The Senior Risk Specialist is responsible for supporting the Director, Risk and Insurance Management in managing the insurance procurement, and insured claims functions at Vanderbilt University (VU). The Senior Risk Specialists role is a key part of the university’s integrated risk assurance program and works collaboratively with all areas of the university to identify, manage, and propose mitigation strategies to reduce the university’s insurable risks. 

This position serves as a liaison with the university’s insurance brokers and carriers in the stewardship of the university’s comprehensive insurance program and requires knowledge and understanding of a range of commercial products including general liability, property, auto, network security as well as additional specialty areas relative to Vanderbilt operations. 

About the Work Unit:

Insurance Procurement and Claims: The function is responsible for the strategic planning and oversight of the university’s comprehensive insurance program and for directing risk management processes in collaboration with other university departments to assure persons and assets are appropriately protected. The team works with all levels of Vanderbilt departments and external insurance brokers and carriers to ensure the institution has the adequate types and amounts of insurance coverage. Using robust claim trend analysis and market research, the team advises departments on opportunities to reduce claims, mitigate risk and ensure appropriate insurance coverage is in place.

Key Functions and Expected Performance: Serves as liaison with outside insurance broker in the procurement and management of the university’s comprehensive insurance program. Supports the annual process of collecting required underwriting information for all new and renewal insurance policies, including preparation of materials to obtain Chancellor and Vice Chancellor approval, when required. Manages the information gathering and submission of information necessary to perfect insured claims. Supports the director and senior director in submitting claims insurance carriers and in investigating disputed, or complex claims. Oversees collection of confidential data regarding loss exposures, claim payments, reserves, and payrolls as required for actuarial studies, premium audits, surveys, and insurance reviews. Analyzes insurance policies for accuracy of coverage and appropriate endorsements. Manages and oversees payment of and accounting for premium invoices and complex internal premium allocations for purchased insurance. Supports the director in developing the annual insurance premium forecast and budget. Manages the university’s Total Cost of Risk (TCOR) and Annual Insurance Review Summary documents. Uses data analytics to identify claim trends and make recommendations to improve the safety of the campus for faculty, staff, students, and visitors. Participates in various campus committees to provide risk management advice and expertise; actively engage campus partners to create short and long-term working groups when specific risks are identified. Communicates with staff and faculty throughout all levels of the university and with brokers and other insurance industry partners regarding insurance coverage questions, premium charges, building projects, budget forecasting, special events, and various other insurance questions Provides support for other subgroups within Risk Management as needed. This is a hybrid position and is expected to be on campus a minimum of three days per week.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibility.

Education and Certifications: Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Experience and Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Meticulous attention to detail is required. Strong experience with Excel and PowerPoint is required. Professional attitude and considerable tact, persuasion and judgment in interactions with internal and external constituents is required. Demonstrated ability to work in a team setting is required. Willingness to rapidly learn new skills when the situation demands it is required. An ability to take initiative, multi-task and work well under pressure is required. An ability to quickly learn office technology and databases is preferred. Comfortable with new technological systems and upgrades as they arise is preferred. Key Characteristics of a Successful Team Member in this Work Unit: High level of integrity and professionalism Effective communication skills Risk assessment/problem solving skills Relationship and trust building skills Organization and project management skills