Agency Overview:

The Department of Revenue's core mission is to collect the revenues required to support the business of the Commonwealth, to make a difference in the lives of children by enforcing the financial responsibilities of parenthood, and to assist Massachusetts cities and towns in sound and efficient fiscal management. Our vision is to conduct our operations in a manner that inspires public confidence in government by administering and enforcing tax, child support and municipal finance laws in ways that are innovative, customer-focused and transparent.

Job Description:

The Department of Revenue is seeking an attorney who is a member in good standing of the Massachusetts Bar to serve as Deputy Chief of Rulings and Regulations. The basic purpose of this work is to carry out the objectives and goals of the agency. The Rulings and Regulations Bureau provides legal counsel and guidance to the Department of Revenue and the general public on the operation of the Massachusetts tax laws. The primary purpose of the Deputy Chief position is to assist the Bureau Chief in carrying out the Bureau’s mission by directly supervising staff attorneys to ensure that their projects are completed in a timely and accurate manner and in conformance with Bureau and Department standards. Direct supervision of staff attorneys requires editing of staff documents where necessary. The Deputy Chief provides direct supervision and evaluates the performance of both legal and administrative staff. The Deputy Chief provides continuing input regarding the Department’s interpretation of the tax laws.

The manager must actively promote the professional and career development of employees, including active recruitment, retention, and engagement activities. The position is customer focused, including responsibility for ensuring that staff provides quality customer service. The role is also responsible for fostering a culture of diversity, respect, and inclusion.

This is a middle-level managerial classification. The manager directs operations by establishing priorities, monitoring expenditures, developing, and implementing business plans, and modifying procedures. The position contributes to long-term strategic and policy planning and operates under broad mission guidance from the Tax Policy and Commissioner’s Offices. The position must think and act strategically and must exercise independent judgement.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assign projects to legal staff; review and revise staff documents to ensure that legal guidance is consistent with DOR policies and procedures and Massachusetts tax law; manage inventory, prioritizing projects to meet time deadlines and operational needs and utilize resources in an efficient manner and ensure legal staff are aware of deadlines and are held responsible for completing projects as assigned; supervise administrative staff and assist all staff with administrative and IT issues; evaluate employee performance.
• Oversee the process of issuance of public written statements; manage the Regulation review process, act as DOR Hearing Officer at public hearings; assist legal and administrative staff with completing and filing regulation documents to ensure deadlines are met and projects are successfully completed.
• Advise and collaborate with other Agency staff on the implementation and administration of various legal initiatives and systems projects, including Forms review, drafting, and editing online content, and review of internal training content.
• Draft, review and analyze proposed tax and general legislation; provide comments on legal and technical issues to DOR and other agency staff to assist with revenue estimates and implementation issues, especially with respect to the fiscal year budget process.
• Provide legal and technical advice on state tax matters to internal and external stakeholders, including the general public, tax professionals, and citizen groups.
• Participate in the strategic/business planning for the division and bureau, providing legal vision, counsel and guidance to the Department of Revenue and the general public on the operation and interpretation of Massachusetts tax laws.

As part of the Future of Work Initiative, the agency is adopting a hybrid work model.  Hybrid work is a mix of in-office work and telework.  This position will work remotely some days and in-person on other days.

The recommended candidate will be subject to an extended background check by the Department of Revenue and the Executive Office of the Governor that includes checks for: state and federal tax compliance; child support compliance; education verification; Massachusetts CORI checks; criminal background checks in state(s) of current and previous residence/employment; validation of eligibility to work in the United States; and national fingerprint-based criminal background checks.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in a particular specialty (i.e. scientific, professional, or technical) and must possess current license and/or registration requirements established for the performance of the position, of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree or higher in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100%25 of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.