The Town of Brookline, a culturally diverse community of 62,000 surrounded on three sides by Boston, seeks a Chief Assessor to manage and oversee the Assessor's department and the appraisal of property Town-wide, in accordance with state and local statutes and regulations. Under the administrative direction of the Finance Director, the Chief Assessor directs the activities of the Board of Assessors and the entire division; work includes varied duties requiring many different processes within the broad field of appraising and assessing; and all other related work as required.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for appraising and/or supervising the appraisal of residential, commercial, industrial, and personal property for the Town; conducts inspections of property in order to maintain a uniform, full market value of all property; oversees Town-wide revaluation of property every five years.
• Supervises the general management and administration of the Assessing Division.
• Establishes taxable values for new, remodeled, and enlarged residential, commercial, and industrial buildings according to market data, replacement cost, and/or capitalization of income approach; examines deeds, maps, building plans and permits, personal records, and market data to obtain additional valuation information and to locate all taxable property. Inspects new businesses to determine the value of taxable personal property, such as boats, farm machinery, and office machinery and equipment.
• Analyzes real estate market conditions and events to determine trends and changes in the market.
• Collects data from the Planning and Community Development Department, Building Inspector, and other boards/officials whose actions may reflect changes in value.
• Investigates requests for abatements and exemptions of property tax. Leads efforts to disseminate information regarding exemptions to potentially eligible taxpayers, and identifies and implements possible new exemptions under the law.
• Compiles data and prepares information for the annual classification hearing with the Board of Assessors and Select Board. Provides leadership, guidance, and direction to other board members, as appropriate, during these meetings and hearings. Presents complex data in a format easily understandable to policymakers and the public, and provides follow-up answers and clarification in response to questions and concerns.
• Assists in the analysis of how potential zoning and other bylaw changes may affect future real property valuations, and may be called upon to provide this information before boards, committees, and Town Meeting.
• Supervises and participates in the preparation of tax rate documentation for state certification. Makes appropriate entries on the Division of Local Services’ Gateway platform.
• Administers the commitment of real estate, personal property, motor vehicle, and special assessment tax bills to the Tax Collector.
• Responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of the division’s data processing system.
• Participates in efforts to obtain new and maintain existing Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreements with non-profit entities. Responsible for producing accurate invoices that reflect current agreements.
• Develops and implements training programs for employees; prepares and administers the division's budget; purchases division equipment and supplies; supervises the maintenance of division records.
• Answers questions from property owners and members of the banking, legal, and developer communities; works with individual taxpayers to negotiate their assessments, if necessary.
• Testifies before the Appellate Tax Board, after detailed preparation.
• Keeps abreast of all new state laws affecting real estate taxation and open meeting laws.
• Performs similar or related work as directed, required, or as the situation dictates.

Qualifications:

This position requires a Bachelor's Degree in business administration, finance, or related field with at least five years of real and personal property appraisal experience including the appraisal of very large commercial properties; two years of supervisory and office administrative experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Massachusetts municipal experience preferred.

Special Requirements:

Massachusetts Accredited Assessor, Residential Massachusetts Assessor, Certified Massachusetts Assessor, and/or certified general real estate appraiser license is strongly preferred.

The ideal candidate:

• Works collaboratively and strategically with the Finance Director, Town Administrator, the Board of Assessors, other Town departments, and municipal officials to provide services to the community;
• Possesses comprehensive knowledge of modern property appraisal principles and practices, including Massachusetts property tax laws;
• Demonstrates considerable judgement in the analysis and determination of property values;
• Understands Massachusetts laws relating to municipal finance and property assessment for tax purposes;
• Has familiarity with alternative formulas for determining assessment of various types of property;
• Has familiarity with real estate styles, materials, and methods of construction;
• Provides effective leadership and values and supports teamwork and staff development in a diverse and inclusive work environment;
• Has excellent customer service and negotiation skills and works to actively problem-solve with stakeholders
• Is creative, and shows initiative and resourcefulness to establish policies and procedures and can adapt quickly to meet new conditions;
• Has the ability to maintain an overview of detailed and accurate records using data processing and is able to compute using various statistical methods.
• Demonstrates excellent administrative and organizational skills and flexibility to perform a wide variety of tasks while quickly adapting to changing circumstances;
• Displays strong technical skills with working knowledge of computerized appraisal systems and mapping procedures, as well as an aptitude for working with numbers and details;
• Skilled in utilizing computers and related software programs;
• Demonstrates exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $128,284 - $151,112. The Town of Brookline offers an attractive compensation and benefit package. This position is hybrid-eligible. The position is open until filled. Please apply with confidential resume and letter of interest.