Risk Manager

City of Sunnyvale•Sunnyvale, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Sunnyvale seeks an experienced, service-oriented public sector professional who thrives in a team environment as its next Risk Manager. The ideal candidate is respected for their technical expertise, sound judgment, discretion, and leadership skills. They excel at analyzing complex issues, identifying risk exposure, and developing effective solutions that advance organizational objectives while managing organizational risk. Committed to delivering responsive, high-quality programs and services, the successful candidate is an exceptional communicator who can present complex information clearly and effectively to a range of audiences, including employees at all levels. The ideal candidate will serve as a trusted advisor and business partner. They will build productive relationships and provide thoughtful guidance that supports organizational success. The new Risk Manager will demonstrate a genuine interest in the work, challenges, and employees in City departments. They will have experience navigating diverse and sometimes competing priorities and will be expected to make difficult decisions with fairness, care, and a long-term perspective. This engaged and approachable manager will model the behaviors and performance expected of others while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, respect, and shared purpose. They will lead, motivate, and develop staff, helping to build a cohesive and high-performing team.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in risk management, human resources management, finance, economics, business or public administration, or related field; AND Four (4) years of experience performing professional level risk management work, including prior lead or supervisory experience.
Principles and practices of leadership.
Principles of providing functional direction and training.
Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
Principles and practices of contract administration and management.
General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
Advanced principles and practices of risk management, safety, and workers' compensation administration.
Public entity liability, rules, and regulations.
Safe work practices and requirements of Cal OSHA.
Workers' compensation rules and regulations.
Principles of self-insurance, public agency pooling/risk sharing, and commercial insurance.
Complex arithmetic and statistical techniques.
Research methods and techniques.
Recent and on-going developments related to the operations of the assigned program.
Record keeping principles and procedures.
Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively working with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Plan, organize, oversee, develop, implement, and administer a comprehensive risk management program.
Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
Effectively provide staff leadership and work direction.
Prepare and administer budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
Coordinate and manage assigned projects and programs.
Conduct strategic planning for assigned projects.
Organize and direct risk management operations, including safety, workers' compensation, and liability.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Analyze complex risk management issues and develop and implement appropriate responses; advise and counsel departments regarding the best course of action.
Read, comprehend, and apply insurance policies, endorsements, certificates, and bonds.
Collaborate effectively with legal counsel to negotiate claim settlements.
Perform mathematical calculations accurately.
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
Prepare, maintain, and update accurate detailed records and files.
Interpret and evaluate statistical data.
Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
Effectively represent the division and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, various professional and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a valid designation as an Associate in Risk Management (ARM) by the Insurance Institute of America.

Responsibilities

Plans, develops, administers, implements, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the City’s risk management program including workers’ compensation, interactive process and reasonable accommodations, liability claims, insurance programs, and the City’s safety program.
Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the program; recommends within department policy, appropriate service, and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
Develops, administers, and oversees program budgets; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; conducts studies to forecast spending and cost benefits for insurance, assigned projects, and potential services; monitors expenditures for supplies and equipment; ensures compliance with budgeted funding.
Provides consultation to City departments concerning risk management policies and procedures; identifies risk related trends and develops recommendations on the reduction of risk; monitors legislative and legal changes and ensures City compliance.
Oversees the City's workers' compensation program; manages staff serving as liaison between the City, injured worker, and third-party administrators; educates managers on policy and legal requirements; coordinates claim reviews and provides overall program management.
Manages and participates in the interactive process for employee disability-related reasonable accommodations; evaluates essential job functions, functional limitations, and possible accommodations; interprets City policy on paid medical leave and trains City staff on policies.
Manages and oversees the City’s occupational safety program; ensures compliance with Cal OSHA requirements and related federal, state, and local laws and regulations; oversees individuals conducting inspections and coordinating training on relevant and required topics; responds to safety related issues; acts as the City's designated Safety Officer and coordinates Safety Committee activities.
Reviews City contracts and makes recommendations regarding indemnification, risk transfer, and insurance requirements; reviews insurance documents for compliance with City requirements.
Manages and administers the City's liability claims activities including reviewing claims made against the City and managing and monitoring contracts with third party administrators; processes and adjusts liability claims; makes recommendations on whether to settle claims; represents the City in Small Claims Court.
Administers the City's self-insurance program for liability and workers' compensation; purchases insurance for excess liability, excess workers' compensation, property, auto physical damage, and fidelity; represents the City with the Excess Liability Joint Powers Authorities.
Serves as liaison for assigned functions with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces, as required.
Provides highly complex staff assistance to the Director of Human Resources; prepares reports and correspondence concerning new or ongoing programs and program effectiveness; prepares statistical reports as required; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities.
Reviews the work of staff to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, contractors, third-party administrators, and the public.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of risk management.
Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes as needed.
Answers questions and provides information to the public and claimants; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from residents, other departments, and agencies.
Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Performs other duties as assigned.