Contracts Attorney Supervisor - Staff Attorney Supervisor

Minnesota Department of Human Services; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 101,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Human Services seeks a Contracts Attorney Supervisor to lead a team of Contracts Attorneys in St. Paul, handling complex contract development, review, and performance across DHS programs.

You will draft and negotiate contracts, advise staff on IP, indemnification, and insurance issues, deliver training, and ensure compliance with retention and ethics policies while supporting DEI goals.

Qualifications

• JD degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Current Minnesota law license in good standing.
• At least five years as a practicing attorney in a related field with leadership experience.
• Knowledge of state and federal contract law in human services.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and approve contracts for form, enforceability, and execution.
• Provide counsel to DHS staff on IP, indemnification, and insurance issues.
• Negotiate contract issues with outside counsel.
• Provide legal contractual advice to staff and managers.
• Develop and deliver training on contracts to staff and external partners.
• Ensure compliance with retention, DEI goals, and ethics policies.
• Demonstrate leadership across the organization.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Leadership

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes

Working Title: Contracts Attorney Supervisor

Job Class: Staff Attorney Supervisor

Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 97102
• 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: 09/17/2026
• Closing Date: 10/14/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / DHS Central Office MMA
• Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / Compliance Contracting & Proc
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $48.44 - $69.21 / hourly; $101,142 - $144,510 / 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 Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.

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.

• 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

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.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Brynn Rhodes at [e-mail]. 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 [e-mail]. 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 [e-mail] for assistance.

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.

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.

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
• 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.