Become a CIAO >
Position: Chief County Assessment Officer (also referred to as Supervisor of Assessments)
Department: Lee County Assessment Office
Accountable to: County Board pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/3-5
Administrative Reporting: County Administrator
Classification: Exempt
Salary Level: $72,000 - $82,000/yr
Date: 4/1/2026
JOB DESCRIPTION
Summary/Objective:
The Chief County Assessment Officer (CCAO) is responsible for the administration of the County’s property tax assessment process in accordance with the Illinois Property Tax Code and relevant judicial decisions.
The CCAO ensures fair, equitable, and uniform property assessments across the County, provides oversight of assessment operations, and supports the Board of Review process. The CCAO also serves as Clerk for the Board of Review and chairs the Farmland Assessment Review Committee.
The CCAO performs statutory duties independently and is not subject to direction that conflicts with those duties.
Distinctions:
The appointment, term, dismissal, and reappointment of the CCAO are governed by the Illinois Property Tax Code and are subject to statutory change.
• Appointment/Term. Appointed by the presiding officer of the County Board with the advice and consent of the County Board. Term is four (4) years and until a successor is appointed and qualified (35 ILCS 200/3-5).
• Dismissal. May be removed by a two-thirds vote of the County Board for misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance (35 ILCS 200/3-10).
• Reappointment. Incumbent may be reappointed without examination. If not reappointed, notice and hearing rights apply (35 ILCS 200/3-25).
• Restrictions. The CCAO shall hold no other lucrative public office or public employment (35 ILCS 200/3-35).
Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Statutory duties as mandated by the Illinois Property Tax Code (35 ILCS200) include performing and/or directing the following:
• Instructing township assessors on assessment procedures (9-15).
• Preparing and maintaining tax maps and parcel ownership records (9-35).
• Receiving and analyzing township assessment rolls (9-230, et seq.).
• Equalizing assessments within the county (9-210).
• Administering homestead and other statutory exemptions (15-165, et seq.).
• Publishing assessment rolls (12-10).
• Issuing required assessment change notices (12-30).
• Certifying assessment rolls to the Board of Review (9-245).
• Submitting reports and statistical abstracts to the Illinois Department of Revenue (17-15).
• Serving as Clerk of the Board of Review (3-30).
Operational Responsibilities:
• Oversees and directs county-wide assessment cycles and equalization processes.
• Responds to taxpayer inquiries, complaints, and assessment concerns.
• Provides information and support during Board of Review and appeal proceedings.
• Coordinates with township assessors, Board of Review members, and the Illinois Department of Revenue.
• Ensures compliance with state equalization standards and sales ratio studies.
• Supports public transparency through communication and outreach.
Board of Review Role
Provides administrative and clerical support to the Board of Review while maintaining appropriate separation from its quasi-judicial decision-making functions.
Competencies:
• Thorough knowledge of the Illinois Property Tax Code and related regulations.
• Ability to interpret statutes, case law, and regulatory guidance.
• Ability to analyze legislation and assess local impact.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, staff, and the public.
• Strong communication and public engagement skills.
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment and ethical decision-making.
• Ability to manage conflict and handle sensitive situations professionally.
• Proficiency in standard office technology and assessment-related software.
• Ability to work with statistical and mathematical concepts.
Supervisory Responsibility:
Supervises Assessment Office staff in accordance with County policies and procedures, including participation in hiring, performance management, discipline, and training. Responsible for planning, assigning, and directing work.
Work Environment:
Primarily performed in an office setting using standard office equipment. Work involves normal risks associated with a professional office environment.
Physical Demands:
• Manual dexterity for use of computer and office equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and occasionally stand, walk, bend, and reach.
• Ability to communicate effectively (talk, hear, see).
• Ability to travel as required.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:
Full-time position, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required for meetings, hearings, and public events.
Travel:
Travel is required for:
• Continuing education to maintain required certifications.
• Professional meetings and training.
• Local meetings and public outreach within the County.
Required Education and Experience:
Candidates must meet the qualifications required as a Chief County Assessment Officer as established by the Illinois Property Tax Code (35 ILCS 200/3-5).
Detailed qualification requirements, including acceptable certifications, experience, and examination criteria, are available through the Illinois Department of Revenue at the following resource:
• Illinois Department of Revenue – Qualifications for Supervisor of Assessments: https://tax.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/tax/localgovernments/property/documents/ptax-1301.pdf
Candidates are strongly encouraged to review this document to determine eligibility. Questions regarding qualifications may be directed to the Illinois Department of Revenue using the contact information provided in the document.
Additional Minimum Qualifications
In addition to meeting the statutory qualifications established by the Illinois Property Tax Code:
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in property assessment, real estate, finance, or appraisal
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to meet and maintain all Illinois Department of Revenue certification and examination requirements, as applicable
Preferred Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field (e.g., business, finance, real estate, public administration)
• Experience in public sector assessment administration
• Supervisory or management experience
Work Authorization/Security Clearance:
Background check, including verification of credentials and licensure, is required.
AAP/EEO Statement:
The County complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws and is committed to equal opportunity in employment and service delivery.
Other Duties:
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties. Responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.
In the event of any conflict between this job description and applicable law, the law shall control.
