Assessment Appeals Director

The Assessment Appeals Director manages all property tax assessment appeals and related lawsuits, working closely with senior managers and the Office of the City Attorney to effectuate the successful processing of cases. The Assessment Appeals Director provides supervision, training, and expertise for managers and appraisers.

Essential Functions

Appraisal and Appeal Management

• Draft appraisal reports for high exposure cases such as those involving complex commercial properties and high dollar claims, and testify at the Board of Review (BOR), depositions, and court hearings.
• Develop and maintain a sound, defensible, and consistent policy and approach for appraisal litigation by staying current with legislation and determining impact on litigation, evaluating caseload and type of cases, adjusting Assessor's Office practices accordingly, and communicating standards and practices throughout the Assessor's Office.
• Manage all assessment appeals.
• When appeals become lawsuits, work closely with senior managers, appraisers, and assistant city attorneys to successfully process cases, including creating and managing proper work file documentation for each case and assisting counsel with depositions and discovery requests.
• Assist with reviewing commercial objection information and managing subpoenas sent out from the BOR, as drafted by appraisers.
• Ensure appraisal reports for circuit court are properly prepared before presentation to the Office of the City Attorney. Coordinate expert witnesses for hearings and trials.
• Research and maintain a market information database of different property classifications.
• Perform assessments in certain Special Mercantile (SME) and Local Mercantile (MER) neighborhoods as assigned.
• Perform mass appraisal duties for properties as assigned by the Chief Assessor.

Leadership

• Serve as a resource for appraisers relative to appeals, including training appraisers in the creation of appraisal reports, presentations, and hearings before the BOR.
• Create and maintain case reference materials to be shared with all appraisers. Annually create cap rate studies for the valuation of special mercantile property groups.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

• Work beyond regular business hours on occasion to meet the needs of the Assessor's Office.
• Position requires light physical activity, including stooping, crouching, and lifting up to 10 pounds.
• Required to file a statement of economic interests in accordance with the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 303-Code of Ethics.

Minimum Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree in real estate, architecture, economics, finance, business administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

2. Five years of commercial valuation experience, including significant experience defending property values, writing commercial narrative appraisals, and managing projects.

3. State of Wisconsin Department of Revenue Assessor 2 Certification within three months of appointment.

4. Valid driver’s license at time of appointment and throughout employment, plus availability of a properly-insured personal vehicle for use on the job at time of appointment and throughout employment. Private automobile allowance may be paid pursuant to Section 350-183 of the Milwaukee Code.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process before extending any job offers.

Desirable Qualifications

• International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE) or a comparable valuation designation.

Knowledges, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical

• Knowledge of building and construction practices and principles.
• Knowledge of property appraisal principles and Wisconsin case law pertaining to property assessments.
• Knowledge of mathematics, finance, and economics principles.
• Proficiency using mass appraisal computer applications as well as word processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Ability to read and interpret complex work-related materials such as state statutes, the Wisconsin Property Assessment Manual (WPAM), and the Uniform Standards in Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Leadership

• Knowledge of management principles and practices.
• Ability to effectively supervise, motivate, and coach staff members, adhering to principles of teamwork such as participation, shared responsibility, open communication, and mutual support.
• Ability to effectively lead and supervise staff members engaged in assessment appeals activities, including assigning and reviewing work; setting goals, policies, expectations, tasks, and deadlines; monitoring employee performance; coaching, training, and team building; and addressing employee issues.
• Ability to provide in-house training related to appeals and litigation and prepare witnesses to present testimony.
• Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all employees are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.
• Ability to support employee career development.
• Ability to encourage positive cross-departmental operations.
• Ability to create and develop a diverse work team in which all members can reach their potential.

Communication and Interpersonal

• Written communication skills to compose well-crafted and error-free correspondence, appraisal reports, case reference materials, and training materials.
• Verbal communication and presentation skills to express ideas clearly and concisely before various audiences.
• Interpersonal and customer service skills to work effectively with staff, City attorneys, elected officials, representatives of other agencies, and the public.
• Ability to work cooperatively with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.

Critical Thinking and Professionalism

• Planning skills to manage and complete multiple assignments promptly and adjust to changing priorities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Organizational skills to create and manage work file documentation for each case.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and satisfactorily resolve appeals-related issues.
• Decision-making ability and sound judgment to serve as a resource for others pertaining to appeals and cases.
• Ability to exemplify professionalism, positivity, honesty, integrity, and proper stewardship of City resources.

Current Salary

The current salary range (1KX) is $105,336-$127,413, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $108,496-$131,235. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications, and is subject to approval.

Benefits

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.