ASSESSMENT DIVISION MANAGER

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 has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed historic charm with a breathtaking art museum, top-flight cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The Assessment Division Manager supervises the discovery, listing and uniform valuation of the property of the City of Milwaukee and leads a team of 12 Property Appraisers/Senior Property Appraisers and two Property Assessment Technicians in supporting and accomplishing the goals and objectives of the Assessor's Office. 

Leadership

• Supervise the discovery, listing, and uniform valuation of all property in the City of Milwaukee.
• Maintain and motivate effective work teams by training, coaching, planning, and supervising staff to achieve department goals and objectives.
• Supervise and contribute to the production of an annual assessment roll.
• Provide service and information to residents, other City departments, and public agencies.
• Review and decide on recommendations of appraisers for large group and sub-neighborhood value adjustments.
• Assist with public relations efforts of the Assessor’s Office, including community outreach.
• Participate in short and long-term strategic planning.
• Foster equal opportunity and employee safety.  
• Plan review and manage allocation of staff resources based on departmental needs and staff skillsets.
• Review propose and determine neighborhood boundary changes and valuation factors to support accurate citywide assessment.

Staff Development and Training

• Conduct training and mentor appraisers on the discovery, listing and valuation of assessable property.
• Facilitate hands on instruction for appraisers regarding how to identify review and approve/reject fielded sales data.
• Instruct staff how to obtain, review and process construction or rehabilitation related permits that have a valuation impact.
• Advise and oversee the work of appraisers regarding their role in valuation disputes.

Appeals and Litigation

• Plan, implement and monitor progress for timely completion of all appeals.
• Provide guidance to staff regarding assessment objections and appeals, including the procedures, data sources, and work flow for presentations at the Board of Review.
• Process assessment appeals and participate in and prepare appraisal reports for the Board of Review and court hearings. 
• Prepare expert appraisal reports, testify in court regarding assessment cases, lead appraisers through assessment appeal court proceedings.

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.

Please be advised that new employees are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to their employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to their employment start date. You can find further information relative to the City’s Covid-19 Vaccination Policy here.

• The incumbent will be required to carry a mobile device. 
• Must be able to visually see details of properties during inspections. 
• Must be able to physically able to lift and move up to 10 pounds unassisted on occasion. 

1. Bachelor’s Degree with a major in accounting, business administration, real estate appraisal, engineering, architecture, or a related field from an accredited college or university.  
2. Five years of experience assessing property in a governmental assessment office or performing mass appraisals in an appraisal firm.  
3. Wisconsin Assessor Certification at the Assessor 2 level required at time of appointment and throughout employment. 
4. Valid driver’s license and availability of a properly insured personal vehicle for use on the job at time of appointment and throughout employment. Mileage reimbursement is provided.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. 

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

• Experience in management and supervision.   
• Master’s Degree in real estate or a related field.  
• Professional designations from the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO), the Appraiser Institute®, or the National Society of Real Estate Appraisers (NSREA).  

Technical

• Knowledge of property appraisal principles and methodology.       
• Knowledge of mathematics including algebra, geometry, statistics, finance and economics. 
• Ability to make accurate calculations.     
• Knowledge of building and construction practices and principles.       
• Knowledge of mass appraisal computer applications as well as word processing and spreadsheet programs. 
• Ability to read and interpret work-related materials such as state statutes, the Wisconsin Property Assessment Manual and the Uniform Standards in Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).     

Leadership, Management and Human Resources

• Ability to apply leadership and supervisory principles and best practices to select, train, manage, motivate and coach staff to accomplish goals.
• 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.
• Expertise in managing staff work assignments, applying time management techniques, prioritizing responsibilities and balancing workloads as needed to ensure work is accomplished within deadlines.
• Ability to review performance and make recommendations for training and/or promotion.
• Openness and willingness to bring change to the organization.

Communication and Interpersonal   

• Ability to resolve complex valuation issues/questions in meetings with attorneys, tax representatives, private appraisers and taxpayers.       
• Ability to communicate verbally with diverse groups of people at multiple levels inside and outside the organization.       
• Ability to communicate in writing to create reports, letters and court documents.        
• Ability to work effectively with staff, City officials, representatives of other agencies, and the public.        
• Ability to provide excellent customer service. 
• Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own. 

Judgement and Responsibility    

• Ability to use tact, diplomacy, and excellent judgment when interacting with the public, elected officials, and employees of the City.     
• Honesty and integrity.      
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and accomplish work for self and others.      
• Ability to work well and calmly under pressure and within deadlines.       
• Ability to accomplish goals in a highly political environment.   
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.    

The current salary range (Pay Range 1GX) is $87,913-$94,870 annually, and the resident incentive salary range is $90,550-$97,716 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

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
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance 
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 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 https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefit.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations and the Assessor’s Office reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral and performance examinations. Oral examinations may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE: The examination will be held as soon as practical after the above listed deadline. Receipt of applications 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. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

• Applications and further information may be accessed by visiting https://www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.  
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

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