Director of Grants and Contracts / General Counsel 1

Working Title: Director of Grants and Contracts

Job Class: General Counsel

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job ID: 97776
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes*, up to 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted: 11/06/2026
• Closing Date: 12/01/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: DCYF / Managerial
• Division/Unit: DCYF / Management / Operations
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00 AM -4 :30 PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No*
• Salary Range: $51.89 - $74.31 / hourly; $108,346 - $155,159 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No
  
  

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF 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.

*Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.

• This position was previously posted 10/15 - 11/5. Current applicants need not reapply.
  
  

This position will manage the DCYF Office of Grants and Contracts, assuring an ethical, efficient, and responsive customer- oriented contracting structure focused on producing legally enforceable contracts. Responsibilities include assuring compliance with the Code of Conduct in all contracting, legal and compliance related activities and oversight of contract development and management functions, legal review, and advice on contracts – including grant contracts, resolution of legal issues related to contracts, and development and management of data sharing agreements. Duties also include: (1) representing the Department on interagency contract committees, (2) providing legal expertise in the development of statewide contracting policies and procedures, (3) implementing process improvement strategies related to contracting and legal compliance functions, overseeing the DCYF contract attorney team. The position to provide feedback to the DCYF Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) on emerging issues and to incorporate guidance from the CCO on improved compliance and accountability measures. The Director provides direction to managers, supervisors, staff and teams that:

• Manage the electronic system used by DCYF for managing grant workflows and documents;
• Support grant-making within DCYF program areas through technical assistance, training, best practice documents and individualized support, and
• Ensure technical compliance in the execution of grants and contracts and related encumbrance of funds.
  
  

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.**
  
  

Demonstrated leadership experience which may include any of the following:

• Experience as a supervisor, team lead, lead worker, OR project lead*
• Completion of a State leadership development program, such as Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) or Senior Leadership Institute (SLI)
• Completion of a similar or equivalent leadership development program through another organization
• A paid or unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee, such as an Employee Resource Group (ERG) which the experience must also include:
• 1+ years of identifying issues, goals, and strategic actions
• 100+ hours per year time commitment
• A project lead provides leadership, guidance, and advanced specialized technical expertise for a team doing evaluation, development, design, testing, and/or implementation in a project environment.
  
  
AND


• Juris Doctor (JD) from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school;
• Current license to practice law in the State of MN;
• At least seven (7) years’ experience as a practicing attorney with demonstrated experience in contract law;
• Knowledge and experience with state and federal data privacy laws as they relate to human services programs; and
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  
  
Experience Must Also Demonstrate


• At least 1 year experience as a supervisor or in a leadership role in an area of law related to the position;
• Providing legal advice to executive level leadership on complex legal issues with broad impact;
• Strong legal research, analysis, writing, and advising skills; and
• Supervision of legal staff including mentoring and fostering professional development
  
  
Preferred Qualifications


• Recognized subject matter expert in contract law, and other areas of law related to contracting, including statutory and Agency ethics and conflicts of interest, accounting and auditing standards, government data practices laws intellectual property law, workers compensation and insurance law, and tribal law.
• Experience practicing law in the areas of business law, government contracting, administrative law, civil procedure, and public welfare law.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership through change and leadership in high profile matters.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt the provision of legal services, including organizational structure of legal teams, to meet client needs.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively 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.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
  
  
Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components:


• Reference check
• Criminal Background check
• Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
• Driver’s License Check
• Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees
• Additional assessment may be required during the interview process

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How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Luis Hernandez-Cuate at [email protected].

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 Luis Hernandez-Cuate at [email protected].

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Children, Youth and Families ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DCYF ADA at [email protected].

About The Department Of Children, Youth And Families Department

Our state depends on the success of Minnesota children, youth and families. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families puts children at the center of state government, creating a permanent state agency and commissioner focused on elevating children and families in policy and budget decisions.

This realigns state government to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs and practices.

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.

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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.