Summary

Under general direction of the University Controller, provides leadership for all aspects of enterprise risk services across UNM's main and branch campuses, the Health Sciences Center, and UNM Hospitals. Directs institution-wide risk assessments, loss prevention initiatives, business continuity planning, workers' compensation administration, and complex claims and litigation. Oversees the design, procurement, and management of the University's insurance and alternative risk financing portfolio; develops and enforces risk management policies and training programs to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and industry regulations. Plans and administers departmental goals, budgets, data-analytics systems, and staffing, and serves as the principal liaison to internal and external stakeholders on all risk-related matters.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Directs institution-wide risk assessments, and business continuity planning to identify vulnerabilities, implement loss control strategies, and safeguard the University.
2. Oversees the University's workers' compensation program, including claims administration, litigation management, and return-to-work strategies. Analyzes injury trends to drive continuous reduction of occupational injury costs and premiums.
3. Creates, implements, and continuously updates University-wide risk management policies and procedures. Establishes and reviews short- and long-term departmental goals, strategic plans, and operating protocols to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and industry regulations.
4. Designs, develops and administers comprehensive risk services programs and initiatives, including the development and implementation of institution-wide training programs that build a proactive risk awareness culture and promote campus-wide risk management practices.
5. Oversees and monitors incident reporting, investigation. Coordinates responses and directs complex claims and litigation to minimize loss costs and cycle times.
6. Leads the strategic design and administration of the University's insurance portfolio, directing procurement and renewals complex claims resolution to ensure optimal coverage for all operations.
7. Fosters a proactive approach to risk by serving as a strategic partner to cross-functional leaders. Collaborates with university departments, campuses, and hospital leadership to integrate risk analysis into policies, projects, and operational planning.
8. Designs, establishes, and maintains an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the department's goals and objectives.
9. Ensures fiscal control for all activities across the organizational unit; oversees the development of annual budgets for the organization and performs periodic cost and productivity analysis.
10. Serves as the primary liaison to external partners, including the New Mexico State Risk Management Division, insurance brokers, carriers, and other external organizations. Negotiates policy terms, resolves complex claims, and advocates for UNM.
11. Prepares and delivers enterprise-level risk reports and dashboards to senior leadership and the Board of Regents, translating key metrics and loss trends into actionable recommendations regarding resource allocation and strategic mitigation priorities.
12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Comprehensive knowledge of institutional risk-management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of current trends and developments in relevant aspects of risk management.
• Knowledge of workers' compensation, property and liability claims legislation, regulations, policies, processes, and procedures.
• Ability to assess the relative terms and conditions of casualty and liability insurance policies.
• Ability to compile, analyze, interpret, and present complex integrated reports, dashboards, and projects.
• Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Strategic and tactical planning and advanced leadership skills.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.

Conditions of Employment

• Employees in this job title are subject to the terms and conditions of an employment contract. Employment contracts are typically subject to review and renewal on an annual basis.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No or very limited physical effort required.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 08/01/2025