Business Operations Manager - State Program Administrator Director

Minnesota Department of Administration; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible (up to 50% hybrid)

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Administration seeks a Business Operations Manager in Saint Paul to lead financial management, contracting, personnel support, and compliance for the Real Estate & Construction Services division. You will drive strategic operational oversight, ensure statutory alignment, and manage IT services and reporting.

The role requires strong accounting, budgeting, and leadership capabilities, with telework eligibility and a focus on efficiency and contract governance within a

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of experience coordinating and administering contracts or accounting and financial administration.
• Understanding of GAAP and budgeting policies to oversee contract encumbering and payments.
• Supervisory or lead work experience including directing and coaching staff.
• Knowledge of contract law and state procurement practices.
• Skills in conflict resolution and consensus-building across diverse groups.
• Effective communication of complex information to varied audiences.
• Commitment to inclusive employment practices and accommodations.

Responsibilities

• Administer professional contracting activities for the division and statewide projects, including drafting RFPs and contracts.
• Maintain the Master Contract program: drafting, evaluation, and contracts.
• Maintain the Master Roster program: vendor support and site reviews.
• Coordinate the State Designer Selection Board procedures in compliance with statutes.
• Provide operational and administrative support including records retention and COOP.
• Oversee financial functions for capital appropriations and operating budgets; manage purchasing and reporting.
• Manage RECS AIA contract document functions and fiscal oversight.

Skills

Contract management

Budgeting

Accounting

Leadership

Legal knowledge

Communication

Inclusion & diversity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance

Associate's degree substitution for experience

Tools

SWIFT

SEMA4

IA Warehouse

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes

Working Title: Business Operations Manager

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Director

Agency: Administration Dept

• Job ID: 96895
• 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: 09/11/2026
• Closing Date: 10/01/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-MMA
• Division/Unit: Real Estate & Construction Svs
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $38.83 - $55.93 / hourly; $81,077 - $116,781 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
• 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.

The Real Estate and Construction Services (RECS) division manages over 320 construction projects and 800 property leases annually. Overall, the State has a real property footprint that includes 5,585 buildings and gross square feet and acreage equaling about 5.5% of the State. This position leads, oversees, and manages the Business Services section/unit, which provides administrative support to the division.

We are seeing a Business Operations Manager to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for financial management, budgeting, contracting, personnel support, operational administration, and audit/compliance functions for the RECS division. In this role, you will ensure compliance with State statutes, statewide systems (e.g., SWIFT, SWIFT security roles, and Data Warehouse), agency and RECS policies and procedures, and capital project requirements helping to ensure RECS projects are delivered on time and on budget. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, evaluating contract and accounting programs and procedures; writing policies and procedures for contracting, accounting, and support services implementation; developing program objectives and reviewing reports to determine if objectives are met; advising customers with a comprehensive understanding of procedural and technical aspects of contracting and accounting; coordinating operational reports; managing IT services; providing administrative duties, as needed; and coordinating and completing the hiring and performance management processes, as needed.

• Administer and implement professional technical contracting activities for the division and statewide projects, including drafting Request for Proposals (RFPs), contracts, and related contract documents.
• Maintain the Master Contract program, including drafting RFPs, evaluation of submittals, and drafting appropriate contracts.
• Maintain the Master Roster program, including vendor management support, site review and updates.
• Coordinate, oversee, and provide administrative services to the State Designer Selection Board (SDSB); and advise on proper procedures in accordance with statutory requirements so the board can effectively and efficiently carry out its statutory duties and responsibilities in compliance with Minn. Stat. 16B.33 and Minnesota Rules Chapter 3200.
• Provide operational and administrative support to staff, coordinate office services, database management services, process contracts, maintain the division’s record retention and archiving programs, and maintain the division’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).
• Administer and perform financial functions of RECS for capital appropriations and public operating budgets, including purchasing, payments and various financial budgeting reporting, and ensuring timely completion.
• Administer RECS AIA contract document functions, including template support, AIA subscription support, and fiscal oversight.

This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, additional 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. Please review the Telework Policy for details.

Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) years of experience coordinating and administering contracts or accounting and financial administration.
• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• An Associate's degree as specified above may substitute for six (6) months of experience as described.
• Thorough understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and practices; and budgeting policies, principles, and practices sufficient to oversee the accounting and budgetary processes related to contract encumbering and payments.
• Supervisory, project management, or lead work experience that includes directing and assigning work; managing, measuring, and engaging in performance management-based conversations; and/or coaching, mentoring, or training staff.
• Knowledge of legal principles and practices applicable to contract laws, state laws, and/or contract administration with the ability to interpret legal terminology on contract issues.
• Skills in conflict management and consensus building with diverse groups in order to solve difficult and sensitive problems; and management skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous or controversial situations and make difficult decisions.
• Effective communication skills to communicate and present complex information to a wide variety of audiences with varying backgrounds and skills.
• Ability to treat employees inclusively in the areas of accommodation, scheduling, expectations, individualized resource needs, training, and development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or closely related field.
• Five (5) years of experience coordinating, negotiating, and administering contracts; or financial administration and management.
• Working knowledge of SWIFT, SEMA4, IA Warehouse database, or similar software programs.
• Knowledge of the State's accounting, budgeting, human resources, and purchasing systems, including functions, policies, and procedures.
• Experience conducting long range planning with the ability to set short- and long-term goals and objectives that equitably empower all employees, stakeholders, and the public.
• Experience with real estate contracts.
• Efficient time, organizational, and project management skills ensuring goals, objectives, and deadlines are met.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicant must pass a criminal background check through the American Databank and employer 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.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Ly Her at [e-mail] or 651-201-2434.

About The Department Of Administration

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.

• 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
• 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 [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.