Risk Manager

The Risk Manager is a highly responsible managerial position that works in developing and administering the City’s risk management program which includes, but is not limited to: the City’s liability, property and workers’ compensation programs; employee safety programs; and contract review.  The position oversees the City’s Safety Coordinator, Administrative Services Supervisor, and Risk Manager Assistant. Work is performed under the general supervision of the City Finance Director and is characterized by considerable independent judgment.

This position is regularly scheduled for 38.75 hours per week.

1) Describe how your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities have prepared you for this role;

2) Describe your approach to leadership.

For more information about the Finance Department, please visit https://www.cityofmadison.com/finance.

Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.Develop, Administer, and Oversee the City of Madison Risk Management Program

• Develop and oversee a risk management program which includes utilization of deductibles and large retentions, self-insurance, financial plans, and reinsurance.
• Prepare and/or contribute to strategic planning efforts in relationship to the insurance needs of the City.
• Administer the City’s insurance program incorporating the purchase, renewal, claims oversight and policy detail for the City’s and Community Development Authority (CDA)’s liability, property, worker’s compensation, crime, and other miscellaneous coverages.
• Represent the City and CDA in related negotiations. Provide necessary liaison between the City and Wisconsin Municipal Mutual Insurance Company (WMMIC) and Municipal Property Insurance Company (MPIC). Participate in related committee efforts, as assigned.

Review Claims and Represent City in Subrogation Claims

• Review liability and property claims against the City and CDA for referral to appropriate carrier.
• Adjust and pay prescribed property damage claims through the City’s Insurance Fund.
• Prepare related information for City attorneys, outside counsel and insurance adjusters.
• Represent/oversee City’s subrogation efforts related to City vehicles and other property. 
• Follow up to ensure claims are processed in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Manage the City’s workers’ compensation program, including managing the City’s claim Third-Party Administrator (TPA).
• Participate in settlement discussions, mediations, hearings and trials regarding liability, property and workers’ compensation claims.
• Investigate liability and property claims and prepare claims for filing with carriers.
• Discuss claims with claimants and provide information on how to file a claim and the City’s liability.

Review of City Contracts and Ordinances

• Review City contracts for relevant risk management provisions.
• Review, approve, and make changes to contracts with language affecting risk management.
• Review, approve, and make changes to draft contracts for insurance and indemnification language.
• Review and offer changes to City ordinances in the area of insurance and indemnification.
• Review insurance certificates to determine compliance with contract and City permit requirements.

Administer the City Insurance and Workers’ Compensation Funds 

• Establish premiums for departmental contributions.
• Estimate necessary reserves for future claims handling.
• Process invoices for payment.  Monitor fund activity and recommend remedial action as required.
• Provide assistance in related budgeting efforts.

Coordinate City Loss Prevention Efforts

• Manage the City’s Safety Coordinator.
• Serve as the City’s HIPAA Security Officer.
• Coordinate loss prevention efforts within assigned program areas.
• Meet with agencies to share loss prevention data and recommend methods to reduce risk, both with managers and within appropriate committee structures.
• Review City loss control policies.
• Serve in an advisory capacity on department safety committees.
• Provide training on City policies and claim reporting policies.

Perform other related duties as required

• Four (4) years of experience in applying the following:
  • Theory, principles, practices, methods, and markets of liability property, casualty, and other types of commercial insurance.
  • State and federal laws and ordinances relating to insurance management including rules, rates, forms, policy coverage, and statutory regulations.
  • Various methods and systems of governmental insurance and risk management.
  • Computer software applicable to the duties of the position; AND
• Two (2) years of experience in applying the following:
  • Insurance industry principles, practices, and methods relative to pricing, loss ratios, claims procedures, loss prevention, etc.; AND
  • The full range of principles and practices related to supervision, labor relations, and personnel management.

-OR-

• Four (4) years of responsible professional experience in the administration of a directly related insurance program; AND
• Associate's (or higher level) degree in insurance, risk management, economics, business administration, or a closely related field.

Other equivalent combinations of training and/or experience which can be demonstrated to result in the possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position will also be considered.


The employee may be expected to attend meetings and provide presentations outside the normal work schedule, including evenings and weekends.

• Work in this position is primarily sedentary, requiring the ability to sit/stand at a desk, work on a computer, and use a monitor for extended periods of time.

• The employee will be expected to physically visit other City departments and worksites throughout the City in order to meet with staff, assist with safety studies, perform property inspections, take pictures, and perform other needs. This may involve walking over various terrains, including hilly, muddy, and snowy terrain. Work may be performed in all weather conditions and may involve dangerous chemicals, heavy machinery, and other hazardous conditions.