePoint or other workflow automation tools.  
• Professional certification in contract management (e.g. Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) or equivalent

Additional Requirements

This position requires the successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.

Under U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services regulations, the successful candidate must be able to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins.  This agency is unable 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.