Deputy Administrator
Job Description
Company Description
A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.
As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.
What we offer
Impact – The work you do here matters to millions.
Growth – Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
Diversity & Inclusion – Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits – We care about your well-being.
Agency Description
The Office of Property Assessment (OPA) is responsible for determining the value of all real property in Philadelphia and is dedicated to doing so in a fair, accurate, and understandable way. OPA’s primary goal is, through ongoing assessments, to improve the accuracy and uniformity of all property values and to instill confidence in Philadelphia taxpayers regarding the fairness of the property tax system, as well as the competency and professionalism of Philadelphia’s assessment office.
Job Description
This is managerial and administrative real property assessment and appraisal work, directing a division of a City-wide real property assessment program for commercial/industrial properties, residential properties, or evaluation support through subordinate supervisors. An employee in this position ensures that all assessments and valuations of real property in their respective divisions are done in accordance with law, ordinance, and assessment industry standards. The employees in this position are responsible for assisting leadership in the development and implementation of a methodology for the fair, uniform, and equitable valuation of properties, setting standards for property assessments based on law, ordinance and assessment industry practices, and defending assessed values in appeal hearings and court. Work is performed under the direction of the Chief Assessment Officer (CAO).
Essential Functions
Direct, through subordinate supervisors, a staff of professional evaluators and support staff engaged in assessing moderate value and high value complex properties within assigned geographical districts or specified functional areas
Plan, delegate and review the work of subordinate supervisors to ensure compliance
Meet with subordinate staff to develop problem solving strategies along with long‑range and short‑term goals and provide technical guidance on difficult assessment problems
Assist in the development and enforcement of procedures for computing and maintaining consistency in the appraisal of properties within different geographic districts or specialties
Report to the CAO on progress of assigned divisions
Represent the OPA at meetings with other City agencies or external stakeholders
Meet with property owners, attorneys and appraisers to explain the process used to assess and arrive at market values
Attend and testify as needed at tax appeal hearings
Attend and testify as needed at City Council hearings
Identify the training needs of staff
Participate in the allocation of funds within the OPA’s budget
Other duties as assigned
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Methods and techniques used to determine the fair market value of real property
Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
Laws, ordinances and assessment industry standards relating to real property appraisal and assessment
Current real property values and trends in value
Sales comparison, cost, and income capitalization approaches to value
Building construction methods and analyzing costs
Descriptive and inferential statistics including sampling techniques
Supervisory principles and procedures
Real estate practices and terminology
Sources of real property information
Research techniques
SKILL IN:
Making real property related mathematical computations by applying the sales comparison, cost, and income capitalization approaches to value
Report writing
Use of personal computers and standard computer software, such as MS Word and Excel
Use of assessment related computer software, including Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) software
Gathering and analyzing information
Obtaining appraisal related information from recorded documents, plot plans, building plans, deeds, maps and exterior photography
Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing
ABILITY TO:
Direct the activities of a division of a real property assessment and appraisal program
Interpret leases, deeds, income and expense statements, complex building plans and other real estate information
Plan, assign and review the work of a real property assessment and appraisal staff
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, other City employees, outside agencies, property owners, taxpayers and their representatives
Effectively resolve property owner conflicts using tact and diplomacy
Review, correct, and analyze data for estimating market values and improving equity
Write complex, unique or specialized valuation, appeal and exemption reports
Interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, standards or procedures to real property specific issues
Maintain and follow ethical and professional standards
Use advanced research techniques and integrate research into reports and databases
Solve problems and make decisions
Use new computer software, as necessary
Investigate the organizational impact of new legislation
Effectively communicate with associates, other City employees, outside agencies, property owners, taxpayers and their representatives
Work-Life
Working hours are generally 37.5 Hours a week. Currently our team is working in a hybrid compacity which is subject to change.
Qualifications
Option 1
Education:
Bachelor’s degree required
Possession of certification as a Certified Pennsylvania Evaluator prior to appointment is preferred but not required
Experience:
Four years of experience appraising and assessing residential, commercial or industrial real property within an assigned district
Two years of experience supervising a unit of real property evaluators engaged in appraisal and assessment for a large municipality
Technical Skills:
Strong working knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other common software applications
Strong working knowledge of a CAMA system
Option 2
Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent
Possession of certification as a Certified Pennsylvania Evaluator prior to appointment
Experience:
Ten years of experience appraising and assessing residential, commercial or industrial real property within an assigned district
Five years of experience supervising a unit of real property evaluators engaged in appraisal and assessment for a large municipality
Technical Skills:
Strong working knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other common software applications
Strong working knowledge of a CAMA system
Additional Information
TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.
Did you know?
We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Generous retirement savings options are available
*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire
Please note that effective September 1, 2021 the City of Philadelphia is requiring all new employees to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.
For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx
