Tax Policy Specialist 3 (Non-legal)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Revenue's (DOR) Legislation & Policy (L&P) division is seeking to hire a Tax Policy Specialist 3 (TPS 3) in Tumwater, WA. The selected candidate will support the department's mission by working with the Legislature and other stakeholders to establish tax policy through the enactment of state tax laws, by developing the department's legislative priorities, and by facilitating implementation of newly enacted state tax laws. This is an opportunity to join a small, yet elite team of collaborative and innovative individuals who thrive in a fast-paced and demanding atmosphere. Revenue 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.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate highly complex legislation or tax policy issues, gained through progressive experience conducting statutory research, analyzing bills, or preparing policy recommendations for executive or legislative decision-makers.
Proven ability to communicate complex technical or legal concepts clearly and accurately in writing, supported by experience drafting reports, bill analyses, briefing documents, or formal correspondence for diverse audiences.
Demonstrated skill in verbal communication, including presenting or testifying on complex subject matter, as shown through experience briefing leadership, speaking before committees, or serving as a subject matter expert in high-pressure environments.
Progressive experience conducting advanced research on federal, state, or local tax laws or administrative rules, including the ability to synthesize case law, agency determinations, and policy materials into clear conclusions and recommendations.
Proven ability to manage multiple high-priority assignments under tight deadlines, demonstrated through experience coordinating projects, tracking deliverables, or leading workgroups in fast-paced or politically sensitive environments.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external parties, supported by experience collaborating across divisions, participating in multi-agency workgroups, or advising executive-level leadership.
Progressive experience developing or drafting legislation, administrative rules, or policy guidance, including the ability to identify unintended consequences, administrative impacts, and alignment with principles of sound tax policy.
Demonstrated skill in planning, organizing, and facilitating meetings or project teams, as evidenced by experience leading implementation efforts, coordinating cross-functional assignments, or developing project plans with measurable outcomes.
Proven ability to work effectively and maintain sound judgment in high-pressure, politically sensitive, or rapidly changing environments, supported by experience meeting critical deadlines, responding to urgent legislative requests, or managing competing priorities.
The ability to take action to learn and grow: This equity competency identifies people who are curious about themselves and others who take responsibility for knowing their own strengths and weaknesses, and who use their learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective to serve all in Washington.
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others: This equity competency identifies people who are flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people they work with and serve.
Uses an equity & inclusive approach: Actively seeks to understand and appreciate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences of colleagues, customers and communities. Encourages an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and respected. Uses an equity lens that applies an objective perspective to daily work by considering impacts on the people we serve, particularly marginalized groups, by actively identifying and removing inequitable barriers.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor's degree in business or public administration, accounting, public finance or closely allied field AND six years of professional experience in tax program/policy analysis, tax administration, tax auditing, tax collection, or experience as a hearings examiner in a governmental agency. At least three years must be in tax program/policy analysis.
A master's degree or equivalent in a Ph.D. program in taxation, public administration, public finance, accounting, business administration, or closely allied field will substitute for two years of experience.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and influence state tax policy by providing timely analysis and feedback on complex legislation and tax policy issues for the Governor, Legislature, and other state agencies, and Department staff at all levels.
Researching, analyzing, and tracking proposed legislation and initiatives.
Assisting in drafting legislation and amendments.
Drafting briefings and other significant documents.
Facilitating interdivisional teams tasked with the implementation of new legislation.
Participating in meetings and studies with external and internal audiences on important tax concerns.
Providing technical and policy advice.
Leading the development of tax policy issues.
Working on interim projects between legislative sessions.