Chief, Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office (CEA, Level A)

The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) is seeking an experienced and dynamic executive leader to serve as the Chief of the Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office (TRAO) and BOE's Taxpayers' Rights Advocate (TRA). This Career Executive Assignment (CEA) Level A position provides a unique opportunity to lead the agency's independent taxpayer advocacy program and help shape taxpayer service, education, outreach, and public trust initiatives statewide.

Under the direction of the BOE's Executive Director, the Chief leads the Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office and assists taxpayers with complex and sensitive property tax and alcoholic beverage tax issues, identifies opportunities for process improvement, and advances fair and effective tax administration. The position serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and advises the district-elected Board on taxpayer rights matters and emerging stakeholder concerns.

Irregular working hours and travel may be required to perform duties, attend Board meetings, hearings, conferences, and events.


Work may require occasional travel throughout the State of California.


This position is eligible to participate in BOE's telework program, subject to BOE's policies and guidelines.

Under Government Code 14200, this position may be eligible for partial telework for eligible candidates residing in California. All telework/hybrid schedules require staff to report to the office a minimum number of days per week. Schedules are subject to change.


Per the California Budget Act of 2025, all California State Board of Equalization salaries are subject to the provisions of the State of California's Personal Leave Program.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

• Telework is available fifty percent (50%) of the time.

• Standard office environment.

• Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.

• Requires being in a stationary position, consistent with office work, for extended periods of time.

• Ability to move/transport documents and/or binders weighing up to twenty-five pounds (25 lbs.), with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Travel may be required up to ten percent (10%) of the time, which may include overnight travel.

• Work may require periodic non-standard work hours to meet workload needs and demands.

Minimum Requirements This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.

• C. E. A.

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-518212


Position #(s):
290-305-7500-002

Working Title:
Chief, Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office (CEA, Level A)


Classification:
C. E. A. $10,349.00 - $12,526.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
1


Work Location:
Sacramento County


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time


Department Information
Want to make a difference? The talented people at BOE reflect the rich diversity inherent within the State of California. We celebrate the contributions of each individual and strive to create a work environment that is inclusive, collaborative, and welcoming. By joining the BOE, you will contribute to our critical role in property tax administration which protects the tax dollars that schools, local communities, and the State of California depend on every day.

The BOE is one of California's ten constitutional offices. It is the only elected tax board in the country and is comprised of Four Equalization District Members and the State Controller. Since 1879, the BOE's constitutional and statutory duties include the oversight of the 58 County Assessors to ensure assessment practices are uniform and consistent statewide. In addition, the BOE directly assesses the property of regulated railroads and certain public utilities, collects the private railroad car tax, and is responsible for the Alcoholic Beverage Tax and Tax on Insurers.

The BOE strives to create a work environment that supports the growth and development of its employees and recognizes the contribution of each individual. We offer all the benefits of state employment, opportunity for career advancement, and the opportunity to work with a dedicated team of professionals.

T he BOE's headquarters in Natomas offers free parking, nearby shopping and eateries, and is conveniently located near I-5 and I-80.

Department Website:


Special Requirements Statement of Qualifications -

PLEASE NOTE: In addition to the Standard State Application (STD. 678), you are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with direct responses to the statements provided below. Within the responses, be sure to provide specific information and include an example or examples that best illustrate your experience, background, knowledge, skills, and abilities .

When completing your Statement of Qualifications, please DO NOT provide a single narrative response. Each SOQ prompt should be addressed separately (i.e.: first provide a complete and independent response to prompt #1, then a complete and independent response to prompt #2, etc.) for consideration. Additionally, each response should be numbered, to clearly indicate which SOQ prompt you are responding to. Please limit your SOQ to a maximum of five (5) typed pages, in Arial 12-point font, single-spaced. Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

Respond directly to the following SOQ prompts:


1. Describe your management-level experience implementing effective courses of action that improve processes or policies while consulting with, providing advice, and making recommendations to high-level management staff and the outcome.

2. Describe a specific example of your management-level experience leading teams. In your response, highlight how you have applied personnel management strategies to organize, motivate, and develop staff, and how your approach reflects current principles and practices of public administration, organizational leadership, and management.

3. Describe your management-level experience in communicating with taxpayers and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing while understanding the requirements of taxpayer confidentiality and appropriate knowledge of taxation, tax laws, regulations, and policies. In your response, explain how you ensured fair, consistent, and unbiased outcomes.

4. Describe your management-level experience in identifying issues and developing strategies for addressing major policy needs that may have public or statewide impact, and the ability to identify obstacles and address problems cooperatively as they occur.

5. Provide an example of your management-level experience negotiating with, or on behalf of, various entities (e.g., high-level managers, elected officials, other departments, employees, the public, etc.) that require open communication and employing strategies to gain cooperation, and the outcome of the situation.

Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 6/12/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


Board of Equalization
Executive Recruitment Specialist
Attn: Harman Ahluwalia (JC-518212)
651 Bannon Street, MIC: 00


Sacramento , CA 95811


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


Board of Equalization
Executive Recruitment Specialist
Northwest Tower 1st Floor; Attn: Harman Ahluwalia JC-518212
651 Bannon Street, MIC: 00


Sacramento , CA 95811
See "Additional Information" below for drop-off information.
08:00 AM - 04:00 PM


Required Application Package Documents


The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) describing your experience, education, training, knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to the information contained in the "Special Requirements" section of this bulletin is required. You must provide specific examples. A SOQ will also serve as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Please see the "Special Requirements" section for additional information.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


Examination Qualification Requirements All applicants must possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements, described in this announcement.


Note: Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in the civil service.


Minimum Qualifications
CEA examinations are open to all applicants who possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements as described in the examination bulletin. Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in civil service.


General Qualifications
State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others.

Knowledge and Abilities
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform high administrative and policy - influencing functions effectively. Such overall ability requires possession of most of the following more specific knowledge and abilities:


1. Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the Legislature and the Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management; techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; and personnel management techniques; the department's or agency's Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; and a manager's role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.

2. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; and prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department's or agency's Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

These knowledge and abilities are expected to be obtained from the following kinds of experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation and/or evaluation of program policies (experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, other government settings, or in a private organization):


CEA Level A - Responsible for broad administrative and program activities, including the execution and/or evaluation of program policies.


CEA Level B - Responsible for extensive managerial and program administration or broad program manager experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies.


CEA Level C - Responsible for extensive highly professional influence and contributes to program, policy, and the methods to provide professional services needed to set policies, to meet the mission of the State department and often exercising technical and or professional skills that are required at this level.


Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Demonstrated experience in delivering complex information in a clear, concise and professional manner through verbal and written communication.
  
  
• The incumbent routinely works with and is exposed to sensitive and confidential issues and/or materials and is expected to maintain confidentiality and the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.
  
  
• Experience advising on sensitive political issues and working in a political environment.
  
  
  
  

Examination Information
The examination process will consist of a screening panel, that will review and score the SOQ's using predetermined evaluation criteria. The SOQ's will be used to evaluate your experience and will serve as documentation of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. The SOQ's will be the only basis for your final score and rank on the eligible list.

Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

Specific information regarding the SOQ's can be found in the "Special Requirements" section and in the " Application Instructions" section, under "Required Application Package Documents" of this announcement.


If you meet the requirements stated in this announcement, you may take this competitive examination. Possession of the Examination Qualifications requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination will be compared with the performance of others who take this examination, and all successful candidates will be ranked according to their scores.


A minimum rating of 70% must be attained in the Examination to obtain list eligibility for this position. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results.


The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position. Applications will be retained for twelve months.


Hiring interviews for the Job may be conducted with the most qualified candidates.


The examining Department reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service law and rules and all competitors will be notified.


Special Testing Arrangements If you have a disability and need special testing arrangements, answer the Reasonable Accommodations question appropriately on your Application (STD 678). You will be contacted to make specific arrangements. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this announcement.


Benefits Working for the State offers great opportunities, generous benefits, and career development.

In addition, our location offers:

• Free parking.

• Major freeway access from I-5 and I-80.

• Located near eateries and shopping.

For more information about the outstanding benefits offered to State Employees

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.


Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Department Website:
Human Resources Contact:
Harman Ahluwalia
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Hiring Unit Contact:
Yvette Stowers
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Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Office
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION


Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.


Paper applications must include a signature. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.

A completed state application (STD. 678) and any documents list under "Required Application Documents" must be submitted with your application package.

Hard Copy Mailing Information


PLEASE NOTE: Applications received by mail that are not postmarked on, or before, the Final Filing Date WILL NOT be accepted. It is highly recommended that applicants submit application packages either electronically or in person to ensure a timely filing.


Do not send your application materials via interoffice or interagency mail. Applications received in this manner will not be accepted and cannot be returned pursuant to California Code of Regulations §174. It is the personal responsibility of each examination candidate to submit their application materials within the timeframe and manner specified on this posting.

Please remove any confidential information (i.e. social security number, date of birth, etc.) from your documents prior to submission.


Drop-Off Information


To drop-off an application you MUST hand deliver the application package on or before the final filing date to the dropbox located on the first floor lobby of the Northwest Building, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays). Applications WILL NOT be accepted by on-duty security guards or if left unattended at the reception desk.

Special Requirements for the position

• This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.; for more information about E-Verify, please go to

• This position is subject to the BOE's Conflict of Interest Code and filing a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) upon assuming office, annually while in office, and upon leaving office.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.