Closing Date: 30th September, 2026

Description:

Job Summary:
**This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.***

As the Contract Attorney Supervisor, you will provide and supervise Contracts Attorneys in the following functions: professional, high-level legal expertise and services relating to complex contract development, review and contract performance in multiple subject areas and issues throughout the Department of Human Services (DHS).

Responsibilities include but may not be limited to:

Draft, review, and approve contracts as to form, enforceability and execution.
Provide counsel and advice to Department staff pertaining to intellectual property, indemnification and insurance issues and other contract issues serve as one of the Department's subject matter experts regarding contracts with complex competitive proposal requirements for Departmental programs.
Negotiate contract legal issues with outside counsel including, but not limited to, intellectual property, indemnification, and insurance issues.
Provide legal contractual advice to Department staff and managers, other Department staff.
Develop and implement related training to Department staff and managers, other state agency staff, grantees, and coordinate contract activities with other state agencies.
Facilitate and enhance Department contract staff compliance with the statutory retainage requirement, the Department's diversity and inclusionary goals in contracting, and ethics laws and state & Department ethics policies.

All DHS Leaders are expected to demonstrate and develop the five (5) competency themes from the Enterprise-wide Leader Competency Model:

Leading Self
Leading Others
Leading the Organization
Leading Outside the Organization
Getting Work Done

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;
At least five (5) years' experience as a practicing attorney in an area of law related to the position with one (1) of the years working as a supervisor or in a leadership/lead role; and
Knowledge and experience with state and federal contract law as they relate to human services programs.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills.
Building and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Providing legal advice to executive leadership on diverse and complex human services and contract matters.
Supervision of staff including mentoring and fostering professional development or serving in a lead/leadership role.
Experience in one or more areas of laws related to the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated ability to communicate with a large and varied constituency, including legislators and legislative staff, the Attorney General's Office, state local and federal agencies, professional and advocacy groups, as well as the general public.
Extensive knowledge of information technology (IT) and intellectual property (IP) issues related to contracts, sufficient that the position holder is able to analyze and resolve complex questions of law related to IT contracts and contracts with IP components.
Knowledge of state and federal data privacy laws, such as the Minnesota data practices act and the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act.
Demonstrated ability to combine legal, strategic leadership, human relation, and diversity equity and inclusion skills.
Experience with managing conflict effectively.
Experience in managing team members and engaging in performance management-based conversations.
Demonstrated ability to influence others and/or compel change throughout an organization.
Experience collaborating and seeking out feedback from subject matter experts and peers when reviewing or planning work.
Experience serving as a trusted resource or relationship manager to external partners.
Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements:
Reference/Background Checks – DHS will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

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 Brynn Rhodes at brynn.rhodes@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 Alexander Duren at alexander.duren@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 Human Services' ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DHS_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.

About Human Services Dept
WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

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