Administrative Review Program Coordinator (WMS2)

The Department of Revenue (DOR) is currently hiring an Administrative Review Program Coordinator in the Administrative Review and Hearings Division, located in Tumwater, WA.

This position reports to the Program Manager of the Administrative Review and Hearings Division (ARHD). ARHD renders the final agency decision in all informal administrative reviews (WAC 458-20-100) and Administrative Procedure Act appeals for all taxes the Department administers except estate tax and property tax, and for matters arising under the Department’s Unclaimed Property Program.

The Administrative Review Program Coordinator duties include: 

• Reviews select drafts of significant determinations to ensure they consistently apply state tax law and Department policy and approves their issuance.
• Leads the Washington Tax Decision (WTD) publication process for precedential decisions by acting as chair of the WTD panel.
• Makes recommendations to Executive management on whether to grant or deny taxpayers’ requests for executive-level review of their petitions for review or reconsideration on the grounds that the petition involves an issue that has industry-wide significance or is one of first impression.
• Acts as the Director’s designee on cases that the Department has granted executive-level review.
• Leads ARHD’s training efforts by developing training or coordinating the development and presentation of training. The training that this position will work on includes continuing legal and accounting education training for Department employees, continuing legal and accounting education training sponsored by external stakeholders, and training for ARHD’s staff on case processing and legal procedures. This position will regularly participate in training as a presenter, co-presenter, panelist, and/or moderator.
• Serves as ARHD’s liaison to the Department's divisions whose actions are subject to ARHD review, such as Audit, Compliance, Taxpayer Account Administration, Working Families Tax Credit, and Interpretations and Technical Advice. This duty includes leading the quarterly meetings with these divisions.
• Drafts determinations for select cases as assigned by the Program Manager or Assistant Director. These cases are typically in backlog status and involve complex issues.

DOR is a dynamic learning organization where you will experience a remarkable work-life balance, with amazing leadership and talented co-workers ready and focused to achieve the agency's goals. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. This unique culture of respect promotes a professional family of cohesive groups maximizing potential through opportunity. We offer a generous benefits package that includes defined benefit retirement plans; health, dental and vision coverage, deferred compensation plans, and as a public service employee, you may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness.
 
Visit these links to watch our recruitment video to find out more about our agency and see what our employees say about why Revenue is a great place to work.

Telework Option-- The official duty station of this position is Tumwater, with candidates being considered statewide. Telework options are available; however, the incumbent will be required to work from Department of Revenue locations as business needs dictate—usually 2-3 days per month. Details of teleworking considerations will be addressed during the interview process.

Competitive candidates will possess:

Written Communication: 

• Effectively translate complex, technical, or legal concepts into messages that lay persons can readily understand. 
• Organize the flow of information in a document or decision so that facts or ideas build upon one another logically to lead the reader to a specific conclusion.
• Write clear and concise legal documents that reflect current law and which contain succinct nature of action statements, contain accurate issue statements, make findings of fact based on the evidence, and apply the facts to the law to reach correct legal conclusions.
• Ability to review the work of others and provide edits and comments necessary to improve fact-finding, legal research, analysis, and writing.

Executive-level Communication Skills:

• Explain or present information in a clear, concise, logical manner that achieves understanding of the intended message, tailored to the audience.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with the Attorney General’s Office and Executive leadership on high-risk, first-impression, or industry-wide matters.
• Demonstrated skill in risk-aware public communication and message management for matters scrutinized by taxpayers, practitioners, industry, legislature, Governor’s Office, and media.

Project Management and Program Leadership:

• Demonstrated competence in project or program management (scoping, scheduling, performance measures, risk reduction, and quality controls) to lead special projects, backlog reduction initiatives, and cross-divisional training programs.
• Knowledge of the principles of effective quality management.
• Ability to organize, motivate, lead ,and train professional personnel.
• Work cooperatively with other team members to achieve team goals and contribute to group solutions through constructive feedback and the open exchange of ideas and suggestions.

Washington Tax Policy Mastery:

• Demonstrated mastery of Washington's tax statutes; administrative rules; excise tax advisories, and other tax policy documents.
• Strong working knowledge of the agency's administrative processes for assessment, collection, auditing, administrative review, and appeals procedures, with the ability to harmonize determinations with agency policy and precedent.
• Advanced competence in policy analysis, including reviewing draft rules, excise tax advisories, and other public guidance, and analyzing proposed legislation for operational, fiscal, compliance, and litigation impacts.

