Deputy Executive Officer - Risk Operations

Deputy Executive Officer - Risk Operations

Be part of something amazing! Learn more about this opportunity. The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package. The salary range for this position is $158,650.17 to $222,132.02 annually. An employee in this position will also be eligible for the following:

• General Salary Increase: A general salary increase of 3.5%, effective December 20, 2026, and 3.5% effective December 19, 2027.
• Educational Incentive: Additional cash payment of 2.5% for completing an associate degree, 3.5% for a bachelor's degree, or 5% for a graduate degree each pay period.
• Executive Annual Leave: The selected candidate will earn 248 hours per year, increasing to 288 hours after 5 years of service, 328 hours after 10 years of service, and 368 hours after 15 years of service. Credit for prior public service may be considered (Management Resolution, § 1202A).
• Annual Leave Redemption: The ability to "cash in" or redeem up to 100 hours of Annual Leave per year after using 80 hours of annual leave within the previous 12 months (Management Resolution, § 1207).
• Holidays: 13 paid days annually, including a scheduled floating holiday.
• Deferred Compensation: Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on your 401(k) contributions. Effective February 9, 2024 (and annually thereafter), eligible employees meeting the criteria in Sec. 1907 of the Management Resolution will receive a two percent (2%) of their annualized compensation non-elective contribution into their 401(k) account.
• Health Insurance Plans: Medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your dependents. A flexible credit allowance of up to $1,024.11 biweekly, depending on enrollment plan tier.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Boost your spending power by reimbursing yourself with pre-tax dollars for IRS-approved dependent care and health care expenses.
• Pension Plan: Both you and the County contribute to the County's Retirement Plan. If eligible, you may establish reciprocity with other public retirement systems, such as CalPERS.
• Additional Benefits: Incumbents are entitled to County-paid membership in professional organizations related to their position; other benefits include Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, and Wellness Program.
• Work Schedule: Our team operates on a regular, in-office schedule: Monday through Friday. We ensure support for all County agencies, promote seamless collaboration, and allow for consistent personal planning.

Why Apply

Step into a pivotal executive role and make an immediate impact. As a Deputy Executive Officer for Risk Management, you'll guide experienced managers, elevate performance across the organization, and help build long-term organizational resilience.

You'll join a mission-driven HR team that values collaboration, clear communication, and continuous improvement—all in one of California's most desirable regions. Ventura County offers professional influence, organizational stability, and an exceptional quality of life.

If you're a strategic, people-focused leader ready to make a difference and join a team that makes a meaningful impact, this is an opportunity worth exploring.

The Position

The Deputy Executive Officer (DEO) Risk Operations serves as the second-in-command for Risk Management, providing executive leadership, direction, and coordination across the County's risk programs. Reporting to the County Human Resources Director, with a dotted-line to the Senior DEO, this role focuses on strategy, interdepartmental alignment, organizational performance, and executive decision support. Technical expertise is handled by managers who oversee Liability, Workers' Compensation, Disability Management, Insurance, Contracts, and Risk Control.

This is an opportunity for an experienced leader who excels in complex environments, communicates clearly across organizational levels, keeps senior leadership well informed, and advances strategic priorities. The successful candidate will also provide strong coaching and mentoring to managers and staff, fostering growth, accountability, and consistent execution across the division.

Risk Management Division

The County of Ventura's Risk Management Division is a strategic partner dedicated to protecting the County's workforce, assets, and long-term operational stability. As a primarily self-insured program with excess coverage through PRISM, we lead countywide efforts to identify, assess, and mitigate risk across all departments.

Handling complex Workers' Compensation, General Liability, and Disability Claims; collaborating closely with County Counsel, external defense counsel, third-party administrators, and insurance carriers; and providing clear, practical guidance on litigation, coverage, and settlements. We also oversee risk financing and reserving to ensure fiscal responsibility, regulatory compliance, and organizational resilience.

Examples Of Duties

What You Bring

• Leadership experience in public-sector administration, including roles such as municipal or department leader, Administrative Services Director, Risk Manager, Assistant Director, or comparable government leadership positions.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in navigating evolving priorities, constraints, and organizational needs.
• A solutions-oriented mindset that can identify challenges, analyze root causes, and deliver practical, actionable recommendations.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex information quickly and clearly.
• A positive, optimistic approach that helps build momentum, encourages collaboration, and supports organizational progress.
• Independent, self-motivated work style with the initiative to move projects forward and anticipate next steps.
• Strength in partnership-building and communication with executives, departments, counsel, and external partners.

What You'll Do

• Drive countywide risk strategy, enterprise priorities, and performance standards in coordination with the Senior DEO.
• Coordinate with departments, County Counsel, outside counsel, carriers, and executive leadership on high-impact issues.
• Oversee insurance and risk-financing planning, program performance, and operational compliance, ensuring alignment with executive direction.
• Provide executive leadership to managers who run technical operations and claims programs, ensuring they have clear guidance, support, and accountability structures.
• Present complex risk issues, program performance, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership, governing bodies, and oversight boards in a clear and actionable manner.
• Facilitate executive-level discussions on emerging risks, preparing concise summaries and strategic options for senior leadership.
• Strengthen division-wide consistency through dashboards, reporting, and data-driven recommendations that inform executive decision-making.
• Serve as the executive backup to the Senior DEO, maintaining continuity of leadership and decision authority in their absence.
• Champion a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across all division units.

Typical Qualifications

Education/Experience: A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Risk Management, Insurance, Business Administration, Finance, or a closely related field is required. Additionally, candidates must have at least five years of recent, progressively responsible management experience in risk management, including insurance and claims management for general liability, property, or workers' compensation, as well as employee safety. Candidates must also have four years of supervisory experience over professional staff.

Desired Qualification

• Master's degree in human resources, risk management, public administration, business administration, finance, enterprise risk management, or a closely related field.
• Certification as an Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Associate in Insurance Services (AIS), Workers' Compensation Claims Professional (WCCP), or CA Self Insurance Plans Certification (SIP)

Other Requirement

Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver's license or use alternate means of transportation to fulfill the essential duties of the position.

Work is conducted in a collaborative, team-oriented on-site office environment, Monday through Friday. Incumbents may also frequently visit various County departments and agencies and meet off-site with staff when necessary.

Recruitment Process

To APPLY for this executive opportunity, please submit a resume and cover letter that illustrate all of the following