Overview

The Risk Manager (Director of Risk Management) is an influential executive leader responsible for driving organization-wide risk management strategies, objectives, and goals to achieve the overall vision and mission of La Crosse County. The role reports directly to the County Administrator and maintains a strongly aligned partnership with Corporation Counsel, Finance Director, and the Human Resources Director. The role leads a scope of work including, but not limited to insurance, claims processing, safety, worker’s compensation, contracts and contract disputes, fraud, risk assessment, planning, and auditing risk practices, risk policy and process development. The role is fiscally responsible and accountable to develop and manage the risk management budget.

Essential Leadership Functions

Act with Integrity and Build Trust

• Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions
• Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints
• Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives

Drive for Results

• Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes
• Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results
• Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring

Develop Talent and Effective Teams

• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth
• Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential
• Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team

Lead with Vision and Strategy

• Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives
• Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully

Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking

• Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives
• Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment
• Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others

Build and Maintain Effective Relationships

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization
• Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking
• Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders

Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service

• Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community
• Incorporate community perspectives into decision-making processes
• Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization

Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence

• Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations
• Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks
• Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others

Essential Job Functions

Effectively lead and manage risk to strategically prevent and minimize adverse effects of losses due to injuries, property damage, insurance claims, and contractual disputes by identifying / analyzing risks, and implementing result-driven loss control methods and risk transference principles across the county.

Lead and manage risk associated with insurance, safety, worker’s compensation, contracts, open records, fraud, catastrophic events, and breaches.

Direct the safety program and administer the worker’s compensation program.

Collaborate with various department leaders and teams to integrate risk management practices. Provide risk management training and education to all employees.

Develop and maintain crisis management and business continuity plans.

Conduct effective audits and prepare risk reports with recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.

Related Job Functions

This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge and policy expertise in insurance, safety, worker’s compensation, contract review, sign-off, and negotiations

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Proficient in data analysis and statistical modeling

Expertise in identifying areas of risk exposure and recommend appropriate action through elimination, assumption, or transfer

Ability to direct and manage risk open claims. Establishes, reviews, and assesses costs allocated to a damage claim. Negotiates and resolves open claims in partnership with the county and its’ vendor(s)

Possess knowledge of workers’ compensation laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, and government regulations

Possess knowledge of tort law, public liability, claims management, and associated terminology and practice

Excellent communication and presenting information ability

Demonstrate understanding of federal and state laws and regulatory compliance as required by WI DSPS and OSHA

In depth knowledge of risk management principles and best practices including risk management software and tools

Capable of leading, influencing, and persuading others to own and drive risk initiatives and outcomes

Training, Experience and other Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in risk management, public administration, business administration, or related field.

5-7 years' experience in risk management program development and administration.

Thorough knowledge of insurance and insurance procurement.

Considerable knowledge of risk management principles and practices.

Familiarity with OSHA, Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

Job conditions are good with sedentary work.