Lease Specialist

Minnesota Department of Administration; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays

Pension plan

Health insurance

Training and development

Telework options

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Administration is seeking a Lease Specialist in Saint Paul to negotiate and administer a broad range of leases for state agencies, ensuring compliance with statutes, policies, and procedures.

You will prepare lease documents, perform market analyses, and coordinate with landlords, agencies, and vendors to meet space needs such as offices, storage, parking, and facilities. Telework up to 50% may be arranged.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience locating and negotiating commercial leases.
• Bachelor’s degree can substitute for one year; Associates can substitute for six months.
• Knowledge of lease budgeting, market analysis, and contract management.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate and prepare commercial lease documents.
• Ensure leases comply with statutes and policies; prepare related reports.
• Coordinate market analyses and lease administration for multiple state agencies.

Skills

Lease negotiation

Commercial leasing

Office leasing

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associates degree

Tools

Excel

Word

SharePoint

WebEx

Job description

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/02/2026
• Closing Date: 09/21/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE
• Division/Unit: REM Leasing
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - up to 30%
• Salary Range: $31.81 - $46.96 / hourly; $66,419 - $98,052 / 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

Working Title: Lease Specialist

Job Class: Lease Specialist

Agency: Administration Dept

• Job ID: 96607
• 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: 09/02/2026
• Closing Date: 09/21/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE
• Division/Unit: REM Leasing
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - up to 30%
• Salary Range: $31.81 - $46.96 / hourly; $66,419 - $98,052 / 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 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 works in the Real Estate section/unit. To learn more about what we do, please visit our webpage.

The Lease Specialist serves as a key resource for state agencies by providing professional expertise in the negotiation, preparation, and administration of a broad range of lease agreements. In this position, you will ensure all leasing activities comply with applicable statutes, policies, procedures, and administrative requirements; and that each lease supports agency operations and service delivery. By applying technical expertise, you will negotiate and prepare (in some cases assist) all types of commercial leases to meet the needs of the various state agencies needing to lease office and storage spaces, parking stalls, land, warehouse spaces, licensed adult foster care homes/community residential setting, residential treatment facilities, supervised living facilities, community behavioral health hospitals and other treatment facilities, dental clinics, driver and vehicle services testing sites, vehicle inspection sites, accident investigation sites, airport hangars, boat slips, equipment monitoring locations, radio towers, etc. This work includes leasing state-owned and non-state-owned property for state agencies; negotiating and preparing lease documents; negotiating and drafting income leases for the use of surplus state-owned land and buildings by private businesses or individuals, or by various political subdivisions of the state; preparing market comparison analysis and reports; and acting as a liaison and facilitating problem-solving between the landlord and agency.

If you are self-directed and are able to work independently with minimal supervision, possess good interpersonal and human relations skills, and are able to collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders, partners, and/or customers, please apply!

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.

In addition, traveling of up to 30% to conduct property tours and visit construction sites; and to meet with stakeholders, partners, and customers throughout the State will be required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience locating and negotiating commercial leases for office and storage space and preparing commercial lease agreements or equivalent related experience.
• A Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, law, real estate, or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• An Associates degree as specified above may substitute for six (6) months of experience as described.

Applicants who met the above requirements will also be evaluated on the following:

• Knowledge of acceptable principles and practices of commercial leasing, operation and maintenance of buildings, construction build-out, property management, and contract management.
• Knowledge of fiscal management practices related to lease budgeting, construction cost estimating, financial analysis, and operating expenses reconcilation.
• Effective communication skills to produce clear and concise reports, lease documents, and correspondences; along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint), web conferencing platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, WebEx, etc.), and other online tools necessary to perform work duties efficiently.
• Understanding of the factors that influence real estate values, including market conditions, property rights, taxes and other assessments, operating expenses, and public records; along with knowledge of commercial real estate trends, valuation principles that influence lease rates, property selection, and overall leasing strategy.
• Ability to effectively negotiate, compromise, and mediate terms and conditions for lease documents, including ability to identify and resolve issues between landlord and tenants and respond effectively.
• Strong customer service skills to develop and sustain productive, effective, and positive working relationships with people at all levels, both within government and private sector.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of applicable state statutes and rules related to leasing and other real estate transaction, building codes, operation and maintenance of buildings, construction plans, and contract management.
• Knowledge of construction project management and lease administration, including the ability to interpret construction drawings, monitor project schedules, coordinate build-out activities, interpreting and managing lease terms, and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
• Knowledge of construction project management and lease administration software or comparable tools, such as Microsoft Project or Archibus.
• Experience in commercial leasing as both landlord (owner) and tenant in a corporate or public sector environment.
• Ability to select and write appropriate comprehensive leases for the individual leasing situation at hand, demonstrating key skills such as sound judgment, strong analytical capabilities, and attention to detail.

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to physically visit work sites. Whether in an office setting, stakeholder/customer site, or project site, applicants will perform repetitive movements for administrative tasks, such as word and data processing. Applicants may stand, stoop, kneel, or crouch; and may require lifting or moving objects/materials up to 30 pounds with or without assistance. While in transit, weather and road conditions may vary. Applicants must obey all traffic laws and safety rules.

Additional Requirements

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.

Applicants must possess a valid driver's license with acceptable motor vehicle record or have other reliable transportation.

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.

• 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.