Director of Risk Management

Director of Risk Management

George Mason University’s Safety, Emergency, & Enterprise Risk Management (SEERM) department is seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic individual for the position of Director of Risk Management. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.

About the Position:

The Director of Risk Management will oversee and manage the operational risk management staff and functions to include the Commonwealth Risk Management Plan, commercial insurance, accident and incident program, risk assessments, contract and lease assessments, and insurance claims for George Mason University. Also this position plays a key role in the university’s Enterprise Risk Management program. More specifically:

Risk Assessment & Management:

• Oversees administration of the Commonwealth’s Risk Management Plan to protect the Commonwealth and the University’s reputation and financial assets; and
• Manages the university’s Enterprise Risk Registry, interfaces with enterprise risk owners, and develops and tracks enterprise risk mitigation plans as directed by leadership. Participates in ERM risk assessment, prioritization, monitoring, and advising university officials regarding risk exposures associated with new university initiatives.

University’s Insurance Management:

• Administers and manages the university’s commercial insurance policies to include securing proper funding and management of the General Insurance and Insurance Clearing House accounts;
• Manages the university’s self-insurance program for claims under $10,000 to include fund transactions;
• Negotiates and settles all claims with the Commonwealth’s Department of Treasury, Division of Risk Management (DRM), commercial insurance carriers, and third parties on behalf of the University; and
• Oversees and processes controlling of loss and recovery through insurance.

University Partnership & Support:

• Serves as point of contact with the Commonwealth’s Department of Treasury and Division of Risk Management (DRM) in order to address the university’s unique requirements;
• Directs updates to the Commonwealth’s VAPS and VAAC database. Ensures the biennial report for Medical Malpractice is submitted;
• Researches and advocates for new insurance coverage as needed based on industry trends and new university initiatives;
• Supports university departments by assessing potential risks, recommending action to manage hazards, or suggesting the contractual transfer of those risks;
• Serves as a member of EMEC, IBC, RSC, and ERM Council; serves as chair of the Accident Review Committee and co-chair of the University Travel Advisory Committee; and
• Oversees and provides guidance on risk assessments, contract and lease assessments, and insurance claims for George Mason University.

Programmatic and Personnel Management:

• Oversees the management of Mason’s Vehicle Safety Program, Golf Cart Safety training, Drivers Safety Awareness training, and related policies;
• In partnership with key constituencies, manages the university’s Accident and Incident Program;
• Performs administrative functions related to oversight of personnel, budgets/expenditures (includes approval of purchases), contracts with outside vendors, annual goals and work plans, internal/external annual reporting, and regulatory affairs;
• Manages contract for insurance broker and risk consulting services; and
• Ensures alignment with central SEERM administration (budget, purchasing, data management, information systems, training, strategic planning, etc.).

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, or combination of education and experience equivalent to an advanced degree;
• Knowledge of and expertise in risk management and insurance principles and practices;
• Analytical, organizational, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills;
• Ability to develop policies, and implement and manage a complex program without direct supervision;
• Ability to develop strong collegial and collaborative relationships with stakeholders, SEERM team members, as well as serve as a credible resource and point of contact for risk management matters;
• Supervisory experience to include creating professional development plans, performance plans, and conducting personnel evaluations;
• Direct, hands-on experience managing risk management programs; and
• Experience managing a direct expenditures budget.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Terminal degree (MBA, PhD, JD, etc.) in a relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Associate in risk management certification;
• Experience overseeing risk management programs and staff;
• Experience working for an institution of higher education; and
• Direct involvement with the administration of an ERM program in a higher education setting.

Special Instructions to Applicants  

For full consideration, applicants must apply for position number FA77DZ at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orient