Policy and Operations Manager (TPS 4)

The 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. We also offer plenty of paid leave so you can enjoy your life outside of work.

• 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.

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.

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 dor.wa.gov/careers to watch our recruitment video and see what our employees say about why Revenue is a great place to work.

Please review the opportunity details below and forward this message to others you feel may be qualified.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 include:• 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.

Preference may be granted to any candidate with a combination of professional experience or education, such as:• 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.

To be considered• Complete the online application in detail as it will be used as your initial résumé.

• Attach a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position and how you meet the qualifications listed.
• Attach a writing sample.

*As part of the selection process, those under consideration for an interview will be requested to complete a writing assessment.

Incomplete applications or applications submitted without the required attachments may result in disqualification

To take advantage of Veteran's preference, please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Please blackout your social security number and date of birth before attachment.

Questions?

Hello, my name is Patrick and I will be assisting with this announcement. As a 20-year Army veteran, I understand the difficulty finding an enjoyable career with a work-life balance. At Revenue, we pride ourselves in connecting talented individuals with opportunity and would like to answer any questions you have. Please contact any part of the Staffing team at [email protected] or give me a call (360) 704-5738.The Human Resource Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

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.

If you need help during the application process, please call the Human Resources Office at 360-704-5731. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.