Assessment Operations Manager

Madison, City of•Madison, WI

About The Position

The Assessment Operations Manager develops, implements, and manages the City’s property appraisal and assessment program. The position plans, directs, and evaluates the work of property appraisal staff and administers the ongoing appraisal of commercial, residential, and agricultural property throughout the City in compliance with the Wisconsin Property Assessment Manual, applicable state statutes, and case law. The position works under the general supervision of the City Assessor, who reviews completed work for conformance with strategic objectives and policy-level determinations. The manager participates in the overall management of the City Assessor’s Office and helps ensure continuity of operations during the City Assessor’s absence. Responsibilities include supervising appraisal and assessment technician staff, overseeing valuation strategies and processes, supporting appeals and legal proceedings, and explaining assessment procedures to the public and other stakeholders. The role requires a valid driver’s license and Wisconsin Assessor 2 and Assessor 3 certifications within six months of employment. Employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. The City encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and values varied education pathways and transferable skills.

Requirements

Four years of experience applying commercial and residential property appraisal and assessment principles, practices, and techniques, along with relevant state statutes and case law; experience with software applicable to the position, including Microsoft 365 and CAMA software; and familiarity with supervisory principles and practices, including hiring, training, directing, evaluating, disciplining, and labor relations matters; OR three years of senior-level supervisory or management experience appraising commercial and residential property and a bachelor’s degree or higher in Real Estate, Business Administration, Finance, or a closely related field; OR four years of such senior-level supervisory or management experience and an associate’s degree in one of those fields.
Other equivalent combinations of experience, training, and education demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with multicultural communities.
Valid driver’s license.
Wisconsin Assessor 2 and Assessor 3 certifications within six months of employment; failure to obtain them may result in removal from the position absent extenuating circumstances.
Ability to physically access properties throughout the City, walk over uneven terrain, climb stairways, and otherwise access property.
Ability to stand or sit at a computer workstation and desk for long hours and use standard office equipment, including a computer, phone, and copier.
Strong leadership and supervisory skills, including experience training, mentoring, and supporting staff.
Experience in commercial and residential appraisal and assessment, including applying state statutes and case law.
Strong organizational and project management skills, including managing competing priorities and statutory deadlines.
Strong customer service and communication skills when working with the public, staff, and external agencies.
Strategic and analytical mindset, including experience improving processes, developing policies, and supporting data-driven decision-making.

Responsibilities

Plan, direct, and evaluate the work of property appraisal staff, including hiring, training, supervising, evaluating, promoting, and disciplining staff.
Plan, direct, and evaluate Assessment Technician staff in partnership with the Business Systems Manager to establish uniform data collection and management standards.
Develop and recommend operational standards and controls; analyze workloads and review functions to support effectiveness and economy.
Prepare or review reports and studies concerning office operations.
Participate in overall management of the City Assessor’s Office and perform general supervisory and administrative functions to maintain continuity during the City Assessor’s absence.
Assist with required analysis and documentation for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, the City Finance Department, and other impacted agencies.
Assist in reviewing Computer-Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) workflows and system audits.
Determine the need for assessment efforts reflecting property improvements, demolitions, land-use changes, and other valuation factors, and direct those efforts.
Develop strategic valuation plans in applicable software by geographic area and property type for locally assessed property classes.
Develop and recommend policies and operating practices for the valuation program.
Assist the commercial appraisal team in establishing income and expense models and periodically reviewing and updating them as market conditions change.
Direct preparation and presentation of cases before the Board of Assessors, Board of Review, Circuit Court, Appellate Court, Supreme Court, and Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
Testify as a hybrid or lay witness as required.
Serve as a member of the Board of Assessors and act as City Assessor at Board of Review hearings.
Support appraisers presenting evidence at Board of Review hearings and responding to evidence provided.
Work with the City Attorney and City Assessor to prepare and present commercial appeals.
Explain appraisal and assessment procedures to property owners, developers, City personnel, and elected officials.
Represent the City Assessor in meetings with the public, taxpayer associations, real estate groups, business groups, neighborhood groups, City Council, and the Mayor’s Office.
Perform other related duties as assigned.