Director Risk and Insurance

Our company remains guided by its experience and ability to create long-term value in strategically focused markets. We continue to attract the best talent in the industry and remain focused on growing our organization with talented professionals along with our assets. Westminster is stronger than ever, and we stand poised for continued growth with our valued partners. Our mission is to go above and beyond to build thriving communities and exceptional experiences for our residents, guests, tenants, and teams. Our values represent what we strive to achieve every day. Every decision we have to make is guided by the "4 Be's". Be best in class. Be Solution-Oriented. Be Accountable. Be caring.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Risk Management is responsible for designing and executing an integrated risk strategy that protects the organization's people, assets, and financial performance across all business lines—development, construction, investment, and property management. Additionally, they are responsible for leading a proactive and collaborative approach to risk assessment, management and mitigation, working in partnership with all departments. The position is responsible for approaching risk and loss control matters with a problem-solving perspective. The position's responsibilities and interests encompass a broad perspective across the company that involves the safety of employees and visitors, protection of physical and financial assets, maintenance of reputation, and continuity of operation. Responsibilities include managing the company's operational and development property and casualty insurance programs, leading proactive risk assessment and reduction strategies, and facilitating solutions to risk related issues.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Risk Management receives general guidance and direction from the CFO. Responsibilities include but, are not limited to:

1. Manage the Company's insurance program including OCIP, general liability, builder's risk, property, cyber, D&O, bonds and other insurance programs

2. Manage, negotiate and supervise the marketing and purchasing of insurance for the Company, including completion of insurance applications, working with brokers, and negotiating policy renewals and inceptions

3. Serve as principal point of contact with various external partners including insurance brokers, carriers, underwriters, claims adjusters, attorneys and other service providers
4. Review insurance coverage for adequacy, research options and fiscal viability (cost/budget analysis), and make recommendations for additional coverage
5. Develop, recommend and maintain best practices and appropriate exceptions, for indemnification, hold harmless requirements and insurance requirements
6. Develop financial methods of managing risk, including application and purchase of multiple insurance programs
7. Explore optional insurance funding mechanisms as appropriate to the size of the Company to assess risk transfer versus retention capabilities
8. Maintain insurance policies, attaching additions and endorsements as received
9. Oversee provision and collection of Certificate of Insurance (COI) process for vendors and other organizations which includes verifying information is accurate and complete, includes the right language and limits, and following up with departments for appropriate contacts
10. Maintain current knowledge of Company programs/practices and changes in insurance market to ensure adequate coverage protection is offered and to assess the need for new lines of coverage or enhanced endorsements
11. Review all acquisitions for loss trends, risk control issues and appropriate levels of insurance

12. Work with internal stakeholders and brokers to create budgets for upcoming operational asset renewals and provide budgets for construction and development projects.

13. Establish, maintain, and lead effective and proactive loss control and risk awareness programs

14. Provide consultative advice for departments focusing on constructive approaches that encourage mission-related activities while minimizing/mitigating associated risks

15. Meet with departments to create risk awareness, identify risks, evaluate and assess historical losses/loss trends, and create plans for effective risk mitigation
16. Assist departments in reviewing contracts, insurance requirements, and releases
17. Create/initiate/conduct awareness training for various target audiences across the institution including current/new employees, supervisors, department head and others as needed to minimize risk

18. Manage and oversee business continuity plans, including conducting training, monitoring changes in organizational structure for how this could impact plans

19. Identify and investigate exposures related to loss or damage to property, income, reputation, and/or personnel

20. Advise on issues pertaining to Company liability including employment practices, accident and injury history, and property damage claims

21. Conduct investigations regarding loss control and/or accidents as appropriate
22. Work collaboratively with department heads and General Counsel as well as external partners to explore and develop new procedures or policies designed to reduce or prevent risk
23. Actively engage in professional associations and research to monitor risk management and real estate trends to ensure the risk management program is responsive to those changes
24. Collaborate with colleagues at peer companies to assess new exposures and then facilitate review to assess and address areas of potential concern

25. Act as liaison with public agencies and facilitate site visits as needed (coordinating with other relevant employees)

26. Coordinate claims and loss recovery management

27. Notify carriers of specific named events as required by policies and submit claims as received

28. In coordination with other departments conduct claims investigations, site visits, and interviews with appropriate parties to ensure all necessary information has been gathered for carriers and to determine appropriate follow up regarding the incident and/or preventative measures that can be taken for the future
29. Work with General Counsel and Company attorneys on efforts related to defense of and/or settlement of claims or complaints
30. Semi-annually review all new Workers Compensation (WC) claims with HR and attend to the high dollar WC claims reviews with HR, carrier and broker. Work with HR to determine trends and explore ways to reduce preventable injuries and associated costs
31. Represent the company in all pre trial activities inclusive of mediations and arbitration

32. Collaborate on pre-litigation investigations, tenant and construction-related claims, and risk mitigation strategies tied to evolving laws and city/state regulations

33. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, lenders and internal framework

34. Review and negotiate all lender requirements for operational and development assets, tailoring language to meet internal risk management philosophy

35. Work with internal partners to make sure that all loan covenants are adhered to
36. Coordinate with Procurement to ensure all vendors are reviewed and approved based on adequate insurance limits and endorsements
37. Manages and maintains a roster of drivers authorized to operate Company vehicles and ensure that motor vehicle reports have been processed

6. Other duties as assigned including but not limited to:

• Respond to questions and educate staff regarding risk management processes, policies and procedures
• Communicate effectively to the Company community regarding questions, problems, and special needs as they relate to the Company's insurance and risk program
• Work with Finance to ensure that all premiums are coded and paid timely

REQUIREMENTS

• A Bachelor's degree. 10 years of related work experience in risk management, insurance, and/or related field, preferably within real estate and construction.
• Must possess excellent negotiation and analytical skills in order to represent the Risk Management office and Company effectively.
• High commitment to customer service and exceptional interpersonal skills working with employees in responding to the demands of the Company.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills that will enable the successful candidate to work with Company staff as well as external business and governmental agencies.
• Demonstrated experience with insurance, finance, legal, loss control, claims management, and risk information system(s).
• Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and/or Associate in Risk Management certification.

Ready to join a company that values your expertise and empowers you to make an impact?

We're an equal opportunity at will employer, an equal housing provider, and we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.