Tax Policy Specialist 3 - Legal or Non-legal Options

• No billable hours! We work predictable schedules over a true 40-hour work week. We also offer generous paid leave so you can enjoy your life outside of work.  
• Reasonable workloads. Some of the work can be fast-paced at times but we work to prioritize work to reduce deadline demands.
• Remote work. We work in a hybrid setting where employees are allowed to work from home all but 1-2 days per month. We also provide opportunities for staff to come in more often to interact in-person. Our dedicated IT staff provide all the necessary equipment.
• Supportive culture. Whether you are new to tax or have a tax LLM, you’ll receive training and guidance from managers who want to help you succeed and grow. Our Tax Policy Managers generously share information and knowledge in a collaborative and non-competitive work environment.  There are opportunities to meet and work with employees from other policy and operating divisions, cross-training rotations, and regular salary increases. We also offer in-house CLEs and pay your bar dues. 

• Researching state, local, or federal tax law.
• Conducting technical, legal, and policy analysis on complex tax or other program issues and draft memorandum or other guidance that responds to questions, analyzes possible options, or addresses long-term policy issues.
• Developing and evaluating policy alternatives to assist the department's legislative and/or executive offices.
• Drafting rules (Washington Administrative Code), excise tax advisories (ETAs), interpretive statements, or other policy guidance.
• Participating in department implementation projects with statewide or even national significance.
• Conduct or facilitate internal training and participate in stakeholder engagement opportunities, including speaking panels and hearings on public guidance.
• Leading meetings with external and internal audiences on important tax issues.
• Supporting the Department’s Working Family Tax program that provides refunds to low and moderate income Washingtonians.
• Supporting the Department Unclaimed Property Tax program that seeks to reunite owners with their lost property.

Admission to practice law in the State of Washington; or a Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law and current admission to practice before the highest court of a state. AND For current or past employees of the Department of Revenue: One year of experience as a Tax Policy Specialist 2.

OR

Admission to practice law in the State of Washington; or a Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law and current admission to practice before the highest court of a state. AND For any applicant: Three years of professional experience 1) in tax administration, tax auditing, tax collection or tax program/policy analysis, 2) as a hearings examiner in a governmental agency, 3) as an assistant attorney general, and/or 4) as a practicing attorney.

• Excellent analytical, writing, problem solving, and oral communication skills
• Creative, flexible, and service-oriented approach to work
• Effectively express ideas and information verbally
• Effectively and successfully interacts with other employees and the public both on a one-on-one basis and in group settings
• Excellent research skills and demonstrated proficient use of tax resources
• Works calmly in stressful operations
• Committed to learning and self-improvement
• Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work
  
  

• Knowledge and experience with tax law, ideally in Washington State. 
• Capability to handle difficult, thorny tax issues in big picture, solutions-oriented environment. 

The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Department of Revenue and the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).  

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record 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.

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.