Contracts Attorney / Staff Attorney 1

Location: St. Paul
Telework eligible within Minnesota or neighboring states (neighboring state must be a minimum of 50 miles from the St. Paul DCYF office). Full-time, unlimited position.

About the role

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is seeking a Contracts Attorney to provide professional legal expertise and services relating to contract development, review, and performance. This position counsels contracts/grants staff and manages issues related to contract law, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and approve contracts for form, enforceability, and execution.
• Provide counsel on contract-specific issues, such as intellectual property, indemnification, insurance, and other legal matters.
• Advise on complex competitive solicitation issues to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Negotiate contract legal issues with outside counsel.
• Develop and implement training for staff and managers as requested.
• Facilitate and enhance DCYF compliance with statutory and policy requirements, including retainage requirements, diversity and inclusionary goals, and ethical obligations.

Requirements

• JD degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Current license and in good standing to practice law in the State of Minnesota.
• At least 1 year of experience as a practicing attorney in or related to contract law.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience conducting legal research, writing, and analysis, and providing legal advice.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing legal counsel related to government contracts, grants, procurement, or compliance.
• Experience interpreting state and federal laws, regulations, and policies affecting public sector contracting.
• Experience with contract negotiations, data privacy requirements, intellectual property issues, tribal nation contracting, or regulatory compliance.
• Experience developing legal training or guidance materials.
• Experience working in a health and human services, government, or other highly regulated environment.
• Experience with electronic contracts management systems.

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of a background investigation prior to employment, which may include reference checks, criminal background checks, fingerprinting, driver’s license checks, and personnel file reviews.
• Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment.

Pay

$35.30 - $52.35 hourly; $73,706 - $109,306 annually.

Schedule

Day shift: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday. No travel required.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF, and diabetes care.
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan providing income after retirement (after working at least three years).
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Training, classes, and professional development opportunities.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including mental health, relationship challenges, grief and loss, finances, and legal issues.
• Daily living/convenience services, such as chore services, home repair, trip planning, and 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.