COMMISSIONER OF ASSESSMENTS

As a member of the Mayor’s Cabinet, the Commissioner of Assessments is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Mayor; the appointment of the Commissioner of Assessments requires confirmation by the Common Council.  

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big-city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee brings together its unsurpassed old world charm with a breathtaking art museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities and great restaurants.

The Position  
As the chief administrative officer of the Assessor’s Office, the Commissioner of Assessments is responsible for carrying out the statutory and local ordinance requirements for the valuation of the City’s accessible property.  

The Department
MISSION: Establish public confidence in the accuracy, efficiency, and fairness of the assessment process and ensure the equitable distribution of the city’s property tax levy.
OBJECTIVES: Ensure and demonstrate consistency and transparency in assessment operations. Maximize assessment accuracy, reducing the need for appeals and changes to final property tax revenues.  

For more information about the Assessor’s Office, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/assessor. For budget information, including mission, strategic issues, initiatives, objectives, and outcomes for 2022, visit: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/User/crystali/Budget-Books/2022ProposedBudgetSummary.pdf, pp. 42-46.

Standards and Strategic Leadership: Create the vision and long-term plans for the Assessor’s Office. Provide direction and policy guidance; establish and enforce accountability mechanisms.  Lead the Assessor’s Office in organizational and strategic planning and monitor progress and informatics toward strategic goals.  Ensure that appropriate technology is in place and effectively utilized.

Compliance and Accountability: Ensure compliance with the Wisconsin Property Assessment Manual, including in the annual creation of the assessment roll, and with City ordinances. Ensure that state-required reports are completed and submitted in a timely manner. Evaluate and ensure efficient and equitable implementation and administration of assessments.  Continuously monitor organizational climate to ensure accountability for processes and outcomes.  Ensure access and accountability for functions and services. 

Management of Leadership Team: Direct staff in all matters, including those involving personnel, budgeting and public relations.  Coach, support, and assess managers to help them achieve organizational and professional improvement goals; identify and implement measures of success and accountability. Create and promote leadership development and succession planning opportunities.  Foster an environment that is inclusive, equitable and supportive of all employees.

Communication and Customer Service:  Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Assessor’s Office or identify other subject matter experts for that role, based upon the topic.   Continue to uphold the department’s commitment to providing outstanding customer service, including clear and timely communication with residents, property owners, elected officials and community representatives; facilitate and foster an environment of clarity and trust.  

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

• Individuals who apply for general City employment on or after September 1, 2021 and are subsequently appointed to a position must provide proof of being vaccinated against COVID-19 (i.e., received both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) or have an approved religious or medical accommodation within ten business days of their employment start date.

1. Bachelor’s degree in real estate, architecture, engineering, building construction, urban planning or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Five years of management experience in an assessment district with complexity equivalent to the City of Milwaukee. Management experience must include strategic planning, development of programming and budgets, supervision of staff and creation and implementation of policies and procedures.
3. Certification by the State of Wisconsin at the Assessor 3 level under the State Assessor’s Certification Program at time of application and throughout employment. For more information on the State of Wisconsin Assessor 3 level certification go to: https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/Training/assessor-certification.aspx.
4. Valid driver’s license at time of appointment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.  

IMPORTANT NOTE: College transcripts and proof of the Assessor 3 certification are required and must be emailed as an attachment to krurban@milwaukee.gov by the closing date and time. Student/unofficial copies are acceptable; however, your transcript must be legible and include your college/university name, your name, the degree completed and the date completed.

Technical knowledge

• Expert-level knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques of real and personal property valuation.
• Ability to interpret and apply Wisconsin property assessment law and governmental regulations on taxation, including exemptions statutes.
• Expert-level knowledge of appraisal and assessment principles and practices.
• Knowledge of public and business administration principles and best practices.
• Ability to interpret and recommend changes to state statutes and ordinances governing all aspects of property valuation.
• Ability to apply practical solutions to complex assessment situations.        
• An understanding of the issues facing urban communities and how to determine and implement effective tangible solutions.
• Knowledge of the capabilities of information technology to transform and enhance related operations and services.   
• Ability to read and understand complex documents such as laws, policies, and technical publications.
• Ability to develop, justify and control divisional operating and capital budgets.

Leadership skills

• Ability to be proactive, collaborative, and to articulate and implement a shared vision.      
• Strong executive leadership and managerial skills.    
• Ability to provide operational oversight in the areas of strategic planning, budgeting, communications, organizational performance, resource allocation and customer service.
• Vision, imagination, initiative, passion, and flexibility. 
• Ability to build a diverse and culturally inclusive organization.
• Ability to bring teams together to meet the objectives of the community and department.      
• Ability to provide responsible stewardship of City resources and to represent the City of Milwaukee professionally and ethically.
• Ability to analyze and solve complex problems.       
• Decision-making skills and sound judgment.      
• Organizational and planning skills to be able to effectively oversee workflow processes and to manage competing priorities and challenges under pressure. 
• Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all employees are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.

Communication and interpersonal skills      

• Excellent oral communication skills, interpersonal ability, and political acumen to be able to work collaboratively with colleagues and elected officials, professionals, residents, property owners, community groups and the public.     
• Ability to effectively represent the department before public bodies and the media.    
• Superior written communication skills to compose well-crafted policies, narratives, reports, articles, presentations, and correspondence.

The current salary range (10X) is $110,689-$142,915 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $114,009-$147,336.  Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.  

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan       
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan     
• Health and Dental Insurance       
• Comprehensive Wellness Program        
• Onsite Clinic Services       
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program       
• Alternative Work Schedules        
• Long Term Disability Insurance     
• Group Life Insurance     
• Tuition Benefits      
• Paid Vacation        
• 11 Paid Holidays        
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement       
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit http://city.milwaukee.gov/Benefits

Screening for this position will be based on an evaluation of each applicant’s education, experience, and professional accomplishments, which should be detailed in a cover letter and resume.

• Please email a cover letter and resume by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, December 17, 2021 to: krurban@milwaukee.gov. Please indicate “Commissioner of Assessments” in the subject line.
• Questions relative to the selection process may be directed to Kristin Hennessy Urban at 414.286.8643.
• The City of Milwaukee reserves the right to invite only the most qualified applicants to participate in the selection process.  

INITIAL FILING DATE: The selection process will be conducted as soon as practical after Friday, December 10, 2021 EXTENDED: Friday, December 17, 2021. Receipt of application materials may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.