Principal, Advocacy, Western Region

Principal, Advocacy

This unique opportunity is based preferably either in Washington state or the state of Oregon.

• Create a positive, work environment where team members can thrive and provide excellent client service and drive exceptional results.
• Lead geographic interdepartmental teams, of subject matter experts to identify opportunities and issues in a proactive manner.
• Lead strike team on key issues creating strategy and managing execution of plan to solve problems and improve processes.

• Resolve client cases and issues in an expeditious and beneficial manner for both the client and the firm.
• Review and enact policy, regulatory and legislative changes, internally or through an outside lobby group, to drive favourable outcomes, and benefit the organization’s business goals.
• Build on Ryan’s reputation to drive innovation in taxpayer services.

• Consult with senior leadership team to strategise and set agenda in each respective state agency and legislative session.
• Develop and execute a strategy (long‑term and short‑term) aligning with Ryan overall vision of government relations and client advocacy to achieve business goals.
• Develop, gather and drive persuasive public policy ideas, solutions, and countermeasures effectively.
• Identify and work with key third‑party organisations that align with the firm’s interests to mobilise them for support.
• Responsible for elevating and managing political profile with key local, state and federal officials and making political giving recommendations.
• Develop effective and timely case and issue status reports, success factors and goal alignment, timely scheduled communications to key stakeholders and executive leadership updating progress and on‑going strategic efforts.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree in law, government or public policy, especially in the field of tax.
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) is required. Master’s degree, CPA or Master of Public Administration preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in tax public policy and/or negotiation in a corporation or professional services firm. Subject‑matter expertise in tax recovery and minimisation services and previous track record of excellent service delivery are required.
• Strong background in tax controversy is required.

• Thorough knowledge of federal and state tax laws and government affairs, proven track record of effectively and successfully working with senior government officials, staff members and regulators.
• Established, key relationships with decision‑makers and in‑fluence positions in regulatory agencies and state legislatures.
• Experience analysing, interpreting and assessing tax policies and recommending strategies that result in favourable outcomes.
• Exceptional communication skills with individuals, small groups and large audiences.
• Highly effective negotiator with strong business acumen in tax matters, capable of achieving measurable, meaningful results in campaigns that affect positive changes in tax policy.
• Experience keeping campaigns at the top of mind with stakeholders, lobbyists and moving toward a positive outcome for Ryan clients.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a focused attention to detail and accuracy, organisational skills to manage multiple projects to completion and proactively keeping those involved updated.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team–based environment and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic setting.
• A work style that operates with a sense of urgency, thoroughness and professional demeanour that promotes and encourages trust and confidence in tax matters.
• Effective management of outside vendors (e.g. lobby groups).

Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, PowerBI and internet navigation and research.

• Valid driver’s licence required.

Directly or indirectly supervises employees in the Practice and interdepartmental teams and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the…