Early Learning Services Contracts Specialist ​/ State Prog Admin Prin

Job Class:
State Program Administrator Principal

• Telework Eligible:
  Yes
• Work Hours:
  
  8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Job Class:
State Program Administrator Principal

• Job
• Location:
  
  St. Paul
• Telework Eligible:
  Yes
• Full/Part Time:
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary:
  Unlimited
• Who May Apply:
  Open to all qualified job seekers. This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 8/03/2026. Please note that to be considered a bidder, you must be a permanent, non-probationary DCYF employee in the same job classification as the position posted.
• Date Posted: 07/27/2026
• Closing Date: 08/10/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
  Children Youth & Families Dept / DCYF Central Office MAPE
• Division/Unit: DCYF/Contract&Grant Management
• Work Shift:
  
  Day Shift
• Work Hours:
  
  8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Days of Work:
  Monday - Friday
• Travel Required:
  
  No
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / 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

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.

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

• *** This posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, improving public systems, and working at the intersection of contracts, finance, and public policy. You'll have the opportunity to influence statewide early learning initiatives while helping ensure public resources are managed responsibly and equitably.

This position is one of two that will provide principal-level leadership for the administration and evaluation of Early Learning Services (ELS) grants and professional/technical (PT) contracts within the Department of Children, Youth and Families. Under limited supervision, this position is responsible for implementing and continuously improving contracts that integrate multiple program activities to ensure efficient, compliant, and outcome-driven service delivery. The role exercises independent judgment in interpreting and applying complex federal and state laws, regulations, and policies, and initiating corrective actions in response to non-compliance or performance concerns.

The position serves as Early Learning Services’ authority on contracts and responsibilities include:

• Consolidating program and contract functions into cohesive administrative systems
• Ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements, including directing corrective actions
• Advising executive leadership on fiscal strategy, contract policy, program performance, risks, and strategic improvements
• Representing the division with agency leadership, external partners, legislative and compliance staff

Three (3) years of experience managing complex budgets and contracts. Experience must demonstrate:

• Working knowledge of creating contracts and administrative budgets
• Working knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to administering programs and funding to non-profits
• Budget development, fiscal analysis, monitoring, or financial reporting
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures

A bachelor’s degree in business and management or another related degree may substitute for 12 months of experience.

• Experience administering federal grant programs.
• Experience developing or improving business processes or contract administration systems.
• Experience leading policy implementation or organizational change initiatives.
• Experience using SWIFT, EGMS, SharePoint, or other financial or grants management systems.
• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

• Reference check
• Criminal Background check
• Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees
• Additional assessment may be required during the interview process