Tax Policy Specialist 3, Technical Advice & Policy

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Revenue's Interpretations & Technical Advice (ITA) division is looking for fresh talent to join our team as Tax Policy Specialist. ITA is a fun, dedicated team of professionals committed to providing excellent customer service to advance consistent, legally sound, and well-balanced tax policy. As a vital member of our team, you will have the opportunity to shape and influence policy for state tax and other programs administered by the department, while enjoying a variety of challenging work assignments, thinking creatively, and working on cutting edge issues! ITA offers an incredible work-life balance and the opportunity for flexible working arrangements. 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 interpret, apply, communicate, and advise on complex tax laws and Department policies on novel and precedent-setting issues, as evidenced by progressive experience in legal or policy analysis within a governmental or tax administration context.
Proven skill in drafting, reviewing, and revising rules, interpretive statements, and legal guidance that are clear and easy to comprehend to a wide audience, and consistent and aligned with statutory and administrative frameworks , supported by experience in preparing technical documents or guidance materials.
Demonstrated experience in conducting in-depth legal, policy, and revenue impact research and analysis , including synthesizing complex information into actionable recommendations for executive management or legislative offices.
Progressive experience in leading or participating in cross-divisional workgroups, stakeholder meetings, or policy development projects , showing the ability to facilitate collaboration and provide subject matter expertise on complex tax issues.
Proven ability to draft clear, concise, and technically accurate guidance documents, including rules, interpretive statements, and web content, and to present complex legal and tax concepts to diverse audiences, as demonstrated by written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated skill in managing multiple complex assignments with competing deadlines, including planning, organizing, and ensuring timely and accurate completion of deliverables, as shown by experience in project or workload management.
Proven ability to lead and contribute to training programs or modules for staff, promoting consistent tax administration and clear understanding of taxpayer responsibilities, supported by experience in training or instructional roles.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a stressful environment, adapt to evolving legislative and organizational priorities, and maintain professionalism and ethical conduct in all interactions, as evidenced by prior roles requiring stress tolerance and adaptability.
Proven proficiency in performing legal and tax research, and use of related tools, databases, and digital platforms, as well as maintaining accurate records and documentation in compliance with agency retention policies.
Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory and procedural requirements, including the Administrative Procedure Act and agency rulemaking processes, as shown by experience applying agency policies and procedures consistently.
The ability to take action to learn and grow : Curious about themselves and others, take responsibility for knowing their own strengths and weaknesses, and 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: 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.
These positions function within a fast-paced, politically complex environment within which accuracy, timeliness, and communication are essential.
Complete your online application in detail and attach the following: A cover letter explaining how you meet the qualifications of this position. A current resume, highlighting your work experience and education. At least three professional references with current telephone numbers. A professional writing sample.

Nice To Haves

New to tax
Tax LLM

Responsibilities

Researching and answering complex tax questions from a variety of customers, including other divisions, external stakeholders, and our Executive team.
Engage in tax policy development to achieve consistency and fairness in tax administration.
Research tax law and Department policy to draft memorandums that respond to the questions, analyze possible options, or address long-term policy issues.
Drafting Washington Administrative Codes (WACs/Rules) and Excise Tax Advisories (ETAs).
Conduct or facilitate internal training and participate in stakeholder engagement opportunities like speaking panels, meetings with taxpayers, and hearings on public guidance.
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.