Tax Administrator

About the role

The Orange County Tax Administrator is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and reports jointly to the Board and County Manager. The Board performs an annual performance evaluation with the Manager’s input while the County Manager provides day-to-day oversight/supervision and develops the work plan after Board input.

Responsibilities

• Oversight of the tax department’s services: appraising property, listing taxes, reevaluating property, maintaining property records, maps, and other files, collecting taxes and handling appeals and public contacts on tax assessments, and serving as the billing and collections agent for Emergency Medical Services.
• Manage the tax department’s $5.5M budget and oversee a team of 44 FTE including five direct reports: Deputy Tax Assessor, Systems Analyst, Land Records Manager, Business Officer, Revenue Collections Manager.
• Maintain a positive outlook, remain calm under pressure, maintain professionalism and transparency amid scrutiny, and communicate with ease and expertise.
• Integrate in the community, actively listen to concerns and grievances among community members, and build and maintain trust across various stakeholder groups.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field.
• Five (5) years of demonstrated progressive experience in managing the administration and operations of real and personal property appraisal, real estate, collection of taxes and revenue, and three (3) years of experience of direct supervision of staff.
• Possess certifications by North Carolina Department of Revenue as required in the North Carolina Machinery Act; or be able to achieve all necessary certifications within two (2) years of employment.
• Must possess a driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina.
• Experience with county government, particularly overseeing real property assessment for communities of similar size is strongly preferred for this position.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership skills and a rare blend of deep technical appraisal expertise, sophisticated analytical skills, and a dedication to public service.
• Ability to lead organizational transformation and foster a positive working culture of trust, accountability, and devotion to one another and the department.
• Exceptional communication skills in explaining complex technical concepts across diverse groups and interacting effectively with residents and elected officials, conducting public outreach, listening empathetically, and responding professionally under public scrutiny.
• Effective collaboration and teamwork with key stakeholders including staff, the County Manager, the Board of County Commissioners, community organizations, and other county departments.
• Cultural awareness, sound judgment, integrity, accountability, and the ability to navigate sensitive community concerns with professionalism and emotional intelligence.

Skills

• Expertise in property assessment, mass appraisal systems, appraisal, revaluation methodologies, commercial and residential appraisal practices, and North Carolina tax laws and regulations.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively and build trust with diverse groups.
• Strong organizational and management skills, including budget management and team leadership.
• Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills, including active listening and empathy.

Benefits

Orange County provides a comprehensive benefits package including 100% employer paid health, dental, and life insurance, biannual leave time accrual, sick leave, 11 paid Holidays, participation in the N.C. Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System, supplemental retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, longevity pay and more.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $116,002 - $173,945. Starting salary will depend on qualifications and experience.

Schedule

The new Tax Administrator will work in the office for the first six months. Thereafter, limited remote work may be considered by the County Manager. All Orange County employees must be in office for at least three days per week.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the Tax Administrator – Orange County, NC title. Application deadline is August 15, 2026.