Policy and Operations Manager (TPS 4)

State of Washington; Tumwater (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington’s Department of Revenue invites applications for Policy and Operations Manager (TPS 4) in Tumwater. Lead policy development for ARHD, supervise Tax Policy Specialists, and oversee APA hearings and informal reviews to resolve taxpayer disputes.

Role requires Washington-licensed attorney status, taxation expertise, and strong leadership, communication, and policy-analytic skills. Hybrid work with remote options is available.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited school of law.
• An LL.M or master’s degree in taxation.
• Five years of experience as a practicing attorney, assistant attorney general, or hearings examiner in a governmental agency, or one year as a Tax Policy Specialist 2.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor ARHD policies and procedures for prompt, fair, and efficient resolution of informal excise tax reviews and APA appeals.
• Supervise a team of Tax Policy Specialists who draft determinations and conduct hearings.
• Present the department's case at informal excise tax hearings before the WA State Board of Tax Appeals.
• Collaborate with other policy and operating divisions on special projects.
• Coordinate training programs and staff assignments.

Skills

Legal licensure

Policy analysis

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Accountability & caseload management

Editing & reviewing

Stress management

Developing others

Decision making

Equity competencies

Education

Law degree (JD/LLB)

LL.M or Master’s in taxation

Five years’ practice as attorney or related governmental role

Job description

Policy and Operations Manager (TPS 4)

Department of Revenue's Administrative Review and Hearing Division (ARHD) has a fantastic opportunity for a Policy and Operations Manager (TPS 4) in its Tumwater office. This position is part of a team dedicated to providing a legal review of department decisions; a venue for informal settlement of disputes; and educating the public through precedent-setting decisions. This division serves taxpayers and the mission of the agency by providing timely resolution to all taxpayer disputes; supporting employee development, engagement, and well-being; and engaging in collaborative interagency analysis of tax policy.

Why do our attorneys love working at Revenue?

• No billable hours! We work predictable schedules over a true 40-hour work week.
• Remote work. We work in a hybrid setting where employees are allowed to work from home all but 2 days per month. Our dedicated IT staff provides all the necessary equipment.
• Supportive culture. Whether you are a seasoned supervisor or have never managed employees before, you’ll receive training and guidance from others who want to help you succeed and grow in a non-competitive work environment. We also offer in-house CLE and pay your bar dues.

We offer a generous benefits package that includes:

• defined benefit retirement plans
• health, dental and vision coverage
• deferred compensation plans
• student loan forgiveness

Visit dor.wa.gov/careers to watch our recruitment video 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 November 17, 2026, and make a hiring decision at any time after. It will be to your advantage to submit materials as soon as possible.

As a Policy and Operations Manager, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring ARHD policies and procedures to ensure the prompt, fair, and efficient resolution of two types of cases: informal excise tax reviews under WAC 458-20-100 (Rule 100) and Administrative Procedures Act (APA) appeals. You will supervise a team of Tax Policy Specialists (TPS) who draft determinations articulating the department's decision in Rule 100 cases, conduct APA hearings and issue final decisions, and present the department's case at informal excise tax hearings before the Washington State Board of Tax Appeals.

Additional responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with other policy and operating divisions on special projects.
• Facilitate training programs for department personnel.
• Coordinate special projects to assigned staff.
• Provide tax policy, program administration, budget, and planning recommendations to leadership.
• Assist ARHD's pubic records coordinator in responding to public records requests, litigation holds, and discovery requests.

The incumbent must possess a combination of the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and progressive experience that demonstrates readiness to successfully perform the duties and tasks of this position:

Legal Licensure

Admission to practice law in Washington or before the highest court of a state, the District of Columbia, or a federally recognized tribe.

Washington Tax Knowledge

Demonstrated mastery of Washington tax statutes, rules, excise tax advisories, and related policy documents, with advanced knowledge and skills in policy analysis, developed through progressive experience reviewing draft rules and public guidance and evaluating operational, compliance, and litigation impacts of proposed legislation.

Legal Interpretation

Progressive experience interpreting, applying, and recommending changes to policy, law, or administrative rules, obtained through roles requiring tax law interpretation, legislative implementation, regulatory compliance oversight, or program policy development.

Communication Skills

Proven ability to write clear, concise, and legally sound documents, and explain complex legal or technical concepts in accessible terms to varied audiences, developed through experience providing briefings, pleadings, or memoranda in professional settings.

Interpersonal Skills

Demonstrated ability to earn the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions.

Accountability and Caseload Management

Proven ability to independently produce high-quality work through progressive experience managing tasks and deadlines effectively, balancing accuracy and timeliness under competing priorities, and maintaining long-term focus by proactively identifying next steps and adjusting actions as needs evolve.

Reviewing and Editing Skills

Proven ability to understand, interpret, and apply the law and review the work of others to provide edits and comments necessary to improve the legal analysis, acquired through experience as a practicing attorney; judicial officer, hearings examiner, administrative law judge or hearing officer; policy analyst; or similar position.

Stress Management and Resilience

Proven ability to maintain professionalism, composure, and sound judgment in high-pressure environments, supported by experience managing competing priorities, adapting to shifting demands, and performing effectively under stressful or time-sensitive conditions.

Developing Others

Demonstrated ability to organize, motivate, lead, and train professional personnel by encouraging participation and promoting cooperation within a team while using varied approaches to meet individual staff needs.

Decision Making

Demonstrated ability to make critical decisions promptly and fairly, and to identify issues that raise policy concerns, communicate those concerns to affected parties, make recommendations, and work with others towards a consistent resolution.

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 Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited school of law.
• An LL.M or master's degree in taxation.
• Five years of experience as a practicing attorney, assistant attorney general, or hearings examiner in a governmental agency, or
• One year as a Tax Policy Specialist 2.

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.