Commissioner of Assessing

Overview

Under general policy direction from and at the will of the Mayor, the Commissioner of Assessing is responsible for the valuation and assessment of real and personal property in the City of Boston for the purpose of taxation. The Commissioner is responsible for managing and directing the activities of the Assessment Department, and provides strategic leadership to the Mayor, City Council, and senior management regarding property valuation, which contributes significantly to Boston’s fiscal strength and AAA bond rating.

Responsibilities

• Directs the annual assessment of over 180,000 parcels of property valued at over $229+ billion to ensure timely property tax bill issuance and revenue collection
• Ensures accurate and timely assessment of all real and personal property; maintains maps, records of assessment and ownership, abatements, and related property description data.
• Ensures timely annual certification of assessments, tax rates, and other submissions to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue; ensures tax levy meets revenue requirements and that assessment accuracy minimizes potential abatement refunds.
• Oversees the billing of automobile and boat excise taxes.
• Oversees the Taxpayer Referral and Assistance Center (TRAC) and ensures that taxpayer abatement and exemption requests are responded to in a timely manner.
• Oversees legal defense of values at the Appellate Tax Board.
• Oversees state-mandated revaluation of all real and personal property every five years.
• Participates in the City’s economic and fiscal policies by managing tax incentive programs and agreements, and participates in negotiations for property sales and construction, as needed.
• Participates in overseeing the Payment in Lieu of Tax program.
• Oversees the operations of the Assessment department, including preparation and management of the budget, hiring, contracting, and personnel management; manages contracts for procurement and maintenance of department hardware and software systems to support valuation and assessment processes; participates in programs and activities that promote workplace diversity and a positive employee relations environment.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

Required:

• At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in government and/or financial management, four (4) years of which must have been in a supervisory/ management capacity. A bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, or accounting may be substituted for two (2) years of experience, and a master's degree/JD may be substituted for three (3) years of experience.
• Extensive knowledge of municipal assessment laws, rules, and regulations in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• Real estate assessment or property tax experience.

Preferred:

• Certification as an Accredited Assessor or equivalent designation.
• Legal experience and credentials.
• Government experience.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Public administration, including financial management, public sector human resources, purchasing, operations management, and other general operational support services.
• Real estate valuation, finance, and the local economy.
• Property tax laws, regulations, and court decisions applicable to property assessments, and/or the ability to learn quickly.
• Research methods, statistical and financial analysis.
• Project management, with particular experience in leading an organization with set annual deadlines and deliverables.
• Principles and practices of sound oral and written communications, including: presenting proposals and recommendations clearly, logically, and persuasively in public meetings.
• Principles and practices of effective management and supervision for a diverse staff with specialized skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, particularly in presenting complex topics and recommendations to diverse audiences.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of internal and external partners, including but not limited to the Mayor and her team, City CFO, City Councilors, department directors, managers, elected and appointed officials of other governmental agencies, City employees, business and community leaders, the media, and City residents.
• Exercise seasoned management and political acumen, tact, and diplomacy in dealing with complex, sensitive, and confidential issues.
• Exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.

 

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

 

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union / $160,000-$180,000 Annual Salary

Hours per week: 35