Compact Negotiation and Tribal Legal Affairs Coordinator-TPS4

Do you want to make a difference? Are you looking for an opportunity to foster relations between Washington state and tribal governments? Then this might be the opportunity for you. The Department of Revenue's Executive Division/Tribal Partnerships Program is excited to announce an incredible opportunity as a Compact Negotiation and Tribal Legal Affairs Coordinator (TPS4). As a part of this team, your focus is on tribal legal issues and all current and future compacts within the department’s purview.

Candidate screening will begin as early as March 20, 2026, and the hiring authority may exercise the option to make a hiring decision at any time after. It will be to the applicant's advantage to submit materials as soon as possible.

Revenue is a dynamic learning organization where you will experience a remarkable work-life balance, with amazing leadership and talented co-workers ready and focused to achieve the agency's goals. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. This unique culture of respect promotes a professional family of cohesive groups maximizing potential through opportunity. We offer a generous benefits package that includes defined benefit retirement plans; health, dental and vision coverage, deferred compensation plans, and as a public service employee, you may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness.

Visit these links to watch our recruitment video to find out more about our agency and see what our employees say about why Revenue is a great place to work.

Please review the opportunity details below and forward this message to others you feel may be qualified.  

As the Compact Negotiation and Tribal Legal Affairs Coordinator (TPS4), you will have primary responsibility for finalizing agency tax compacts and other government-to-government tax-related agreements under the direction of the tribal program’s management. Also, you will be called on to provide actionable options-based technical advice often involving in-depth policy analysis and the development of related recommendations. Additional information on this position’s duties is outlined below. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of complex, cutting edge, and politically sensitive state and national issues that are of a significant value to the agency, the Tribes, and the State. This position serves as a key member of the Department’s Compact Negotiation Team and may assist in dispute resolution with tribes.  If you want to make a difference, this role may be for you.
 
Here are some typical duties you can expect:

• Research, analyze, summarize, and provide advice on tribal-related tax issues to the Team, Executive Management, and others as appropriate.
• Act as the Team’s point of contact to the Department’s Interpretations & Technical Advice Division and assigned Attorney Generals.
• Draft and finalize tax compacts and other government-to-government tax-related agreements.
• Assist other members of the Tribal Partnerships Program with policy development, legislative drafting, analysis, briefings, recommendations for tribal tax proposals, and other documents. 
• Collaborate with and provide legal/technical advice to other divisions on tribal issues.  
• Draft rules (Washington Administrative Code) and interpretive statements with a tribal nexus.

This position is generally scheduled to work Monday through Friday during core business hours; however, longer hours may be required when needed. A flexible schedule or telework may be accommodated at management's discretion. Some travel will be required to engage with our community partners.

We are seeking a motivated professional with expert experience as a Tax Policy Specialist or comparable experience in policy analysis or application, government or private attorney practice, or other relevant work experience. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess the following competencies:

Tribal Law & Tax Policy

Demonstrated experience interpreting state tax law and tribal sovereignty issues. 

Negotiation & Dispute Resolution

Progressive experience representing clients in tribal negotiations; demonstrated skill in negotiation and conflict resolution within legal or governmental contexts. Preferably this experience is in the tribal context. 

Cross Functional Policy Analysis & Advisory

Demonstrated ability to synthesize technical and policy issues into actionable recommendations; progressive experience advising executive leadership. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Government-to-Government Relations

Proven ability to build trust with diverse groups, which may include tribal governments and state agencies. 

Regulatory Writing & Rulemaking Facilitation

Demonstrated experience drafting administrative rules and interpretive guidance, and familiarity with Washington Administrative Code processes. 

Workload Process Management

Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines and proficiency with tracking systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

High-Quality Written & Oral Communication

Exceptional writing and presentation skills; demonstrated ability to convey complex concepts clearly to varied audiences.

Consensus Building & Escalation Judgment

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and escalate issues appropriately when consensus cannot be reached.

Resilience, Professionalism & Flexible Work Practices

Proven ability to work under pressure, travel frequently, and adjust schedule to meet business demands and a commitment to professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Juris Doctor (JD) degree and ability to practice law in Washington State; Advanced coursework or certification in Federal Indian Law or Tribal Taxation; experience negotiating tribal compacts. 

Experience drafting complex tax compacts or government-to-government agreements. 

Formal training in mediation or dispute resolution. 

Experience providing legislative analysis or drafting bill language related to taxation or tribal affairs. 

Experience in government-to-government consultation or tribal outreach programs. 

Experience facilitating public hearings or tribal consultation sessions. 

Experience implementing workload management systems or process improvement initiatives. 

Experience preparing executive-level briefings or legislative testimony.

This position functions within a politically complex environment in which accuracy, timeliness, and diplomacy are essential. Throughout our selection process, we will also be evaluating candidates for both behavioral attributes and technical skills that are necessary to succeed in this environment.

To be considered:

Complete your online application in detail and attach the following:

• A cover letter explaining how you meet the qualifications of this position.

• A resume, highlighting your work experience and education.

• Include at least 3 professional references with contact information.

To take advantage of Veteran's preference, please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Please black out your social security number and date of birth.

Questions?

My name is Chuck, and I am here to assist you with this amazing opportunity. As a retired veteran and career state employee, I understand how important it is to find meaningful work, in an organization with strong values, a good culture, attractive benefits, and with a great work & life balance. We have all of this at Revenue. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions that you may have or with any help you may need. My email is chuckj@dor.wa.gov, or if you prefer, you may contact me by phone at (360) 704-5737.

The Human Resource Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.
  
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
 
The Department of Revenue is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  We embrace diversity and offer a respectful, inclusive culture for people with disabilities, as well as members of all protected groups and statuses.  We encourage you to apply.
  
If you need help during the application process, please call the Human Resources Office at 360-704-5731. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.