What are the responsibilities and job description for the Tax Policy Specialist 3 (Non-legal) position at State of Washington?
The Department of Revenue's (DOR) Legislation & Policy (L&P) division is seeking to hire a Tax Policy Specialist 3 (TPS 3) in Tumwater, WA. The selected candidate will support the department's mission by working with the Legislature and other stakeholders to establish tax policy through the enactment of state tax laws, by developing the department's legislative priorities, and by facilitating implementation of newly enacted state tax laws.
Candidate screening will begin as early as June 3, 2026, and the hiring authority may exercise the option to make a hiring decision at any time after. It will be to the applicant's 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 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.
Please review the opportunity details below and forward this message to others you feel may be qualified.
As a member of this team, you will evaluate and influence state tax policy by providing timely analysis and feedback on complex legislation and tax policy issues for the Governor, Legislature, and other state agencies, and Department staff at all levels.
Typical functions of a Tax Policy Specialist include:
- Researching, analyzing, and tracking proposed legislation and initiatives.
- Assisting in drafting legislation and amendments.
- Drafting briefings and other significant documents.
- Facilitating interdivisional teams tasked with the implementation of new legislation.
- Participating in meetings and studies with external and internal audiences on important tax concerns.
- Providing technical and policy advice.
- Leading the development of tax policy issues.
- Working on interim projects between legislative sessions.
We are looking for a motivated professional with these competencies to support the Department's legislative program. The ideal candidate will 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:
- Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate highly complex legislation or tax policy issues, gained through progressive experience conducting statutory research, analyzing bills, or preparing policy recommendations for executive or legislative decision-makers.
- Proven ability to communicate complex technical or legal concepts clearly and accurately in writing, supported by experience drafting reports, bill analyses, briefing documents, or formal correspondence for diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated skill in verbal communication, including presenting or testifying on complex subject matter, as shown through experience briefing leadership, speaking before committees, or serving as a subject matter expert in high-pressure environments.
- Progressive experience conducting advanced research on federal, state, or local tax laws or administrative rules, including the ability to synthesize case law, agency determinations, and policy materials into clear conclusions and recommendations.
- Proven ability to manage multiple high-priority assignments under tight deadlines, demonstrated through experience coordinating projects, tracking deliverables, or leading workgroups in fast-paced or politically sensitive environments.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external parties, supported by experience collaborating across divisions, participating in multi-agency workgroups, or advising executive-level leadership.
- Progressive experience developing or drafting legislation, administrative rules, or policy guidance, including the ability to identify unintended consequences, administrative impacts, and alignment with principles of sound tax policy.
- Demonstrated skill in planning, organizing, and facilitating meetings or project teams, as evidenced by experience leading implementation efforts, coordinating cross-functional assignments, or developing project plans with measurable outcomes.
- Proven ability to work effectively and maintain sound judgment in high-pressure, politically sensitive, or rapidly changing environments, supported by experience meeting critical deadlines, responding to urgent legislative requests, or managing competing priorities.
- The ability to take action to learn and grow: This equity competency identifies people who are curious about themselves and others who take responsibility for knowing their own strengths and weaknesses, and who use their learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective to serve all in Washington.
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others: This equity competency identifies people who are flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people they work with and serve.
- Uses an equity & inclusive approach: Actively seeks to understand and appreciate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences of colleagues, customers and communities. Encourages an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and respected. Uses an equity lens that applies an objective perspective to daily work by considering impacts on the people we serve, particularly marginalized groups, by actively identifying and removing inequitable barriers.
Preference may be granted to candidates who possess the following:
A bachelor's degree in business or public administration, accounting, public finance or closely allied field AND six years of professional experience in tax program/policy analysis, tax administration, tax auditing, tax collection, or experience as a hearings examiner in a governmental agency. At least three years must be in tax program/policy analysis.
Note -
- A master's degree or equivalent in a Ph.D. program in taxation, public administration, public finance, accounting, business administration, or closely allied field will substitute for two years of experience.
This position functions within a fast-paced, politically complex environment in which accuracy, timeliness, and communication are essential. Throughout our selection process, we will also be evaluating candidates for behavioral attributes and technical skills to succeed in this environment.
To be considered
Complete your online application in detail and attach the following:
- A cover letter explaining how you meet the qualifications of this position.
- A resume, highlighting your work experience and education.
- At least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
*Note - Incomplete applications and applications received without the requested attachments may be disqualified.*
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 attaching.
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 attaching.
Questions?
Hello, my name is Patrick, and I will be assisting with this announcement. As a 20-year Army veteran, I understand the difficulty in finding an enjoyable career with a work-life balance. At Revenue, we pride ourselves on connecting talented individuals with opportunity and would like to answer any questions you have. Please contact any part of the Staffing team at Jobs@dor.wa.govor give me a call (360) 704-5738.
The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for six months.
For current Department of Revenue employees and union members of the WPEA, current promotion rules will apply if selected.
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.
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Department of Revenue and the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).
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.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.
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Department of Revenue and the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).
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.
Salary : $6,539 - $8,801