Director of Risk Management Services

Full Job Description

King County is one of America’s fastest-growing regions, and we are building partnerships and working with employees to meet the key challenges facing the Pacific Northwest in the 21st century—regional mobility, equity and social justice, and climate change.

The Office of Risk Management Services (ORMS) is looking for a Director of Risk Management Services to play a critical role in safeguarding the County’s financial, operational, and reputational resilience.

ABOUT THE OFFICE OF RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES
The Office of Risk Management Services provides external services to the community as well as internal services to King County agencies, includingClaims, Insurance, Contracts, Recovery Services, Enterprise Risk Management Program (ERM) and Open Government.

To learn more about ORMS, visit our website

Navigating Enterprise: Key Expectations and Competencies for our Director of Risk Management Services

Requirements

We are seeking a strategic, collaborative, and trusted leader to oversee a multifaceted risk management organization.

The Director will guide a high-performing team through complexity and change, ensuring that King County’s risk posture supports a safe, equitable, and financially responsible environment.

I. Strategic Leadership & Organizational Management:

• Enterprise Risk Strategy: Lead a forward-looking risk management strategy aligned with Countywide goals. Demonstrate a strategic mindset and anticipate emerging risks.
• Leadership & Team Development: Inspire and develop a diverse team. Foster a culture that collaborates, learns continuously, instills trust and helps leaders take a balanced and strategic approach to risk.
• Change Leadership: Navigate organizational change with clarity and confidence. Manage ambiguity while guiding teams through evolving priorities.
• Partner Engagement: Build strong relationships with County leadership, legal partners, insurers, and external partners. Communicate effectively across audiences.
• Performance & Accountability: Establish clear KPIs, use data to drive decisions, and promote transparency.
• Culture & Equity: Lead with equity, inclusion, and shared accountability. Model behaviors that support a healthy, engaged workforce.

II. Functional Expertise & Operational Excellence:

• Enterprise Risk Management: Oversee ERM activities to identify, assess, and mitigate high-priority risks and embed ERM practices throughout King County government by advising on risk appetite, emerging and persistent risks, navigating uncertainty, and strategic opportunities.
• Insurance & Contract Risk: Direct the County’s self-insurance program and commercial insurance procurement. Provide oversight of insurance requirements and risk transfer strategies.
• Claims & Recovery: Ensure timely, fair, and cost-effective claims resolution and recovery of County losses.
• Open Government: Provide leadership for public records compliance and transparency.
• Financial & Budget Leadership: Manage the division’s operating budget and ensure strong financial stewardship.
• Regulatory Compliance: Maintain knowledge of relevant laws and regulations; proactively address vulnerabilities.
• Innovation & Improvement: Use technology, analytics, and Lean methods to streamline processes and improve service delivery.
• Managing Complexity: Address multifaceted risk issues with sound judgment and clear prioritization.

III. Essential Competencies & Leadership Attributes:

• Communicates Effectively: Clearly conveys complex risk concepts to diverse audiences.
• Instills Trust: Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Collaborates: Builds strong relationships and works effectively across departments.
• Manages Complexity: Breaks down complex issues and develops practical solutions.
• Strategic Mindset: Anticipates future challenges and positions the organization for long-term success.
• Manages Ambiguity: Operates effectively in dynamic, fast-paced, and evolving environments.
• Customer-service orientation and commitment to high-quality service delivery.
• Cultural awareness and the ability to navigate discussions on race, equity, and diversity with confidence and sensitivity.

Qualifications

IV. Minimum Qualifications. Candidates must demonstrate a combination of education and experience that clearly prepares them for the executive responsibilities of this role, including:

• Significant leadership experience in at least one of the following: claims and recovery, enterprise risk management, insurance and contracts or open government/public records.
• Experience leading teams, managing complex programs, and influencing organizational strategy.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, complex, and sometimes ambiguous environment.
• Strong understanding of risk management principles, public sector operations, and regulatory frameworks.
• One or more of the following professional designations or licenses:
  • ARM or ARM-P (Associate in Risk Management / Public Sector – Insurance Institute of America)
  • CRM (Certified Risk Manager – National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research)
  • CRMP (Certified Risk Management Professional – RIMS)
  • COSO ERM training
  • CERM (Certified Enterprise Risk Manager)
  • CRO (Chief Risk Officer)

Additional Information

Supplemental Information:

• This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not overtime eligible.
• The successful candidate will need to pass a reference check and a federal and county background check.

Why King County?

• Competitive– healthcare plans
• Free– transportation options
• Manager Support –structured employee assistance program
• Paid –vacation time (in addition to paid holidays)
• Paid –sick leave
• Deferred–compensation plan
• Twelve– paid holidays
• Awesome -Employee Giving Program

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

Are you ready to APPLY?The recruitment for this position is open to all qualified applicants. A completed King County Application is required.

We highly recommend that you also provide a cover letter and resume.

If you have any questions, please contact Jen Irwin, Talent Management Supervisor, by e-mail at jirwin@kingcounty.gov, or by phone at 206-263-0601. Connect with Jen on LinkedIn.