Legal Operations Associate - State Program Administrator Intermediate / Full-time, Day Shift

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA); Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Legal Operations Associate to support the Legal Affairs Staff in St. Paul. The role involves coordinating legal matters, drafting and routing contracts and documents, conducting legal research, and implementing policy updates.

Telework eligible with in-person requirement of at least 50% of scheduled days. Minimum qualifications include 1 year of legal work or a bachelor’s degree in legal studies, public administration, or related field, plus

Qualifications

• 1 year experience performing legal work.
• Experience conducting legal research, analysis, and writing.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of products such as Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, PowerPoint, and/or Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to effectively communicate to diverse customers explaining technical or legal terms.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating and tracking legal matters.
• Assisting in the drafting, reviewing and routing of contracts and other legal or administrative documents.
• Conducting legal research and analysis.
• Implementing policy and procedural updates.
• Assisting with the agency grants process.
• Leading or participating in special projects, cross-divisional initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical writing

Clear communication

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in legal studies or related field

Paralegal studies background

Tools

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Working Title: Legal Operations Associate

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Intermediate

Agency: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Job ID: 98244
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes - Please note this position is telework eligible and required to work in-person for at least 50% of scheduled workdays each month.
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/06/2026
• Closing Date: 11/16/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Veterans Affairs Dept / Veterans Affairs-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Department of Veterans Affairs / Legal Affairs Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $26.12 - $37.91 / hourly; $54,538 - $79,156 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating and tracking legal matters
• Assisting in the drafting, reviewing and routing of contracts and other legal or administrative documents
• Conducting legal research and analysis
• Implementing policy and procedural updates
• Assisting with the agency grants process
• Leading or participating in special projects, cross-divisional initiatives and continuous improvement efforts

The role also includes overseeing a wide range activities across all agency divisions, including the Veterans Health Care Division, Programs and Services Division, and Central Division.

Please see a message from Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner, Brad Lindsay. Select Link

Minimum Qualifications:

• 1 year experience performing legal work.

OR

• A bachelor's degree in legal studies, paralegal studies, public administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

AND

• Experience conducting legal research, analysis, and writing.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of products such as Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, PowerPoint, and/or Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to effectively communicate to diverse customers explaining technical or legal terms.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with DocuSign and/or a comparable electronic signature service.
• Knowledge of State of Minnesota government procurement practices.
• Knowledge of data practices as it relates to data collected, created, or disseminated.

Additional Requirements:

• Employment reference checks will be conducted on finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance and contact with the applicant's former employer(s).
• A Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) background check may be conducted on the top finalist(s) for the position(s). When conducted, a finalist must pass the DHS background check.

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