Director of Assessment

Ketchikan Gateway Borough; Ketchikan (AK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough is seeking a Director of Assessment to lead the assessment division, plan budgets, supervise staff, and ensure accurate mass appraisal of real and personal property in our Alaska community. You will develop the annual assessment roll, uphold equitable valuation practices, interact with the Borough Manager, and represent the department at Board of Equalization hearings.

A strong background in real estate, economics, or related fields is essential.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of state laws and regulations pertaining to assessment and mass appraisal.
• Strong supervisory and organizational management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and supervise the assessment department staff and activities.
• Prepare and administer the annual department budget and monitor expenditures.
• Develop the assessment roll and ensure equitable valuation practices.
• Represent the department at hearings and defend assessed values on appeal.
• Prepare annual report of assessment and taxation and related allocations.
• Coordinate department activities across phases of the assessment process.

Skills

Budgeting & financial oversight

Staff supervision

Public administration

Communication skills

CAMA & GIS familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in real estate, economics, business, or related field

Tools

CAMA software

GIS software

Job description

Responsible for the management of the Borough's assessment program including planning, directing and supervising activities of the departmental staff.

The Director of Assessment is an at-will employee, serves at the pleasure of the Borough Manager, and may be terminated by the Borough Manager with or without cause with no right of appeal.

• In cooperation with the Borough Manager, prepare and administer an annual departmental operating budget. Assure that assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget; perform cost control activities; monitor expenditures in assigned areas to assure sound fiscal control; assure effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time. Oversee all purchases including all new and replacement equipment.
• Develop and present or direct the development and presentation of the annual assessment roll while assuring equitable valuation practices and results.
• Establish department policies, procedures, standards, priorities and timelines within the framework of 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 the resulting allocations for Alaska Taxable. Prepare other reports as necessary.
• Represent the department at Board of Equalization hearings and defend assessed values on appeal.
• Direct and coordinate department activities at the various levels and phases of the assessment process. Supervise staff in the general operation of department.
• Develop and recommend legislative amendments as appropriate.
• Monitor legislative and industry changes related to assessment.
• Supply requested information and data within the parameters of the IAAO Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.
• Maintain professional memberships and associations in such organizations as the Alaska Association of Assessing Officers and International Association of Assessing Officers.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with a variety of groups, including elected officials, the general public, other government officials, private industry, appraisal organizations, and all Borough departments.

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES:

• Provide instruction to other employees of this or a similar job classification in all aspects of procedure and technique relating to the duties required by this job description unless such instruction requires a specialized certification which the employee doing the training does not have.
• Perform other related duties as requested by the Borough Manager.
• Attend evening or weekend meetings, and/or give public presentations as required
• Extensive knowledge of state laws and regulations, pertaining to assessment and principles, practices, and techniques applied in mass appraisal and management of real and personal property.
• Knowledge of principles of organization and management. Understanding of basic supervisory skills including communication, work organization, delegation, and performance evaluation. Ability to develop effective and efficient valuation techniques and to prepare clear and 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, other governmental agency representatives, public officials, and the general public. Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Alaska Association of Assessing Officers Certified Assessor-Appraiser Level III or equivalent IAAO certification desired.

BOROUGH DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT STYLE:

Exercises an eclectic management style drawing from all doctrines and schools of management techniques to produce the most desirable results. Setting a good example through conduct and work habits, motivates and develops staff, encourages, promotes and "sells" a positive "customer" (citizen) service and response. Fosters teamwork in subordinates. Adaptable personality and skills to work openly and effectively with all people including those who possess diverse opinions and perspectives regarding assessment practices and valuations. Understands and practices delegation while accepting ultimate responsibility; fixes problems and not blame; offers explanations in a positive mode instead of making excuses. Is accountable and holds others accountable. Produces and expects high quality work and work product.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

The Director of Assessment position requires an individual who is a good listener and can express ideas and relate information clearly and effectively in both written and verbal form and is able to provide objective advice in matters which are controversial. Must be an assertive, intelligent, and motivated person. A sense of humor is a definite plus.

The person must respect the requirement for public openness and process, while maintaining confidentiality as appropriate. This person must possess unquestioned personal and professional integrity. This person must project a professional presence in manner, appearance, and behavior and be willing to devote substantial amounts of time to meetings and activities occurring beyond normal office hours

LICENSES:

• Valid State of Alaska driver's license with a driving record acceptable to the Borough's insurance carrier.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in real estate, Economics, Business, or related field preferred.
• A minimum of six (6) years progressively responsible experience in assessment or related field, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory capacity preferred.
• Experience working for a governmental entity preferred.

Any combination of related education and/or related experience will be considered if the candidate possesses the demonstrated ability