Senior Contracts & Policy Advisor, Early Learning

Early Learning Services Contracts Specialist / State Prog Admin Prin

Working Title:
Early Learning Services Contracts Specialist / State Prog Admin Prin
Job Class:
State Program Administrator Principal
Agency:
Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job : 95870
• Location
  :
  St. Paul
• 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
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• 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

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.

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

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  or DCYF ADA f.us .

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each…