Deputy Director - Property Records and Taxpayer Services in Stillwater, Minnesota at Washington County (MN)

*Priority will be given to applications received on or before June 15, 2026*

Washington County is seeking a dependable, collaborative, and results-oriented leader to serve as our Property Records and Taxpayer Services Deputy Director.

This position is well-suited for an experienced manager who brings sound judgment, steady leadership, and a commitment to accountability in a complex public service environment. While experience in property records, taxation, assessment, governmental licensing, real estate, accounting, finance, or elections is preferred, transferable leadership experience in government, public administration, or other service-oriented organizations may also be considered.

This is an opportunity for a leader who can bring structure to a broad and highly visible public service department, while helping build a culture of accountability, consistent performance management, forward thinking, and an empathetic approach to leading people and priorities.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE:

• More than seven (7) years of progressively responsible high-level managerial experience leading complex projects, managing teams, and overseeing a diverse workforce in a public or private organization engaged in property records, taxation, assessment, licensing, elections, real estate, accounting, finance, or related functions.
• Experience with county or government budget development, administration, and oversight.
• Experience writing, revising, and implementing policies and procedures that support operational effectiveness and compliance.
• Experience leading technology upgrades and improving digital systems or processes.
• Master’s degree or other advanced education beyond a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, finance, or a related field.

SELECTION TECHNIQUE: Your training and experience will be rated based on the required application material submitted and the top-scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.

HOURS / DAYS: Typical business hours of operation are 8:00 am-4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Hours may vary. Required to work nights, weekends, and/or holidays as needed in order to meet deadlines. Work schedules (hours and days) and location are subject to change based on department needs.

ANTICIPATED HIRING RATE: $127,732.80 - $173,555.20 Annually

E-Verify Participation: Washington County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Washington County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Washington County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
E- Verify Participation Poster
Right to work Poster
The Property Records and Taxpayer Services (PRTS) Deputy Director provides leadership, guidance, and support to staff, managers, elected officials, and other government agencies across a broad range of essential public services, including property tax appraisal, assessment, calculation, forfeiture, and collection; property records; vital records; election administration; and driver, vehicle, and passport services. This position is responsible for helping administer these programs, and for leading projects, resolving operational issues, and helping ensure the department runs smoothly and effectively.

The PRTS Deputy Director also plays a key role in strategic planning, budget management, and the overall direction of the department. This position serves as the director’s backup and assumes the director’s responsibilities when needed. The work requires a detailed knowledge of department operations, strong organizational and problem-solving skills, and the ability to exercise significant independent judgment in accordance with department and county policies as well as federal, state, and local regulations.
Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, public administration, political science, business, or related field
  AND
• Five years of management or supervisory experience in a public or private entity engaged in property records, taxation, assessment, governmental licensing, elections, real estate, accounting, finance, or related field.

Must have own means of reliable transportation for business purposes. Individuals operating a motor vehicle for county business must possess a valid driver's license. The finalist for a position vacancy will be required to pass a criminal history background check and drug test at County expense prior to beginning employment with Washington County.

Comprehensive knowledge of objectives and provisions of statutory requirements pertaining to department functional areas. Comprehensive knowledge of principles applicable to public sector service delivery. Comprehensive knowledge of property taxation, property records, or licensing. Considerable knowledge of management information systems, data processing techniques, budget development and effective departmental organization and planning. Considerable knowledge of the principles of management, supervision and training.

Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and implement service delivery systems and procedures. Considerable ability to maintain an effective working relationship with managers and officials of various public, private, and nonprofit agencies. Considerable ability to interpret and apply policies and to develop procedures consistent with the purpose of the program legislation. Considerable ability to express ideas concisely and clearly. Ability to translate complex information into understandable messages. Ability to demonstrate good leadership and good facilitation skills. Considerable ability to plan and direct the work of others. Demonstrated ability to work within all levels of government. Ability to report to work in a regular and timely basis.

Considerable skills in applying managerial principles and department policies in directing a department. Considerable skills in dealing with people at all levels. Considerable skills in preparing and presenting reports either orally or in writing. Considerable skills in directing and coordinating various and different programs to attain a single goal.

As a member of county management, the incumbent is responsible and accountable for knowing and following all county policies.

CORE COMPETENCIES, JOB SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR SUCCESSFUL JOB PERFORMANCE

Core Competencies outline essential business and professional traits necessary to perform this job.

• Support and prioritize a welcoming and respectful workplace that fosters diversity and encourages contributions from all individuals.
• Provide inclusive and equitable service to all members of the community with dignity and respect.
• Demonstrate support for the County’s diversity, equity and inclusion program.
• Promotes a culture of continuous quality improvement in the workplace.
• Demonstrates knowledge of continuous quality improvement.
• Promotes the use of data and continuous quality improvement to drive the department's work and achieve results.

1. Administer Property Records and Taxpayer Services Department programs and services.
2. Manage day-to-day departmental functions.
3. Develop and recommend departmental goals and objectives.
4. Prepare long and short-range operational plans.
5. Develop and implement performance management systems and tools.
6. Prepare service evaluations, performance measures, and reports.
7. Provide ongoing evaluation of program policies and procedures.
8. Make recommendations to improve quality of processes and outcomes as needed.
9. Recommend and implement technology systems and software upgrades and enhancements.
10. Maintain current knowledge of laws and legislative changes affecting departmental functions.
11. Provide guidance and interpretation of policies and regulations to various stakeholders.
12. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local performance standards.
13. Research, compile, and analyze data.
14. Prepare variety of statistical and narrative reports.
15. Coordinate budget preparation, annual budget development, and ongoing budget management, including monitoring revenues and expenditures and recommending budget adjustments as needed.
16. Submit project and other recommendations for capital improvement plans.
17. Communicate with government and elected officials on matters related to the department.
18. Investigate customer and public complaints about departmental functions and implement effective solutions.
19. Direct management of grants and contracts relating to operational responsibilities.
20. Perform cost-benefit and policy analysis of service and program alternatives.
21. Determine nature and extent of services required.
22. Provide alternative service and program recommendations.
23. Manage department staff.
24. Interview and make staff recommendations.
25. Create and manage work schedules.
26. Provide work direction and review work for accuracy.
27. Develop and facilitate staff training.
28. Respond to grievances and special issues.
29. Conduct performance reviews.
30. Collaborate with other departments, agencies, and organizations in discussing strategic issues.
31. Advise and assist division managers and supervisors regarding human resource issues, management practices, team training, and other related administrative areas.
32. May lead external advisory groups and committees and represent the department at various meetings.
33. Serve as acting department head as assigned.

Performs other duties as assigned.
Essential functions: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, and 33.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Sedentary work performed within the Government Center. Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, computer, calculator, and telephone. Additional physical/mental requirements that occur may not be listed above but are inherent in performing the position's essential functions.
This description is intended to describe the kinds of tasks and level of work difficulty being performed by people assigned to this classification. The list of responsibilities is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.