Director, Taxpayer Services

There has never been a better time to bring your values and talents to the collaborative team at the Vermont Department of Taxes. The rewarding work we do supports this brave little state and helps shape its future. We work with proven, dynamic technologies to fund initiatives that preserve the environment, build vibrant communities, strengthen families, and so much more. Discover new opportunities, learn new skills, and solve problems with our dedicated and supportive team.

The Role
We are seeking a service-minded Director to lead the Department's Taxpayer Services Division. This management-level position will report directly to the Department's Chief Operating Officer and will work closely with other members of the Department's leadership team, including the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, General Counsel, and other Division directors.

The Director of Taxpayer Services oversees, coordinates, and supports a roughly 55-person Division. The Division provides front-end client services to the public, business, and tax preparer communities.

The Division is comprised of four primary sections that oversee the administration of:

• Personal Income Taxes and associated programs;
• Corporate and Business Income Taxes;
• Business taxes such as Sales and Use, Meals and Rooms, and Withholding; and
• Miscellaneous Taxes.

Direct reports to this position currently include an Assistant Director, Operations Manager, Tax Specialist, and two senior-level tax examiners. The annual salary for this position ranges from $85,000 to $134,000, depending on experience and qualifications, and State of Vermont benefits are very competitive.

Key responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

• Proactively guiding the Department's client services efforts and initiatives.
• Aligning Division resources and efforts with the Department's mission, values, and strategic goals.
• Planning and overseeing the processing, review, and analysis of tax returns for 30-plus tax types and credit programs, including the Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Property Tax Credit, Renter Credit, and others.
• Achieving key performance goals, such as issuing 95% of timely filed Personal Income Tax refunds by June 1.
• Recruiting, evaluating, supporting, and improving the performance of employees.
• Fostering cohesion and collaboration across the Taxpayer Services Division and the Department.
• Formulating and implementing tax policies and regulations.
• Overseeing the development and implementation of taxpayer education programs.
• Executing statewide and departmentwide initiatives and protocols.
• Supporting the development, refinement, and implementation of automated tax systems.
• Proactively providing updates to Department leadership on critical service issues.
• Working with other states' revenue departments, other Vermont departments and agencies, the Federation of Tax Administrators, and the Federal government to ensure the integrity of Vermont's tax system and to set a model of service-oriented government and tax administration.
• Serving as a member of the Department's management team.
• Representing the Division of Taxpayer Services both internally and externally.

• A motivational leader who can inspire change.
• Empathetic and supportive in their management approach.
• Curious and resilient with a strong growth mindset.
• A strong communicator - both orally and in writing.
• Knowledgeable about Vermont tax laws, rules, and regulations.
• Experienced in government operations and tax administration.
• Experienced in developing teams and individuals.
• Experienced in developing and implementing internal controls.
• Experienced in analysis and working with complex computer systems.
• Able to bring a proven record of prioritizing work, managing deadlines, and aligning expectations with senior management.

Working at the Vermont Department of Taxes

The mission of the Vermont Department of Taxes is to serve Vermonters by administering our tax laws fairly and efficiently to help taxpayers understand and comply with their state tax obligations. Our core values - Service, Integrity, Growth, and Community - guide our decisions and actions as we strive to fulfill our mission. Learn more about the mission, goals, and core values of the Vermont Department of Taxes.

At our department, we promote a healthy organizational culture that helps our employees thrive. For us, that starts with engagement, morale, and growth opportunities. We also value diverse teams and are committed to creating a community of inclusion. For additional information about employee satisfaction, careers, and benefits, please visit https://tax.vermont.gov/careers.

Hybrid Telework Schedule
Our department embraces the benefits of both telework and in-person collaboration. This position is required to be in the office at least two days a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Tax Department permits eligible employees to request voluntary participation in the State of Vermont Telework program. Telework eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis and is consistent with State and Department policies. Department employees are currently required to participate in one weekly "core day" (currently Wednesdays) and must plan to report for work at 133 State Street, Montpelier, on designated core days. Division Directors have a second "core day" on Tuesdays. Depending on business needs, there may be additional days when employees are expected to report to the Tax Department's central offices, even if they are approved to participate in the telework program.

This position, Director, Taxpayer Services (Job Requisition #52244), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Andrew.Stein@vermont.gov

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Duties are performed largely in a standard office setting, but some occasional travel will require private means of transportation. Some work outside of normal work schedule may be anticipated. Appearances at legislative hearings, tax appeal hearings and court cases can be expected. Encounters with taxpayers and their representatives may produce stressful situations and strong differences of opinion.

Some work outside of normal work schedule should be anticipated.

Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, public policy, accounting, mathematics, or a related field AND three (3) or more years of experience in accounting, auditing, public or business administration, fiscal management, or a related field INCLUDING three (3) years of supervisory experience in any field.

OR

Six (6) or more years of experience in accounting, auditing, public or business administration, fiscal management, or a related field INCLUDING three (3) years of supervisory experience in any field.

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.