RISK MANAGER

La Crosse County • La Crosse, WI

11d • $83,600 - $111,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

La Crosse County is launching a countywide Risk Management program and seeks a strategic Risk Manager to build and lead it. The role will establish a proactive approach to risk, safety, and organizational resilience, shaping policies, culture, safety, and financial stewardship across county government. The Risk Manager reports directly to the County Administrator and partners closely with Corporation Counsel, Finance, and Human Resources. The position serves as the county’s primary expert on organizational risk strategy, insurance and claims oversight, safety and workers’ compensation, contract risk review, fraud prevention, business continuity, and catastrophic event planning. It also acts as a trusted internal consultant to leaders across departments, improving consistency, compliance, and accountability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in risk management, public administration, business administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in risk management program development and administration.
• Knowledge of insurance, safety, workers’ compensation, and claims practices.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to use risk data to influence decisions.
• Experience with contracts, legal risk concepts, or regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Build a countywide Risk Management program, including designing policies, frameworks, and long-term strategies.
• Lead risk identification, analysis, and mitigation initiatives.
• Manage insurance procurement and renewals and oversee vendor relationships.
• Oversee open claims, negotiations, cost allocation, and resolution.
• Direct the county’s workplace safety program.
• Administer the workers’ compensation program and compliance standards.
• Develop and maintain crisis management, response, and business continuity plans.
• Conduct audits, evaluate exposure trends, and present recommendations to leadership.
• Advise leaders across departments and improve organizational consistency, compliance, and accountability.
• Oversee areas including contract risk review, fraud prevention, and catastrophic event planning.

Benefits

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) retirement benefits.
• Countywide insurance plans and growing access to local, no-cost care options for everyday health needs.
• Vacation and sick time accrued starting on the first day.
• Ability to bank up to twice the annual vacation accrual.
• Ability to build up to 150 sick days as a full-time employee.
• Employer-paid benefits, including health and dental insurance, WRS retirement contributions, and paid leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager