Director, Department of Revenue

Posting number: 2026-03024

Department: Office of the Governor

Job classification: EXEMPT

Posting type: Open

Categories: Management, Executive Management, EMS, Tax Administration

Summary

Why work for the Department of Revenue?

As Washington state’s primary licensing and tax collection agency, we play a critical role in supporting education, public safety, social services, and other essential state programs. We administer nearly 60 tax programs and provide taxpayer assistance to more than 625,000 businesses annually. We also partner with all 39 counties to administer property taxes, manage the state’s Unclaimed Property Program, conduct tax and fiscal research, and support the development and implementation of tax legislation.

Our agency is powered by more than 1,400 dedicated employees across a wide range of professions. We are nationally recognized for our leadership, innovation, compliance, and commitment to high-quality customer service, working collaboratively to ensure Washington’s tax system is fair, efficient, and responsive to the needs of businesses and communities statewide.

The job opportunity

As the Director of the state’s primary taxing agency, you’ll set the vision and are accountable for delivering on our mission. This is a highly visible role for a collaborative, credible leader who understands tax administration, public policy, and how government works. You’ll oversee the administration, assessment, and collection of state revenue, ensuring tax laws are implemented fairly, consistently, efficiently, helping taxpayers understand their obligations, and making sure the agency treats people fairly and equitably, and acts with integrity.

You will work closely with the Governor’s office and serve as a key liaison between the agency and executive leadership. This includes engaging with legislators and policy leaders, building coalitions among diverse partners, and navigating competing interests. You will also lead the agency through change, shifting economic conditions, and increasing expectations for transparency and accountability.

You bring credibility, sound judgment, and the confidence to thoughtfully challenge the status quo. You value collaboration, support employees, understand the impact of decisions on taxpayers and communities, and are motivated by public service. This is your opportunity to lead at a pivotal moment in the evolution of Washington’s tax system and make a meaningful impact for the people of the state.

Examples of duties

What you’ll work on

• Serve as the Governor’s chief tax policy advisor and a member of the Governor’s Executive Cabinet, providing statewide leadership on tax administration, revenue forecasting, and economic vitality.
• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the agency, ensuring efficient operations, effective use of resources, and high-quality service to taxpayers.
• Lead the development and execution of the agency’s strategic business plan to address emerging challenges, opportunities, and a changing economic environment.
• Oversee the administration of statewide tax programs and ensure uniform application of tax laws while advancing the agency’s mission of integrity, fairness, and voluntary compliance.
• Ensure accurate revenue estimates, effective tax enforcement, and timely collection of state and local taxes, including oversight of the Business Licensing Service and coordination with counties on property tax administration.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a diverse, high-performing management team, fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace that supports innovation, collaboratio