Description
Orange County, NC, known and widely recognized for its world-class academics, diverse and dynamic industries, and rural recreation, seeks a community-minded, mission and data-driven team builder to serve as their next Tax Administrator. If you are a visionary leader with a rare blend of deep technical appraisal expertise, sophisticated analytical skills, and a dedication to public service, County leaders invite seasoned tax assessor and collector professionals to apply who:
Demonstrates expertise in property assessment, mass appraisal systems, appraisal, revaluation methodologies, commercial and residential appraisal practices, and North Carolina tax laws and regulations.
Leads with impact and enthusiasm and is energized about guiding Orange County’s tax 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 and 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.
The next Tax Administrator must demonstrate cultural awareness, sound judgment, integrity, accountability, and the ability to navigate sensitive community concerns with professionalism and emotional intelligence. This is not just a desk job—it is a wide-open opportunity to spearhead a cultural and technological evolution. If you are a seasoned tax professional who thrives on leading complex organizational change, rebuilding community trust through deep transparency, and turning data into equitable reality, your next career chapter starts here.
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. They are commissioned to be careful stewards of public records and data while providing clear, fair, and helpful tax services for everyone in Orange County.
The department’s primary responsibility is to ensure that all residents are provided a fair and equitable Ad Valorem taxation process. In addition, the department has the duty to collect other taxes and fees for other departments and for municipalities and implement the County Parcel Identification Number (PIN) Ordinance and the County Road Naming and Addressing Ordinance.
About the Position:
Orange County’s 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.
The Tax Administrator is primarily responsible for the 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. Orange County’s next Tax Administrator manages the tax 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, Revenue Collections Manager.
The successful Tax Administrator maintains a positive outlook, remains calm under pressure, maintains professionalism and transparency amid scrutiny and communicates with ease and expertise. Integration in the community, actively listening to concerns and grievances among community members, and building and maintaining trust across various stakeholder groups will be an essential part of this position.
Requirements
Minimum and Preferred Qualifications:
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; and,
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.
