Overview
POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)
SENIOR DIRECTOR
WORKING TITLE
Senior Director-Risk Management
SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT
Finance Management and Safety
LOCATION
Crossroads II, Cary, NC
PAY GRADE
Senior Director-Band 1
FLSA STATUS
Exempt
ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
No
WORK WEEK SCHEDULE
Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is available for a hybrid telework workweek
Position Purpose
Plans, manages, and implements the Risk Management and Safety/Loss Control program for Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) with the objective of minimizing exposure to loss or damage to assets and providing for safety to staff and students. Assists in making the most effective use of resources and maintains compliance with laws, policies, regulations, and procedures in order to develop and maintain the best possible educational program and services. Provides solutions and guidance by maintaining communication with all WCPSS departments, schools, project teams, principals, senior leadership, and local and state stakeholders. Develops, coordinates, and implements procedures for cross operational departmental projects to support best practices, and promote continuous improvement.
Minimum Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)
- Comprehensive knowledge of industry standards relating to risk management, insurance, and safety procedures, practices, and regulations, particularly Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Asbestos Hazardous Emergency Response Act (AHERA), emergency preparedness and crisis response planning, and similar safety/environmental regulations;
- Comprehensive knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to safety and risk management;
- Comprehensive knowledge of office and institutional workplace safety and compliance;
- Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Apps;
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
- Strong research and analysis skills;
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
- Ability to work in a team environment;
- Ability to develop short- and long-term initiatives designed to address and mitigate risks;
- Ability to complete complex tasks and minimize errors with attention to detail;
- Ability to work independently and complete tasks in the absence of clear direction;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, external agencies, attorney’s, parents, and the public.
Education, Training, And Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in risk management, business, finance, or related field; AND
- Five years of experience and demonstrated leadership in a risk related field; OR
- An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
Certification And License Requirements
- Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of NC requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified School Risk Manager (CSRM) or Associate in Risk Management (ARM) Certification;
- Experience in risk management in a public school district;
- Experience using Oracle business applications.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Oversees the operations and staff responsible for the district’s Risk Management and Safety/Loss Control programs.
- Serves as the district liaison with attorneys, insurance companies, and individuals, coordinating civil litigation support among the board's legal counsel, insurance representatives, and internal departments. Actively participates in consultations, investigations, mediations, and trials related to litigation matters, ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Defines pre-mediation goals, reports outcomes, and recommends actions to achieve objectives.
- Collaborates with all departments to manage document and information needs during discovery and trial. Ensures clear communication with leadership, employees, claimants, insurance carriers, defense counsel, and other involved parties to effectively resolve cases.
- Assesses and analyzes the financial impact of losses on the organization, employees, the public, and the environment. This includes investigating, evaluating, and mitigating exposure to operational threats such as supplier disruptions, political risks, natural disasters, pandemics, cybersecurity threats, and internal or external fraud.
- Develops and implements short- and long-term organizational goals, objectives, and operating procedures, continuously monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness. Engages with internal and external stakeholders, including school system staff, legal counsel, state agencies, and insurance claims departments, to exchange information, address challenges, and formulate recommendations. Focuses on aligning all efforts with the core principles of risk management: risk assessment, risk control, and risk financing.
- Advises senior leadership, departments, and schools as appropriate on the status of insurance claims and loss experience trends. Creates new strategies between WCPSS and external partners to support district objectives
- Team oversight of WCPSS self-insured retention/deductible insurance program, property and casualty programs, workers compensation third-party administrators, and coordinates safety/employee risk prevention on the WCPSS safety/loss prevention committee.
- Reviews and approves contractual documents and service agreements requiring board approval to ensure that all insurance and indemnity requirements are included in the contractual terms and conditions.
- Responsible for creating, modifying, and implementing policies to comply with state and national safety legislation and industry practices.
- Oversees, plans, directs, and supervises studies on a regular basis to gather and analyze data for loss information, exposure, reserves, and trends. Prepares and maintains a variety of correspondence, reports, records, and files related to safety/loss control and risk management.
- Maintains up to date knowledge and awareness of federal, state, and local policies and regulations affecting safety and risk management
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Work Environment/Physical Requirements
This job operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, external agencies, and the public. Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force. The work frequently requires driving automotive equipment as travel is required to schools, central service offices, and other locations within Wake County.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 12/2024
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.
