Director of Risk Management

Director of Risk Management (Risk Management Deputy Director)

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Risk Management Deputy Director positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Monday, June 15th, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. (PST).

THE OPPORTUNITY The County Executive Office (CEO) is seeking an experienced, innovative, and strategic leader to serve as the Director of Risk Management for the County of Orange. This high-level leadership position is responsible for planning, directing, organizing, and evaluating the County's comprehensive risk management operations, including workers' compensation, liability claims administration, insurance programs, safety and loss prevention initiatives, and ADA Title 2 compliance. The Director of Risk Management will provide strategic guidance to executive leadership, County departments, and elected officials regarding risk financing, claims management, regulatory compliance, and operational risk mitigation. This position requires a collaborative leader capable of balancing operational effectiveness, fiscal responsibility, customer service, and organizational accountability. The Director of Risk Management reports directly to executive leadership within the County Executive Office and serves as a key advisor on complex and politically sensitive matters involving County risk exposure and liability.

Primarily responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Directing and administering the County's comprehensive risk management and safety & loss prevention programs.
• Overseeing workers' compensation claims administration, public tort liability claims & litigation, ADA Title 2 compliance, property, and County insurance program administration functions.
• Developing strategic initiatives to reduce risk exposure and improve operational effectiveness.
• Evaluating and recommending risk financing strategies, including self-insurance and commercial insurance programs.
• Directing litigation management activities in coordination with Board of Supervisors third-party administrators, and outside legal counsel.
• Providing executive-level guidance regarding claims trends, actuarial analysis, regulatory compliance, and loss prevention strategies.
• Managing departmental budgets, financial forecasting, policies, procedures, and operational standards to support continuous improvement.
• Collaborating with County departments, executive leadership, elected officials, and stakeholders to mitigate risk, promote operational excellence, and develop staff.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Risk Management, Finance, Industrial Safety, or a closely related field, along with at least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience involving the planning, administration, and oversight of a comprehensive risk management program, including at least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience leading professional staff and complex operational programs. While not required, Associate in Risk Management (ARM) is highly preferred. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess extensive experience and knowledge in the following core competencies:

Technical Knowledge | Technical Experience

• Extensive experience developing and implementing safety, loss prevention, and risk reduction strategies within a complex organization.
• Knowledge of federal and state occupational safety regulations, compliance standards, and industry best practices.
• Experience evaluating operational risks, minimizing liability exposure, and implementing corrective actions and safety initiatives.
• Comprehensive understanding of public sector risk management principles, including risk financing, self-insurance, commercial insurance procurement, and contractual risk transfer requirements.
• Knowledge of actuarial principles, statistical analysis, self-insurance funding methodologies, and rate-setting practices.
• Extensive experience managing workers' compensation and public liability claims, including collaboration with legal counsel and third-party administrators to improve claims outcomes and reduce organizational exposure.

Problem Solving | Decision Making Skills

• Researches, analyzes, and applies operational and financial data to support informed decision-making and strategic planning.
• Evaluates complex operational, financial, and organizational issues while developing effective solutions and recommendations for executive leadership.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement and implements innovative strategies that drive operational efficiency and measurable results.
• Exercises sound judgment and strategic thinking while balancing competing priorities and maintaining focus on long-term organizational goals.

Oral | Written Communication Skills

• Communicates complex information clearly, concisely, and persuasively both verbally and in writing.
• Effectively collaborates with executive leadership, elected officials, County departments, and external stakeholders.
• Prepares and delivers presentations, reports, policy recommendations, and executive briefings, including on politically sensitive matters.
• Builds collaborative relationships while demonstrating professionalism, diplomacy, transparency, and sound judgment in all communications.

Leadership Skills

• Proven success leading complex operational programs and managing competing organizational priorities.
• Experience developing short- and long-term goals with measurable outcomes and performance indicators.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and motivate professional and management staff.
• Ability to foster a collaborative, results-oriented work environment while promoting continuous improvement and organizational change.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to delegate effectively, maintain accountability, and build consensus across departments and stakeholder groups.