Tax Policy Specialist ; Non-legal

Tax Policy Specialist 3 (TPS
3)

The Department of Revenue's Legislation & Policy division is seeking a Tax Policy Specialist 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, develop the department’s legislative priorities, and facilitate implementation of newly enacted state tax laws.

• Evaluate and influence state tax policy by providing timely analysis and feedback on complex legislation and tax policy issues for the Governor, Legislature, other state agencies, and Department staff at all levels.
• Research, analyze, and track proposed legislation and initiatives.
• Assist in drafting legislation and amendments.
• Draft briefings and other significant documents.
• Facilitate interdivisional teams tasked with the implementation of new legislation.
• Participate in meetings and studies with external and internal audiences on important tax concerns.
• Provide technical and policy advice.
• Lead the development of tax policy issues.
• Work on interim projects between legislative sessions.

• 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 work groups 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 work groups, 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.
• Commitment to equity and inclusive practices, actively seeking to understand and appreciate diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of colleagues, customers, and communities, and encouraging an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

• A bachelor's degree in business or public administration, accounting, public finance or a closely allied field AND six years of professional experience in tax program/policy analysis, tax administration, tax auditing, tax collection, or as a hearings examiner in a governmental agency. At least three years must be in tax program/policy analysis.
• Statement: “A master’s degree or equivalent in a Ph.D. program in taxation, public administration, public finance, accounting, business administration,…