Special Project Manager State Prog Admin Coordinator

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 79,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Minnesota is seeking a Special Project Manager to administer targeted procurement programs and ensure equity in state contracts. You will lead projects, coordinate teams, and collaborate with multiple agencies to advance procurement goals.

The role emphasizes data analysis, policy analysis, and reporting to leadership, with opportunities for hybrid telework and day-shift scheduling. This position is open to qualified applicants statewide.

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of experience in vendor management, procurement, small business certification, contract compliance, or related work.
• Analysis of business financial, operation, or legal documentation.
• Advising individuals or groups on meeting technical program requirements.
• Application of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles to broaden and diversify business partnerships such as certification, outreach, contract compliance, and subcontracting goals.
• Consulting on small business development.
• Preparation and delivery of training curriculum to a variety of audiences.
• Development and implementation of a comprehensive DEI framework within a government or public-sector organization.

Responsibilities

• Administer Minnesota Statute §16C.16 which governs targeted group, economically disadvantaged, and veteran-owned small businesses.
• Determine business eligibility, monitor vendor performance, resolve agency and vendor disputes, and provide outreach and assistance to help businesses compete for state contracts.
• Lead for special projects and team coordination, including interagency collaboration, policy analysis, and oversight of procurement equity.
• Collect and analyze data, prepare reports, and present outcomes to leadership.

Skills

Vendor management

Procurement

Small business certification

Contract compliance

DEI principles

Training delivery

Data analysis

Leadership

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Public Policy/Legal

Associate degree in related field

Job description

Working Title: Special Project Manager

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Coordinator

Agency: Administration Dept

• Job ID : 96861

• 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 : 09/08/2026

• Closing Date : 09/28/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE

• Division/Unit : Equity In Procurement

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / 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 (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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 Office of Equity in Procurement (OEP) is a unit of the Office of State Procurement (OSP) and operates a program for Targeted Group, Economically Disadvantaged, and Veteran-owned small businesses. The program has been in effect since July 1, 1990. The office helps state agencies be leaders in equal employment opportunities, equal contracting opportunities, and full participation in civic life for all Minnesotans.

We are seeking a Special Project Manager to administer Minnesota Statute §16C.16 which governs targeted group, economically disadvantaged, and veteran-owned small businesses. This includes determining business eligibility, monitoring vendor performance, resolving agency and vendor disputes, and providing outreach and assistance to help businesses complete effectively for state contracts.

This position also serves as a lead for special projects and team coordination. Responsibilities include interagency collaboration, policy analysis, and oversight of procurement equity to ensure timely and successful execution of complex projects. Additional tasks involve collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports, and presenting outcomes to leadership.

This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, onsite attendance will 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 (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework-2025.pdf) for details.

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position.

• Four (4) years of experience in vendor management, procurement, small business certification, contract compliance, or related work. Related work experience would include one or more of the following areas:

• Analysis of business financial, operation, or legal documentation

• Advising individuals or groups on meeting technical program requirements

• Application of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles to broaden and diversify business partnerships such as certification, outreach, contract compliance, and subcontracting goals

• Consulting on small business development

• Preparation and delivery of training curriculum to a variety of audiences

• Development and implementation of a comprehensive DEI framework within a government or public-sector organization.

A bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Policy, Legal, or any related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience as described. An associate degree in these or a related field may be substituted for six (6) months of experience as described.

In addition to the above, a successful candidate must demonstrate:

• Knowledge of procurement statutes, rules, and policies, especiallyMinn.Statute§16C.16, sufficienttoguidedecision-makingandensureprojectandprogramcompliance.

• Skill in communicating clear expectations, project updates, decisions, and rationales to leadership, team members, and external partners.

• Knowledge of project management principles sufficient to plan, coordinate, and deliver complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.

• Expertise in data analysis, data visualization, and reporting methodologies to build and interpret statewide utilization dashboards and analytics.

• Leadership skills sufficient to provide direction, guidance, and informal oversight to project teams, cross-agency workgroups, and partners.

• Skill in navigating teamdynamicsandcollaborativeproblem-solvingapproachessufficienttofostercooperation,resolveconflicts, and maintain momentum on multi-stakeholder projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with a focus on legal interpretation or contract administration.

• Experience in State government procurement, contracting, purchasing, or related contract work.

• Knowledge of small business program certification and government procurement laws and procedures.

• Skill in negotiation, conflict resolution, or facilitating solutions between parties such as vendors, contractors, or government agencies.

• Experience facilitating collaboration among agencies, vendors, policymakers, and other partners to advance procurement equity and project goals.

• Certified Compliance Administrator or similar certification.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an incumbent to maintain a valid driver's license, and insurance, or have other reliable transportation.

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.