Risk Management & Insurance Program Manager

Position Summary

The Risk Management & Insurance Program Manager contributes to the overall leadership of the Office of Risk Management (ORM) at Rice University. Reporting to the Director, Risk Management, this position will assist and serve as the lead professional for the coordination of property and casualty insurance programs, contract reviews, the direct resolution of property and casualty claims, and support for the Director in the development, implementation, and management of all operational risk management and risk financing program initiatives and solutions. This position will collaborate with insurance brokers/consultants, insurers, and campus stakeholders across Rice in the development of comprehensive risk management and insurance programs, empowering campus departments to identify, assess, and mitigate risks throughout the University.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate is a strategic professional with expertise in insurance procurement and risk management administration. They possess strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills, along with excellent verbal and written communication abilities. The candidate is proactive, service-oriented, and able to manage programs autonomously, exercising discretion and judgment on behalf of the ORM.

Workplace Requirements

This position is offered as a hybrid or partial remote role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. The in-office schedule can be adjusted based on the needs of the candidate and in coordination with the supervisor, with the exact schedule to be determined between the employee and supervisor. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. Occasional after-hours and weekend work may be needed to respond to campus emergencies.

Hiring Range

This full-time, benefits-eligible position offers a salary range of $64,000 to $78,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.*

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 2+ years of professional work experience in property and casualty insurance, risk management, underwriting, paralegal and/or client service insurance brokerage

Skills

• Strong knowledge of risk management frameworks, insurance coverages, industry practices (claims, legal, underwriting), and terminology, with the ability to identify risks and align solutions with organizational priorities and culture
• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex data, identify trends, and propose data-driven solutions
• Proven experience in developing and implementing programs, strategies, and streamlined processes
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently, manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, research issues, demonstrate excellent attention to detail, problem-solve, propose solutions, adapt to changing priorities, and meet deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a client-service orientation and the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across the University while respecting individual needs
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and presentations
• High level of professionalism, flexibility, confidentiality, discretion, judgment, and diplomacy
• Proven advanced computer skills, including proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint (or Google equivalents), with experience in maintaining record-keeping systems

Preferences

• Experience working in higher education
• 4 years of progressive related work experience
• Professional designations or certifications in risk management, such as Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR), Certified School Risk Manager (CSRM), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Associate in Risk Management (ARM), or Paralegal certificate

Essential Functions

• Claims Management: Working with the Director, oversee and manage assigned non-litigated property and casualty claims from initiation to resolution; coordinate with internal and external stakeholders; analyze claim trends to support loss forecasting and insurance renewals
• Risk Finance/Insurance Program Management: Manage the University’s property and casualty insurance portfolio, including coordinating policy renewals, conducting annual policy audits, and maintaining relationships across departments to collect, evaluate, and disclose risk exposure data. Aggregate and interpret diverse and large amounts of data to create meaningful reports for administrators and insurance carriers
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Working with the Director, identify and assess insurable risks; coordinate loss control efforts, insurer inspections, and the development of mitigation strategies; and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to protect University assets and operations
• Strategic Risk Management: Assist in developing risk management strategies, maintaining a University-wide risk register, monitoring emerging risks, and reporting program effectiveness to leadership

Additional Functions

• Support the Director in responses to domestic and international travel risk management inquiries
• Maintain relevant departmental website content, web-based reporting systems, and risk management information systems
• Maintain insurance, premium, loss, claims, and related risk management records
• Organize, manage, and complete special projects and administrative-related duties as required