Accountability and Caseload Management:  

• Achieve results with little direction or oversight, initiate actions needed to achieve results, and be self-motivated to produce excellent work.    
• Manage a caseload to meet performance measures, deadlines, and work schedules.  
• Appropriately balance quality of work with ability to meet deadlines. 
• Identify and handle competing case priorities. Make effective decisions within short timeframes and takes appropriate action. Be acutely aware of timeframes and successfully meets deadlines to ensure continued delivery of services. 
• Maintain focus on individual cases over long periods of time. Proactively reviews cases to identify required.

Ethics and Professionalism: 

• Respect and maintain confidentiality of taxpayer information. 
• Avoids inappropriate situations and actions which present the appearance of a conflict of interest. 
• Demonstrate ethical behavior and impress its importance upon others. 
• Use public’s funds and resources appropriately. 
• Demonstrate neutrality and lack of bias in the hearing and fact-finding process.  
• Act in a professional and ethical manner, demonstrate judicial demeanor, and treat all taxpayers and DOR staff with dignity and respect. 
• Act in accordance with RPC’s, Executive Ethics Act, and statutory hearing authorities. 
• Maintain a U.S. state or tribal bar membership. 

Research Skills: 

• Conduct relevant legal research using available resources. 
• Identify and analyze complex tax issues by interpreting and applying rules, laws, and other research material.   
• Exercise good judgment by making sound and well-informed decisions. Perceive the impact and implications of decisions. Make effective and timely decisions even when data is limited or when solutions produce unpleasant consequences. Know when to seek assistance. 
• Recognize issues that are first impression, have potential conflicts with current law and policy, or may be of a highly sensitive nature with political, economic, or social implications, and be willing to take a lead position in coordinating agency wide efforts to resolve the conflicts. 

Negotiation Skills:

• Recognize situations where settlement may be a viable alternative to issuing a decision, make referrals and/or initiate and facilitate settlement discussions, and acquire the approval of ARHD management or executive when necessary. 
• Understand that limits exist around financial negotiations due to resource constraints and authority. Carefully review resource information and develop reasonable options within the limitations that exist. 
• Make recommendations for settlement and the rejection of offers or counteroffers; when requested, draft proposals in precise, understandable language; and bring together policy, legal and, when applicable, personal perspectives to support an informed decision.  
• When requested, draft closing agreements using precise, understandable, and enforceable language using the agency authorized template 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Decision-Making:

• Creates a workplace where differences are embraced and valued; where respect for the individual is the foundation for providing every employee with the opportunity to develop their skills and talents so they can achieve their highest level of success. 
• Reaches out to leverage diverse points of view, talents and capabilities. Is accountable for the impacts of their approach, decisions and actions on themselves, coworkers, stakeholders and customers. 
• Demonstrates commitment to promoting and fostering an inclusive and culturally humble environment for all individuals, including those who come from traditionally marginalized backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Education

Admission to practice law in Washington or graduation from an accredited school of law and current admission to practice before the highest court of a state, District of Columbia, or federally recognized tribe. 

Experience

For current or past employees of DOR: One year as a Tax Policy Specialist 4 

OR 

For any applicant: Five years of experience as 1) hearings examiner in a governmental agency, 2) assistant attorney general, 3) practice as an attorney. An LL.M or Master's degree in taxation or closely allied field will substitute for one year of experience. 

Competencies

• Knowledge of federal tax laws.
• Knowledge of major local, state, national and international business, economic, political and tax trends.
• Experience delivering presentations to a variety of audiences, including internal and external stakeholders.
• Progressivelyresponsibleexperienceinthemanagementofpeopleandorganizationsandtraininginmodern management and personnel principles and techniques.
• Experience chairing publication panels, enforcing editorial standards, and public disclosure compliance.

To be considered:

• Complete the online application in detail.
• Attach a letter of interest explaining your interest in the position and how you meet the qualifications listed.
• Include three or more professional references with current contact information. Include a recent supervisor for at least one of the professional references.

Questions?

My name is Chuck, and I am here to assist you with this amazing opportunity. As a retired veteran and career state employee, I understand how important it is to find meaningful work, in an organization with strong values, a good culture, attractive benefits, and with a great work & life balance.  We have all of this at Revenue.  Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions that you may have or with any help you may need. My email is chuckj@dor.wa.gov, or if you prefer, you may contact me by phone at (360) 704-5737.
  
To take advantage of Veteran's preference please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Please black out your social security number and date of birth before attaching.
 

The Department of Revenue is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  We embrace diversity and offer a respectful, inclusive culture for people with disabilities, as well as members of all protected groups and statuses.  We encourage you to apply.
  
If you need help during the application process, please call the Human Resources Office at 360-704-5731.  Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
 
Other important information:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.