Tax Administrator - Orange County

Developmental Associates•Hillsborough, NC

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Orange County, NC, known for its world-class academics, diverse industries, and rural recreation, seeks a community-minded, mission and data-driven team builder to serve as their next Tax Administrator. This role is an opportunity to spearhead a cultural and technological evolution within the tax department. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a blend of technical appraisal expertise, analytical skills, and a dedication to public service. The Tax Administrator will guide the department through organizational transformation, foster a positive working culture, and communicate complex technical concepts to diverse groups. They will also work cohesively with stakeholders, maintain transparency, and demonstrate cultural awareness, sound judgment, integrity, and emotional intelligence. The position involves overseeing the tax department's services, including appraising property, listing taxes, reevaluating property, maintaining records, collecting taxes, handling appeals, and serving as the billing and collections agent for Emergency Medical Services. The Tax Administrator manages the department's budget and oversees a team of 44 FTEs, including five direct reports.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field.
Five (5) years of demonstrated progressive experience in managing the administration and operations of real and personal property appraisal, real estate, collection of taxes and revenue.
Three (3) years of experience of direct supervision of staff.
Possess certifications by North Carolina Department of Revenue as required in the North Carolina Machinery Act; or be able to achieve all necessary certifications within two (2) years of employment.
Must possess a driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina.
Demonstrates expertise in property assessment, mass appraisal systems, appraisal, revaluation methodologies, commercial and residential appraisal practices, and North Carolina tax laws and regulations.
Communicates exceptionally well in explaining complex technical concepts across diverse groups and interacts effectively with residents and elected officials, conducts public outreach, listens empathetically, and responds professionally under public scrutiny.
Works cohesively and collaboratively with key stakeholders including staff, the County Manager, the Board of County Commissioners, community organizations, and other county departments.
Maintains transparency, is approachable and committed to building partnerships across diverse groups.
Demonstrate cultural awareness, sound judgment, integrity, accountability, and the ability to navigate sensitive community concerns with professionalism and emotional intelligence.
Maintains a positive outlook, remains calm under pressure, maintains professionalism and transparency amid scrutiny and communicates with ease and expertise.
Integration in the community, actively listening to concerns and grievances among community members, and building and maintaining trust across various stakeholder groups will be an essential part of this position.
Skilled in proactively developing employees and building cross-functional teams.
Knowledgeable of NC General Statutes relating to taxation and revenue collection including the NC Machinery Act and the North Carolina Attorney General's ruling on ad valorem tax matters.
Adept at providing Commissioners with projected tax revenue increases for economic development.
Possesses highly developed conflict resolution skills to effectively manage concerns and disputes related to tax assessment and collection.
Competent in utilizing statistical data to measure inequity.
Proven success effectively evaluating, upgrading and utilizing technology to improve tax administration efforts.
Experienced in public speaking and making complex topics accessible and understandable.
Effective in working with boards and commissions.
Possesses executive level skills in interpersonal and written communications, strategic planning, finance and budget development, administration and intergovernmental relations.
Keenly analytical and a critical thinker while being accessible and personable to people at all levels of the organization.
Values accountability and holds high expectations of self and others while also being an effective leader.
Proactive in monitoring and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures.

Nice To Haves

Experience with county government, particularly overseeing real property assessment for communities of similar size is strongly preferred for this position.

Responsibilities

Oversee the completion of software conversion and modernization efforts, ensuring successful implementation of new CAMA and appraisal systems.
Strategically plan for the 2029 revaluation cycle, focusing on improving methodologies, validating data, addressing inequities, and strengthening quality controls.
Gather feedback from stakeholders to improve communication with residents, the Board, and community organizations, ensuring transparency in the appeals process and educating the public about assessments.
Prioritize recruitment, succession planning, staff development, and accountability to support employee growth and maintain a collaborative culture.
Analyze and implement recommendations from external consultants and process reviews to strengthen assessment processes and modernize departmental operations.
Appraise property, list taxes, reevaluate property, maintain property records, maps, and other files.
Collect taxes and handle appeals and public contacts on tax assessments.
Serve as the billing and collections agent for Emergency Medical Services.