Individual Tax & Services Policy Coordinator (TPS4)

State of Washington; Tumwater (WA); Hybride; USD 100 000 - 140 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Health benefits

Retirement and deferred compensation

Résumé du poste

State of Washington is recruiting a Tax Policy Specialist 4 to lead the Legislation & Policy Division’s tax policy work. This senior role coordinates analysts, supports drafting of tax legislation, and collaborates with policy makers on high-stakes issues with statewide impact.

The position requires strong analytical and leadership skills, with experience in legislative processes and tax policy development within a government setting.

Qualifications

• Five years of tax policy analysis experience or related legal/government work.
• Law degree or equivalent with authorization to practice law (preferred for applicants).
• Seven years in tax policy analysis with related bachelor's degree as alternative.
• Experience communicating complex policy to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage high-volume, time-sensitive workloads in legislative contexts.

Responsabilités

• Coordinate and oversee a team of tax policy analysts to develop legislation.
• Coach analysts on idea generation, bill drafting, and policy interpretation.
• Review and edit written policy analyses and draft legislative language.
• Lead strategic planning on complex policy issues with statewide impact.
• Work with policy makers and senior staff to evaluate emerging issues.

Connaissances

Legislative analysis

Tax policy analysis

Staff supervision

Policy communication

Project management

Formation

Bachelor's degree in related field

Juris Doctor or equivalent (preferred)

Outils

Legal research tools

Policy drafting tools

Description du poste

Description

This recruitment has been extended to increase the candidate pool.

Are you interested in being part of the exciting and challenging world of legislation and tax policy? Do you enjoy working on important issues having agency-wide and even statewide significance? If so, this is your opportunity to join the Department of Revenue’s Legislation & Policy (L&P) Division, a small, yet elite team of collaborative and innovative individuals who thrive in a fast-paced and demanding atmosphere. We are looking for a Tax Policy Specialist 4 (TPS 4) to join our team of dedicated professionals.

L&P is a cohesive and dedicated team of professionals who play a key role in supporting the agency’s legislative program, collaborating with internal and external partners in developing and advancing the agency’s legislative priorities. The Department has a unique role in advising and assisting the Governor and Legislature, on a nonpartisan basis, regarding issues affecting taxes administered by the Department. (See RCW 82.01.060(5) & (6)). L&P plays a vital role in fulfilling that statutory mandate.

Revenue

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. We offer a generous benefits package that includes defined benefit retirement plans; health, dental and vision coverage, deferred compensation plans, and as a public service employee, you may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness.

Visit these links to watch our recruitment video to find out more about our agency and see what our employees say about why Revenue is a great place to work.

The hiring manager may start screening applicants as early as September 17, 2026 and make a hiring decision at any time after. It will be to your advantage to submit materials as soon as possible.

Telework Option: This position is required to work in the office at least one day per month.

Duties

The purpose of this position is to enable the Legislation & Policy division to carry out this responsibility related to the Washington Income Tax passed during the 2026 Legislative Session, as well as a broader focus on Washington state taxes and services on individuals, such as the capital gains tax, estate tax, working families tax credit, and the unclaimed property program. This position coordinates, directs, and oversees the work of tax policy specialists (analysts) to ensure new and existing tax laws are administrable and reflect sound tax policy. This is a senior policy position, working with policy makers at the highest levels of state government in the development of tax policy and in the interpretation and administration of existing statutes. This position also coordinates strategic planning around complicated policy issues that require concerted agency strategy for successful implementation across divisions. This position works closely with senior agency policy staff to identify and evaluate emerging issues of statewide significance for the consideration of policy makers. In addition, this position is responsible for helping analysts identify problems and find solutions to complex legislative issues with significant impacts relating to state taxation and controversial matters. Due to the sensitive and political nature of the work, this position will coach staff on how to assimilate complex applications of tax having statewide and/or industry-wide significance and consider tactical, strategic, legal, and political outcomes when finding solutions to legislative issues.

Other Duties You Can Expect To Perform Include:

• Assisting L&P analysts in identifying significant issues with draft and introduced legislation, and possible resolutions.
• Coaching L&P analysts on their development of tax legislation, including idea generation and bill drafting.
• Reviewing and editing the written work of L&P analysts.
• Supervising a team of analysts.
• Participating in various special projects and assignments as needed.

This position requires the ability to work flexible hours beyond the normal 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and to work in excess of 40 hours per week to meet critical deadlines, especially during the legislative session.

Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to analyze complex legislation and tax policy issues, including identifying statutory conflicts, unintended consequences, administrative impacts, and legal considerations, gained through progressive experience in legislative analysis, tax policy work, or related legal or governmental fields.

Proven experience supervising professional staff, including planning, assigning, reviewing work, evaluating performance, coaching employees, and effectively recommending hiring decisions, obtained through prior lead or supervisory roles in a policy, legal, or regulatory environment.

Progressive experience communicating complex technical, legal, or tax concepts to diverse audiences, using clear, concise written and oral communication that supports understanding by individuals with varying levels of subject‑matter knowledge.

Proven ability to manage high‑volume, time‑sensitive workloads, meeting critical deadlines during periods of legislative activity or competing priorities, through experience performing policy, legal, program, or analytical work under pressure.

Proven knowledge of the legislative process, tax policy principles, and Washington State taxation statutes and rules, gained through formal education, legal training, or substantial professional experience in taxation, government policy, or public administration.

Proven ability to provide coaching, training, or technical guidance to professional staff, including developing training content and supporting staff development, based on prior experience mentoring, instructing, or training others in a professional environment.

Progressive experience conducting research and performing high‑level policy or legal analysis, synthesizing complex information from multiple sources to prepare recommendations for executive leadership or policymakers.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively in stressful or politically sensitive environments, exercising sound judgment, maintaining professionalism, and managing competing priorities, based on experience in government, legislative, legal, or regulatory work settings.

Equity Competencies

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Uses an equitable and inclusive approach.

Learn about our Core Equity Competencies to understand the foundational skills, mindsets, and approaches we value and cultivate in our workforce.

Preferred Applicants Will Possess Comprehensive Knowledge Of:

Five years of experience in tax policy analysis AND either current authorization to practice law in the State of Washington or graduation from an accredited school of law and current authorization to practice before the highest court of a state.

OR

Seven years of experience in tax policy analysis AND a bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, taxation, finance, accounting, political science, or a related field.

Preferred Applicants Will Possess Comprehensive Knowledge Of:

• Legal research and writing.
• The legislative process.
• Washington tax statutes, rules, and Department published tax guidance.

Preferred Applicants Will Also Possess:

• Significant project management experience.
• Proven oral and written communication skills that demonstrate ability to consider the interests of others and articulate concise information and decisions to audiences with varying degrees of understanding in a way that ensures understanding and support.

This position functions within a fast‑paced, politically complex environment within which accuracy, timeliness, and diplomacy are essential. Throughout our selection process, we will also be evaluating candidates for both behavioral attributes and technical skills that are necessary to succeed in this environment.

Supplemental Information

The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for six months.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

The Department of Revenue is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and offer a respectful, inclusive culture for people with disabilities, as well as members of all protected groups and statuses. We encourage you to apply.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax‑deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long‑term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre‑tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well‑being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre‑tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not‑for‑profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full‑time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 non‑overtime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part‑time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro‑rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full‑time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part‑time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 non‑overtime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro‑rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump‑sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

• Leave Sharing
• Parental Leave
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026