Tax Administrator

About the Role

Orange County seeks a community-minded, mission- and data-driven team builder to serve as their next Tax Administrator. This is an opportunity to spearhead a cultural and technological evolution within the Tax Department, rebuilding community trust through deep transparency and turning data into equitable reality.

The Tax Administrator is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and reports jointly to the Board and the County Manager. The Board performs an annual performance evaluation with the Manager's input, while the County Manager provides day-to-day oversight and develops the work plan after Board input. The Administrator manages the department's $5.5M budget and oversees a team of 44 FTE, including five direct reports: Deputy Tax Assessor, Systems Analyst, Land Records Manager, Business Officer, and Revenue Collections Manager.

Integration in the community, actively listening to concerns and grievances, and building and maintaining trust across various stakeholder groups are essential parts of this position. The Administrator maintains a positive outlook, remains calm under pressure, and maintains professionalism and transparency amid scrutiny.

Responsibilities

The Tax Administrator is primarily responsible for oversight of the tax department's services, which include:

• Appraising property
• Listing taxes
• Reevaluating property
• Maintaining property records, maps, and other files
• Collecting taxes and handling appeals and public contacts on tax assessments
• Serving as the billing and collections agent for Emergency Medical Services

The department's primary responsibility is to ensure that all residents are provided a fair and equitable Ad Valorem taxation process. Additionally, the department has the duty to collect other taxes and fees for other departments and municipalities and to implement the County Parcel Identification Number (PIN) Ordinance and the County Road Naming and Addressing Ordinance.

About the Department

The Orange County Tax Administration Department values and collects property taxes for homes, land, buildings, vehicles, and certain business property. They also manage tax relief programs and retain important public records. The department is commissioned to be careful stewards of public records and data while providing clear, fair, and helpful tax services for everyone in Orange County.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field
• Five (5) years of demonstrated progressive experience in managing the administration and operations of real and personal property appraisal, real estate, and collection of taxes and revenue
• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with county government, particularly overseeing real property assessment for communities of similar size, is strongly preferred

Skills and Attributes

The ideal candidate:

• Demonstrates expertise in property assessment, mass appraisal systems, revaluation methodologies, commercial and residential appraisal practices, and North Carolina tax laws and regulations
• Leads with impact and enthusiasm, energized about guiding the department through organizational transformation while fostering a positive working culture of trust, accountability, and devotion to one another and the department
• Communicates exceptionally well in explaining complex technical concepts across diverse groups, interacts effectively with residents and elected officials, conducts public outreach, listens empathetically, and responds professionally under public scrutiny
• Works cohesively and collaboratively with key stakeholders including staff, the County Manager, the Board of County Commissioners, community organizations, and other county departments
• Maintains transparency, is approachable, and committed to building partnerships across diverse groups
• Demonstrates cultural awareness, sound judgment, integrity, accountability, and the ability to navigate sensitive community concerns with professionalism and emotional intelligence

Salary and Benefits

• Salary range: $116,002 – $173,945 (starting salary depends on qualifications and experience)
• 100% employer paid health, dental, and life insurance
• Biannual leave time accrual, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays
• Participation in the N.C. Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System
• Supplemental retirement plans
• Tuition reimbursement and longevity pay
• Residency is not required
• 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 employees must be in office for at least three days per week.

Application Details

Post Date: July 15, 2026
Application Deadline: August 15, 2026

To apply, visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the Tax Administrator – Orange County, NC title.