Risk Manager

Risk Manager

The Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church announces a search for the next Risk Manager. The Risk Manager plans, implements, and administers the property and casualty insurance program of the Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church (“the Conference”). This role will regularly interface with 300+ local churches/sites within the Conference, the Conference’s Insurance Board and Insurance Broker, along with other entities providing supporting risk management related services. A key focus of this position will be to build strong relationships with churches around their risk management needs and to effectively communicate these needs to the Conference, the Insurance Board, and related service team members in order to achieve optimum risk management solutions.

The Northern Illinois Conference is the regional unit of The United Methodist Church consisting of roughly 330 churches and new faith communities spanning the upper one-third of the state of Illinois in five regional districts. The conference mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by equipping its local churches for ministry and by providing a connection for ministry beyond the local church, all to the glory of God.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plans, implements, and administers a Conference-wide risk management program which includes, but not limited to, annual renewals of property and casualty insurance, management of the broker relationship and oversight of casualty claims for 300+ sites located in the northern Illinois territory.
• Develops specifications for the procurement of insurance, including overseeing the broker on all insurance matters relating to program design and structure, analysis of insurance limits, deductibles, and coverages that include, but are not limited to: property, general liability, workers’ compensation, directors’ and officers’ liability, auto and cyber.
• Provides and completes all submission forms related to insurance renewals, including assembling wage documentation for submission to workers’ compensation carrier for annual audit and ensuring sites’ complete annual financial audits in accordance with corporate guidelines.
• Represents the Conference in consultations and negotiations with churches, insurance companies, and consultants as respects property and casualty exposures and coverage.
• Acts as the Conference's technical advisor, analyst and primary resource on matters relating to governing laws and procedures, operations and onsite compliance to Conference instructions/procedures.
• Performs contract reviews to ensure compliance with insurance requirements based on scope of services and additional insured requirements.
• Oversees program for issuance of certificates of insurance for trips at various offsite venues. 
• Oversees and directs all phases of settlement of workers' compensation, property, and liability claims against the Conference, through litigation and/or trial/settlement.
• Confers with Conference attorneys on legal matters related to risk management such as insurance contract negotiations and provisions, as well as claims court actions such as preparation of cases for presentation at hearings and trials and the settlement of claims and represents that Conference in smalls claims court.
• Performs onsite risk assessment inspections in concert with property and liability carriers to ensure compliance with safety, procedures and claim reporting guidelines.
• Develops, implements, and maintains a program of risk avoidance which includes the development and implementation of training of Conference and local church staff.
• Identifies and evaluates all Conference programs, projects, and facilities to define liabilities and exposures and to develop effective loss-control programs.
• Facilitates various risk/safety initiatives, programs and web-based training designed to enhance safety awareness/prevention, safe driving practices and claim prevention.
• Provides reporting on a regular basis to the Conference Treasurer and Insurance Board concerning aggregate and specific claims activity. Coordinates and attends in-person and electronic Insurance Board meetings held approximately 3-4 times per year, in addition to renewal discussions held with the Insurance Board’s Renewal Subcommittee.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, preferably with a degree in Risk Management or business administration, or a related field.
• Professional designations in Insurance or Graduate level coursework in risk management and/or recent industry training in risk management and related fields is desirable. Associate In Claims (AIC) Designation is preferred.
• 5 years’ experience involving administrative responsibility for the development and administration of a risk management, claims adjustment, or commercial safety program with the ability to relate to and help congregations worship and work in the most risk-free environments possible is required.
• 10 - 15 years’ experience working with national broker in claims and/or account services capacity is required.
• Experience managing municipal or nonprofit accounts with large property exposure is preferred.
• Capability to use computer systems and software common to the business and operational activities related to risk management programs.
• Familiarity with church governance structures.
• Ability to plan and implement a comprehensive program of risk management.
• Ability to problem solve, develop and evaluate data, determine appropriate solutions, and make logical recommendations to mitigate potential risk with ability to communicate and deliver that information to the necessary persons or committee of the church or conference effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal relations.
• Support for the vision, mission, and core values of the Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church.
• A valid Illinois driver's license, with satisfactory state driving record and travel throughout the Conference is required.

Additional Considerations

The person in this role will be expected to work three days onsite at the Conference office located in downtown Chicago. The balance of the work week may be accomplished on a remote basis.

Closing Date: January 10th, 2025

The Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks.

No Staffing Agencies or Recruitment Firms