Executive Director of Risk Management

Position Description:

The Executive Director of Risk Management provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the district’s risk management program, including enterprise risk management (ERM), insurance and claims administration, and loss control, contractual risk transfer, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance. This leader ensures that all district operations, programs, and facilities are aligned with best practices in risk mitigation, financial protection, and student/staff safety. The role is both strategic and operational, requiring collaboration with Human Resources, Finance, Legal, Facilities, Technology, Transportation, Athletics, and school leadership to embed a culture of safety, resiliency, and continuous improvement.

Reports To:

Chief Operations Officer (or designee)

Scope of Responsibility:

• Lead the district’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program, integrating risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring across all functions.
• Develop annual risk assessments and report to the Superintendent, Board, and Audit/Finance Committees.
• Establish key risk indicators (KRIs), tolerance thresholds, and metrics for accountability.
• Chair or participate in cross-functional safety and risk committees.
• Oversee procurement and management of all insurance coverages (e.g., general liability, property, flood, cyber, crime, student accident, workers’ compensation, excess liability).
• Manage the broker of record process and relationships with external insurance consultants.
• Collaborate with third-party administrators and legal counsel on claims investigation, settlement, and litigation strategy.
• Conduct trend analyses to reduce claim frequency, severity, and overall cost.
• Serve as liaison with FEMA, parish/state emergency management, and Homeland Security.
• Coordinate pre-disaster planning, mitigation strategies, and post-disaster recovery.
• Ensure school and facility inspections, safety audits, and drills are conducted regularly.
• Review and manage risk transfer requirements in contracts, leases, construction agreements, and facility use agreements.
• Ensure vendors and contractors maintain required insurance coverage.
• Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local safety and risk regulations.
• Advise leadership on emerging risks such as cybersecurity, data privacy, and environmental health.
• Develop training programs for staff on risk awareness, incident reporting, claims handling, and emergency response.
• Promote a culture of safety and accountability through proactive communication and staff engagement.
• Mentor staff and foster professional development aligned with University Risk Management and Insurance
• Association (URMIA) Inclusive Leadership competencies.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Operations Officer.

Skills and Qualifications:

JPS seeks detail-oriented, independent self-starters who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to raising student achievement and who have a record of high performance in challenging situations. Successful candidates will also demonstrate and/or possess:

• Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Insurance, Emergency Management, Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, or related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in risk management, insurance, or emergency management, preferably within a public sector, education, or governmental entity.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to use quantitative and qualitative data.
• Proven communication and leadership skills, with ability to influence at all organizational levels.
• Proficiency with risk/claims management systems and Microsoft Office.
• Risk Management Technical Skills – Risk identification, control, financing, claims management, and holistic ERM.
• Strategic Management – Business acumen, planning, alliance-building, and change management.
• Inclusive Leadership – Communication, staff development, relationship management, and commitment to DEIB.
• Organizational Engagement – Understanding of district operations, finance, compliance, IT/cyber, facilities, and student programs.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Risk Management, Public Administration, or related discipline.
• Professional certifications: CSRM (Certified School Risk Manager), ARM (Associate in Risk Management), or CRM.
• FEMA ICS training (IC100-400) and Emergency Management certification.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Prior experience managing workers’ compensation and third-party liability claims.

Physical Involvement:
Office environment with regular travel across district schools and facilities. Mobility skills necessary to access a variety of work locations and/or areas. Standing, walking, reaching, bending, and lifting up to 40 pounds is sometimes required. Climbing step ladders, extension ladder, stairs and scaffolding may be required. Availability to work extended hours or be on-call during emergencies.

Compensation:
JPS offers a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. JPS also offers a competitive benefits package.