Purchasing Coordinator

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified applicants
Date Posted: 7/18/2025
Closing Date: 8/5/2025
Legal Assistant 5 Salary Range: $25.14 - $37.60 / hourly; $52,500 - $78,500 / annually
Legal Assistant 6 Salary Range: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly; $59,000 - $86,500 / annually
Telework Eligible: Yes, hybrid

Job Summary
The Office of Attorney General Keith Ellison has a clear mission: we help Minnesotans afford their lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect.  We are a dynamic group of dedicated professionals who choose public service as a calling, and we are actively and intentionally committed to supporting an internal culture that affirms that calling. The Office is one of Minnesota’s largest public law offices and as of 2025, has been recognized as a Star Tribune Top Workplace Minnesota for five years in a row and Top Workplace USA for four years in a row.

The Office is currently seeking a Purchasing Coordinator in the Finance Division of the Office.

A successful candidate in this position will be able to:

• Conduct effective and equitable purchasing within the Department of Administration’s and the Office’s requirements, policies and procedures to meet Office needs for services, supplies, and equipment
• Work with divisions and departments regarding the purchase of supplies and equipment so that office needs are effectively and efficiently met, and problems are resolved in a timely and professional manner
• Review purchasing requests and make decisions on proper methods of purchasing
• With supervisor support, identify, develop, implement and maintain purchasing procedures, processes and forms to be used by Office staff
• Provide training and resources to Office staff regarding purchasing procedures and processes
• Create and maintain purchase orders in the SWIFT (State-Wide Integrated Financial Tools) system
• Enter purchase orders information into the SWIFT system and maintain a system for tracking all purchase orders
• Maintain fiscal year end reviews of purchase orders, including closing of purchase orders and establishing new fiscal year blanket purchase orders
• Review, monitor and update outstanding purchase orders to keep encumbered amounts current and accurate
• Assist in the procurement, selection and execution of contract agreements in compliance with the Department of Administration’s and the Office’s requirements, policies and procedures
• Serve as an expert on procurement, professional technical services contracting processes, procedures, and requirements as set by state law, statutes, Executive Orders and Office policy to ensure compliance
• Determine the proper procurement and contracting methods in accordance with state procurement laws, policies, and procedures
• Review Request for Proposals and other solicitations to ensure compliance with State statutes, policies and procedures and Office of Equity in Procurement procedures
• Review professional technical services contracts, Interagency agreements and other related contracts to ensure compliance with State statutes, policies and procedures, and Office of Equity in Procurement procedures
• Assist divisions and departments as needed through the procurement and contracting process, including analyzing concerns, providing solutions and direction to Office staff
• With the direction of the supervisor, identify, develop, implement, and maintain procurement and contracting procedures, processes and templates to be utilized by Office staff
• Provide training and resources to Office staff regarding procurement and contracting procedures and processes
• Participate in miscellaneous activities, such as task forces and special project teams to enhance the internal operation of the Office

This position is eligible for a hybrid work environment (combination of in-office work and telework).

Minimum Qualifications

• One (1) year of professional level experience in purchasing, developing/evaluating specifications and issuing purchase orders and contracts
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of professional experience.
• Must currently have or will obtain Authority for Local Purchase (ALP) certification within 30 days of hire
• Knowledge of procurement, purchasing and contracting principles and practices
• Experience preparing or managing the Requests for Proposals (RFPs) process
• Ability to read, comprehend and analyze statutes, policies, procedures and guidelines in order to interpret and apply these to individual circumstances
• Demonstrated communications skills sufficient to provide practical and digestible communications to a broad audience, including internal and external customers
• Ability to provide direction to staff that are not direct reports in a respectful and professional manner
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suites (i.e., Outlook, Excel, and Word) sufficient to efficiently complete job duties

To be considered at the LA6 level, candidates must have 2 or more years of directly related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• An associate degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• Current Certified State Purchasing Agent holding the level of Authority for Local Purchase (ALP) of $25,000 or higher
• Experience with the SWIFT (State-Wide Integrated Financial Tools) system
• Experience with public sector procurement and contracting processes
• Experience in sourcing products and services that include vendor management
• Knowledge of Minnesota Department of Administration’s Office of Procurement requirements, policies and procedures

How to Apply

Interested applicants must apply online through the State of Minnesota Careers website, which is the State’s official application and hiring site. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

• Go to www.mn.gov/careers;
• Apply for posting number 87664
• OR:  Direct Link

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Brooke Seekins at brooke.seekins@ag.state.mn.us or 651-300-7025.

 

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Why Work For Us 

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
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify; 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.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.