Chief Assessor

Under the general direction of the Chief Financial Officer and the policy direction of the Board of Assessors, responsible for administrative, technical and supervisory work related to the valuation and re-evaluation of all residential, industrial and commercial real estate and personal property within the Town in accordance with Department of Revenue (DOR) regulations; for providing related financial information, analysis and consultation to the Chief Financial Officer and to Town planning and economic development teams; and for management of the Assessors Office, including staff records and systems. Establish the valuation of all commercial, industrial and residential real estate within the Town for taxation purposes in conjunction with the Board of Assessors and in accordance with DOR regulations. Explain, justify and defend valuations to the public and to local and state officials. Oversee the preparation of re-evaluations of all properties in the Town. In conjunction with the Board of Assessors, present an analysis of potential changes in taxation rates. Develop models to establish projected individual and total values for residential, commercial, industrial and personal property. Analyze real estate market conditions and events to determine trends and changes in the market. Confer with owners, developers, and bank officials regarding property valuation. Assess Town's growth and development in terms of potential tax levies and liabilities. Provide the Chief Financial Officer with related revenue projections. Supervise and directly participate in field inspections of industrial and commercial properties and review values of residential and personal properties to collect necessary data for establishing and/or updating all property appraisals. Review individual applications for abatements and exemptions. Make recommendations to the Board of Assessors for approval or denial of applications for abatements and exemptions. Consult with Town boards, commission and community planning and economic development teams to provide revenue (tax) estimates for new development and related information. Organize public information meetings regarding valuation and taxation. Convene Board of Assessors. Develop and prepare meeting agendas. Keep Board informed of changes in real property values, revised assessments, tax abatements, complaints, special requests, reports and priorities. Direct and supervise Assessor's office staff in maintaining records and in responding to customer questions and complaints regarding appraisal issues. Participate in resolving the more complex or difficult customer service issues and problems. Oversee the maintenance of a real estate appraisal database on the legal and physical characteristics of each property, including ownership, location, lot size, house dimensions, condition, quality, style, sales history, and other criteria. Maintain computer systems and necessary software upgrades in support of the division's appraisal activities. Assist the Chief Financial Officer in calculating potential terms for tax increment financing agreements. Prepare all necessary statistical analyses, spreadsheets, reports, forms and valuation parameters in order to obtain required certifications from the Commissioner of Revenue. Oversee maintenance of Assessor's maps based on new land boundaries created by sub-division and parcel splits. Supervise division staff. Participate in staff selection, evaluation and discipline in accordance with Town and department policies and procedures. Provide training, daily direction and counseling as required. Develop, track, and oversee division budget request for submission to Chief Financial Officer ; responsible for controlling division expenses within approved levels. Perform related duties as required. Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Ability to recognize Town-wide priorities and work cooperatively to support their accomplishment. Ability to establish goals and objectives for the division. Ability to analyze complex issues and to develop relevant and realistic plans, programs and recommendations. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to establish positive public relations for the Town, department and/or division; and to interact effectively with a wide variety of people. Skill in planning, management, organization, supervision and leadership. Skill in financial management. Thorough knowledge of principles, methods and techniques of property appraisal, including computerized appraisal systems. Extensive knowledge of laws, rules and regulations regarding property assessment in the public sector. Knowledge of Continuous Quality Improvement practices. Knowledge of implementation techniques to improve division and/or department services. Education and Experience Duties require knowledge of appraisal laws, regulations, techniques and management skills equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, business or finance, and 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience, several of which were in a supervisory role. Must possess state certifications of Massachusetts Accredited Assessor (MAA) and either Certified Assessment Evaluation (CAE) or Certified Massachusetts Assessor (CMA) within two years of appointment. Supervisory Responsibility Supervise 4 or more full-time equivalent staff. Physical Elements Normal office working environment. May involve field visits. Subject to outside weather conditions while conducting appraisals. Occasional walking, standing and climbing. Regularly uses computer keyboards requiring eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity. Involves travel to meetings and other communities. May involve attendance at evening meetings. The Town of Andover is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The Town is committed to advancing its workforce culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.