Director, Department of Revenue

Why work for the Department of Revenue

As Washington states primary licensing and tax collection agency we play a critical role in supporting education public safety social services and other essential state programs. We administer nearly 60 tax programs and provide taxpayer assistance to more than 625000 businesses annually. We also partner with all 39 counties to administer property taxes manage the states Unclaimed Property Program conduct tax and fiscal research and support the development and implementation of tax legislation.

Our agency is powered by more than 1400 dedicated employees across a wide range of professions. We are nationally recognized for our leadership innovation compliance and commitment to high-quality customer service working collaboratively to ensure Washingtons tax system is fair efficient and responsive to the needs of businesses and communities statewide.

The job opportunity

As the Director of the states primary taxing agency youll set the vision and are accountable for delivering on our mission. This is a highly visible role for a collaborative credible leader who understands tax administration public policy and how government works. Youll oversee the administration assessment and collection of state revenue ensuring tax laws are implemented fairly consistently efficiently helping taxpayers understand their obligations and making sure the agency treats people fairly and equitably and acts with integrity.

You will work closely with the Governors office and serve as a key liaison between the agency and executive leadership. This includes engaging with legislators and policy leaders building coalitions among diverse partners and navigating competing interests. You will also lead the agency through change shifting economic conditions and increasing expectations for transparency and accountability.

You bring credibility sound judgment and the confidence to thoughtfully challenge the status quo. You value collaboration support employees understand the impact of decisions on taxpayers and communities and are motivated by public service. This is your opportunity to lead at a pivotal moment in the evolution of Washingtons tax system and make a meaningful impact for the people of the state.

What youll work on

• Serve as the Governors chief tax policy advisor and a member of the Governors Executive Cabinet providing statewide leadership on tax administration revenue forecasting and economic vitality.
• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the agency ensuring efficient operations effective use of resources and high-quality service to taxpayers.
• Lead the development and execution of the agencys strategic business plan to address emerging challenges opportunities and a changing economic environment.
• Oversee the administration of statewide tax programs and ensure uniform application of tax laws while advancing the agencys mission of integrity fairness and voluntary compliance.
• Ensure accurate revenue estimates effective tax enforcement and timely collection of state and local taxes including oversight of the Business Licensing Service and coordination with counties on property tax administration.
• Recruit develop and lead a diverse high-performing management team fostering a respectful inclusive workplace that supports innovation collaboration and excellence in public service.

What we need you to bring

Required Qualifications:

• Deep knowledge of Washington State tax laws tax theory tax policy development revenue systems public-sector financial practices and the fiscal impacts of taxation on businesses communities and statewide revenue systems.
• Highly skilled in building trust-based relationships with employees unions businesses tribes legislators customers and statewide partners to advance equitable and sound tax administration.
• Ability to develop implement and oversee clear rules processes and internal controls; ensure legal compliance; and guide the agency through regulatory and legislative changes.
• Ability to foster a respectful inclusive and high-engagement workplace that supports employee development psychological safety organizational belonging and collaborative problem-solving.
• Ability to lead and inspire a faster simpler and more equitable state government by fostering a culture of compassionate/human-centered service that values seeking customer feedback and uses those insights to improve policies and practices strengthen public trust and enhances customer confidence and accessibility.

Desired Qualifications:

• A bachelors degree in Accounting Finance Economics Business or Public Administration or an allied field.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. Dont let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have transferable experience please tell us about it or contact us with questions about the required qualifications and how your experience relates to them.

What we offer:

We foster a culture of integrity innovation inclusion and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees.

Please visit our website for a full list of benefits available to employees. Heres a quick glance at some of the unique benefits that we offer:

• An environment of diversity equity inclusion and belonging
• Medical Dental Vision and Life Insurance
• 12 paid holidays 14 paid vacation days (minimum) and 12 days of sick leave per year
• State retirement programs

Application Process: Once youve decided to apply for a state government job youll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application a real person is going to read it. We do not use AI or other technology that screens your application and rejects it. So please be sure to provide clear and detailed information about your work history so your qualifications can be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews. If you need reasonable accommodation in applying please call 7-1-1 or 1-.

When completing your application we encourage you to attach all of the following:

• Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
• Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
• References: at least three professional references and their contact information.

Questions:

Our Staff ASL interpreter is available to all deaf and hard of hearing applicants. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process please email us at

The Office of the Governor is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural racial ethnic sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women racial and ethnic minorities persons of disability persons over 40 years of age and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.