Director, Risk Management

POSITION: Director, Risk Management

DIVISION: Finance

DEPARTMENT: Risk Management

UNION/GRADE: Non Union/Grade 15

BASIC PURPOSE:

Develops a variety of risk management programs to protect MWRA assets against catastrophic loss using combinations of various techniques including Risk Retention and Risk Transfer. Oversees $2 million in insurance programs. Develops, implements, and directs risk management and claims management programs for the MWRA's Construction projects.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general supervision of the Director, Finance. May receive guidance from Deputy Director, Finance/Treasurer on projects.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Exercises direct supervision over professional insurance and risk management staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Recommends limits for MWRA insurance reserve funds by identifying loss potentials and establishing probably maximum losses.
• Oversees Risk Retention/Risk Transfer Program by developing appropriate techniques such as Owner Controlled Insurance Program for the Deer Island facility.
• Supervises administration and coordination of claims adjustment and claims records for claims except for workers compensation.
• Coordinates with Human Resources Department and Department of Occupational Health and Safety staff to reduce insurance costs and with Law and Procurement Departments on matters of liability.
• Negotiates insurance necessary for self insurance and risk retention plan.
• Adheres to General Bond Resolution requirements.
• Maintains all aspects of self-insured programs.
• Develops and oversees contractors' compliance with insurance requirements.
• Reviews leases and contracts to determine risk exposures.
• Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of Loss Prevention and the fluctuating insurance marketplace.
• Directs the development procedures for construction change order review and approvals.
• Oversees the claims management (CM) in providing in-depth progress analysis and documentation of contractor claims.
• Manages CM claims review process and determine (in conjunction with Authority engineering and construction staffs) responsibility for changes in scope of work; analyzes scheduling and financial impact, files appropriate reports and makes recommendation to MWRA Chief Engineer.
• Responsible for Construction Contract claim handling including supervision of staff and subject matter.
• Provides advice and guidance to staff from Law, Procurement, Internal Audit, Engineering and Operations on a wide range of Insurance, Claims and Risk Management matters.
• Communicates with construction, law and insurance firms and coordinates loss cases with the Authority's Human Resources and Law Departments.
• Oversees and maintains an automated information system for the timely and accurate monitoring of claims.
• Directs the preparation of implementation and management of a claims mitigation program including boards, commissions or other bodies with procedures established to resolve disputes. Coordinates as necessary and develops procedures for avoiding, managing, mitigation and resolving claims.
• Responsible for Department work load, including, staff supervision, budgeting, estimates, accruals, forecasts, prioritizing of work, procedures and processes.
• Prepares materials and presents to MWRA Board of Directors, MWRA Advisory Board, Watershed Protection Trust, insurance companies and other forums.
• Directs the safety plan development for each project within the department's responsibility, compiles safety statistics from each project and provides program safety management.
• Develops Risk Management department policies and procedures.
• Advises Director, Finance on related matters.
• Provides recommendation on staffing levels. Works with Human Resources staff to recruit, interview, select, hire, and employ an appropriate number of employees.
• Mentors and develops staff, including overseeing new employee on-boarding and providing career development planning and opportunities. Encourages employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals. Delegates responsibility as appropriate and expects accountability and regular feedback.
• Manages the Department in a manner that is consistent with MWRA's goals of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Participates in preparing for collective bargaining and hears Step-One grievances.

SECONDARY DUTIES:

• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of business and insurance as normally attained through a Bachelor's degree business administration or a related field; an advanced degree is preferred; and
• Practical knowledge of risk mitigation and safety precautions to reduce damage or loss of property and life as well as understanding of the commercial insurance marketplace as acquired by at least eight (8) years of experience in the field, preferably in the public sector, with at least four (4) years is in a management or supervisory capacity; or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Subject matter expertise in laws, regulations, and industry practices on matters related to insurance, risk management, and claims management.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team and to function independently with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with computer software, such as MS Office Suite and videoconference applications.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communications skills.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• A valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operators License.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Office equipment as normally associated with a professional office environment, including the use of telephones, personal computers, word processing and other software, email, videoconference applications, copiers, scanners, and fax machines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, including office equipment and controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.

There are no requirements that weight be lifted or force be exerted in performing the duties of this job. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job the employee regularly works in an office environment.

The noise level in the work environment is a moderately quiet office setting. This position may be eligible for up to 50% telework.

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or veteran status.