Assessment Support Division Manager

JOB SPECIFICS

The Washington County Property Records and Taxpayer Services Department is seeking a skilled and collaborative leader to serve as our next Assessment Support Division Manager.

We’re looking for an experienced manager with a strong background in real estate, assessment, property taxation, and/or legal research. This position plays a vital role in the operations and maintenance of the county’s property tax system, as well as leading the administration of homesteads, abatements, court petition tax changes, Certificates of Real Estate Value, and various special property tax programs.

This is an excellent opportunity for a strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to delivering high-quality service to the residents of Washington County.

• Professional experience in the operations and maintenance of a county property tax system
• Professional experience in assessment administration, including areas such as homesteads, abatements, court petition tax changes, Certificates of Real Estate Value, and/or special property tax programs
• Three years in a supervisory or management role, with demonstrated leadership and team development skills
• Current designation as a Certified Assessment Technician (CAT)

JOB SUMMARY

The Assessment Support Division Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, organization, and execution of all functions within the Assessment Technical Support Division, including direct supervision to assigned staff. This position plays a critical role in managing the operations and maintenance of the county's property tax system and the assessment administration of homesteads, abatements, court petition tax changes, Certificates of Real Estate Value, and special property tax programs. This position also serves as a member of the Property Records and Taxpayer Services Department Leadership Team, contributing to strategic decision-making and departmental initiatives.

EMPLOYMENT CRITERIA

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in math, real estate, economics, accounting, or related field;
• And five years of related experience in real estate assessment, property taxes, legal research, or a related field with one of those years in a supervisory role;
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

CORE COMPETENCIES, JOB SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR SUCCESSFUL JOB PERFORMANCE:

Core Competencies outlines essential business and professional, supervisory and leadership and work traits necessary to perform this job.

• Support and prioritize a welcoming and respectful workplace that fosters diversity and encourages contributions from all individuals.
• Provide inclusive and equitable service to all members of the community with dignity and respect.
• Demonstrate support for the County’s diversity, equity and inclusion program.
• Uses technical and professional knowledge.
• Promotes a culture of continuous quality improvement in the workplace.
• Promotes the engagement of staff and use of data in continuous quality improvement.
• Demonstrates extensive knowledge of assessment administration, assessment laws and procedures, appraisal principles and appraisal procedures.
• Understands property tax laws, real estate terminology, legal descriptions, and instruments of transfer. Extensive knowledge of the county's property tax system.
• Uses statistical methodologies involved in tax calculation, collection, analysis, and reporting of data.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct the operations and activities of the Assessment Technical Support Division to ensure compliance with all laws, statutes, rules, policies, best practices, and deadlines.
• Develop and implement division goals and objectives.
• Develop policies, procedures, and manuals necessary to administer a variety of programs.
• Determine eligibility, approval, or denial of homesteads and administer special programs and classifications under the direction of the County Assessor.
• Collaborate with multiple divisions to coordinate assessment and parcel maintenance functions including plats, splits, and combinations.
• Evaluate and determine the result of requests for abatements, securing approvals from the County Assessor, Director, Finance Committee, or County Board as appropriate.
• Represent county and participate in computer system consortium providing technical information on aspects of the property tax system to tax system vendor.
• Complete countywide valuation notices mailings.
• Attend the County Board of Appeal and Equalization meetings.
• Testify in court on behalf of the county regarding fraudulent homestead claims.
• Represent the division or department on committees and advisory groups.
• Interpret and monitor legislative activities to evaluate their impact on the division’s processes and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with new legislation and alignment with best practices.
• Prepare various state mandated abstracts and reports; ensure all required reporting is accurate and timely.
• Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of division operations, implementing new technologies and systems as needed.
• Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of division operations, develop and implement new service delivery methods, processes, technologies, and systems as needed and lead staff through change.
• Manage and supervise staff, including hiring, training, completing performance evaluations on time, and resolving grievances or special issues. Interpret and communicate County policies for staff.
• Modify office procedures, lead staff through changes in processes, services, or programs.
• Manage records retention for the division.
• Manage the division’s budget, including preparation, allocation of funds, cost analysis, and ensuring financial decisions align with statutory requirements while planning for current and future needs.
• Oversee the administration of contracts within the division.
• Attend and participate in professional development opportunities, including conferences and association meetings.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential functions: 1 - 21

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is sedentary in nature performed within the Government Center or satellite offices. Lifting requirement of 15- 20 pounds on an occasional basis; Frequent wrist and finger manipulation due to high concentration of filing, compiling, calculating, or computer work. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, computer, calculator, telephone, copy and fax machine.

Work interruptions are frequent. There is some pressure associated with dealing with individuals who may be emotionally charged and with project or activity deadlines and details. Driving or riding to attend meetings, participate in or lead training sessions, etc. may be required. Must have own means of reliable transportation for business purposes; individuals operating a motor vehicle for county business must possess a valid driver's license.

Additional physical/mental requirements that may occur, may not be listed above, but are inherent performing the position's essential functions.

This job description is intended to describe the kinds of tasks and the level of work difficulty being performed by people assigned to this classification. The list of responsibilities is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required by personnel so classified. The County retains the discretion to add or change the contents of this job description at any time.