Director of Assessment

Ketchikan Gateway Borough•Ketchikan, AK

About The Position

Responsible for managing the Borough’s assessment program, including planning, directing, and supervising departmental activities and staff. The Director is an at-will employee who serves at the pleasure of the Borough Manager and may be terminated by the Borough Manager with or without cause and with no right of appeal. The role oversees the department’s budget, purchases, policies, procedures, and assessment process. It develops and presents the annual assessment roll, prepares required reports, represents the department in Board of Equalization hearings, monitors legislative and industry developments, and maintains productive relationships with public officials, residents, other government entities, private industry, appraisal organizations, and Borough departments. The Director is expected to model effective management, develop and motivate staff, foster teamwork and public service, accept accountability, and communicate clearly and objectively. The position requires integrity, professionalism, adaptability, and respect for public openness and appropriate confidentiality. Evening or weekend meetings and public presentations may be required, and the role may involve substantial time beyond normal office hours.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of state laws and regulations pertaining to assessment, and of principles, practices, and techniques used in mass appraisal and management of real and personal property.
Knowledge of organization and management principles and basic supervisory skills, including communication, work organization, delegation, and performance evaluation.
Ability to develop effective and efficient valuation techniques and prepare clear, concise reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Knowledge of personal computers and a variety of software, including computer-assisted mass appraisal (CAMA) and GIS systems.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with employees, coworkers, government agency representatives, public officials, and the public.
Ability to read, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Valid State of Alaska driver's license and a driving record acceptable to the Borough's insurance carrier.
Ability to work openly and effectively with people who hold diverse opinions and perspectives regarding assessment practices and valuations.
Ability to delegate while accepting ultimate responsibility, resolve problems constructively, maintain accountability, and produce and expect high-quality work.
Strong listening and communication skills, sound judgment, assertiveness, motivation, integrity, professionalism, and ability to provide objective advice on controversial matters.
Respect for public openness and process while maintaining confidentiality as appropriate.
Willingness to devote substantial time to meetings and activities beyond normal office hours.

Nice To Haves

Alaska Association of Assessing Officers Certified Assessor-Appraiser Level III or equivalent IAAO certification.
Bachelor’s degree in real estate, economics, business, or a related field.
At least six years of progressively responsible experience in assessment or a related field, including at least three years in a supervisory capacity.
Experience working for a governmental entity.
A sense of humor.

Responsibilities

Prepare and administer the annual departmental operating budget in cooperation with the Borough Manager; monitor costs and expenditures and ensure effective use of budgeted resources.
Oversee all purchases, including new and replacement equipment.
Develop and present, or direct the development and presentation of, the annual assessment roll while ensuring equitable valuation practices and results.
Establish department policies, procedures, standards, priorities, and timelines consistent with state statutes and the Borough Code of Ordinances.
Prepare the Annual Report of Assessment and Taxation for submission to the State Assessor's office and review resulting allocations for Alaska Taxable; prepare other reports as needed.
Represent the department at Board of Equalization hearings and defend assessed values on appeal.
Direct and coordinate department activities across the levels and phases of the assessment process, and supervise staff in the department’s general operation.
Develop and recommend legislative amendments as appropriate.
Monitor legislative and industry changes related to assessment.
Provide requested information and data in accordance with the IAAO Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.
Maintain professional memberships and associations, including organizations such as the Alaska Association of Assessing Officers and the International Association of Assessing Officers.
Establish and maintain positive working relationships with elected officials, the public, government officials, private industry, appraisal organizations, and Borough departments.
Instruct employees in this or similar job classifications in relevant procedures and techniques, unless specialized certification is required and the instructor does not possess it.
Perform other related duties as requested by the Borough Manager.
Attend evening or weekend meetings and give public presentations as required.