What are the responsibilities and job description for the DIRECTOR, RISK MANAGEMENT (FINANCE) position at Jeffco Public Schools - Colorado?
Jeffco Public Schools (Jeffco) is located in Jefferson County, Colorado. It is the second largest school district in Colorado serving 69,000 students across 155 schools. With 14,000 employees, the district is the largest employer in Jefferson County and has provided educational excellence for more than 70 years.
The Director will oversee the District's comprehensive risk management program, including claims administration, loss control, and insurance operations. Responsibilities include supervising staff, managing third-party claims, developing insurance coverage specifications, and negotiating terms. Advise leadership on risk exposure, coordinate litigation responses, and ensure compliance with regulations. Provide strategic direction for risk data processes and integrations; prepares financial and statistical reports, and monitors budget expenditures to support effective and proactive risk management.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage and supervise all aspects of property, casualty, and Workers? Compensation claims administration. Evaluate the District's liability and authorize any monetary payment.
- Supervise and monitor the District Loss Control function and make recommendations concerning the program's effectiveness and identify potential opportunities for improvement.
- Write coverage specifications. Prepare RFP's for broker and insurance company selection. Innovate and implement unique aspects of insurance program. Negotiate coverage terms and conditions, service and pricing.
- Educate / advise the District personnel and the public on risk management issues.
- Supervise the District's third party claims administration which provides claims handling for other public entities.
- Supervise and evaluate employees assigned to the risk management function, including claim representatives, worker's compensation supervisor, and Loss Control Manager.
- Advise District personnel regarding the risk exposure in contracts, negotiated agreements, and other risk assumptions. Review and approve insurance certificates where appropriate.
- Assist in the ongoing planning and development of Risk data processes providing leadership guidance pertaining to related functional data platforms such as Origami Risk and associated integrations.
- Coordinate the District response to litigation with involved department heads and legal counsel to determine the proper response / cost effective resolution. Represent the District at hearings, and settlement and mediation conferences.
- Review current insurance related statutes, regulations / rulings, and analyze the impact on the District.
- Responsible for budget expenditures.
- Prepare annual and semiannual reports required by the State. Prepare cost and loss statistical reports for the various District insurance and self-insured programs.
- Advise leadership pertaining to loss exposure concerns both from preventative and existing loss occurrences.
- Review contract and recommend insurance coverage for Jefferson Foundation, student accident, and other athletic sports camps not insured by the District.
EXPERIENCE 7 years experience in risk management, insurance, and / or loss control including 3 years experience in supervising personnel.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING Bachelor Degree required. Preferred field of study of Risk Management and Insurance or related study.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, OR REGISTRATIONS None required. ARM (Associated in Risk Management) and ARMP (Associate in Risk Management for Public Entities) preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Comprehensive understanding of risk management principles, frameworks, and methodologies. Knowledge with legal and regulatory requirements related to risk management, insurance, and compliance. Knowledge of financial risk assessment and mitigation strategies. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify, evaluate, and prioritize risks. Effective communication and presentation skills for conveying complex risk information to diverse audiences. Project management skills to lead cross-functional initiatives and ensure timely risk mitigation. Capacity to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to foster a culture of risk awareness. Ability to monitor and adapt to changes in the legal, financial, and operational landscape. Ability to think strategically to align risk management practices with organizational goals.
SPAN OF CONTROL Directly supervises employees in the Risk Management Department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Responsible for budget development and accountability.
The physical requirements, mental requirements and work environment factors described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to focus on objects at varying distances and distinguish between colors (with corrective lenses). Perform tasks that require manual dexterity, including operation of computers & small office equipment. Basic mobility and the ability to navigate the office environment safely. Ability to speak clearly, listen attentively (with assistance devices), and convey information accurately. May be required to give presentations to groups.
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to analyze complex situations, identify potential risks, and devise effective solutions. Ability to remain flexible in dynamic environments, adjusting plans and strategies as necessary to accommodate changing requirements or circumstances. Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with other teams. Ability to manage time and priorities to meet deadlines.
WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in a semi-secured office building with a typical office environment and risk factors. Periodic travel throughout the district schools and buildings is required. Typical elementary school building may also contain libraries, computer labs, and kitchens. Typical secondary school campus may also contain libraries, science labs, computer labs, kitchens, auditoriums, gymnasiums & athletic fields, and possibly specialized shops. May be exposed to outside elements during travel between campuses and offices. May be exposed to facilities / areas in non-typical state due to a loss incident.