Director of Risk Strategy - Division of Finance

University of Pennsylvania•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

The Office of Risk Management and Insurance is responsible for coordinating the risk management activities of the University and the Health System in the areas of property insurance, general and automobile liability insurance, workers’ compensation, international travel, and medical, dental, and veterinary professional liability. The Office identifies and evaluates areas of potential exposure to risk and implements measures to reduce the risk of loss University and Health System-wide. The Director of Risk Strategy will develop and implement comprehensive risk management and financing strategies for the University of Pennsylvania (Penn). This role will oversee all aspects of risk management and insurance matters, with a focus on optimizing cost-effectiveness and enhancing protection against traditional, emerging, and evolving risks. The role provides strategic leadership for the Risk Management and Insurance team and partners closely with the AVP and senior leaders to develop long-term plans, oversee regulatory compliance, and lead cross-functional teams to implement integrated strategies.

Requirements

Master of Science, Master of Arts and Over 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Extensive experience in finance, risk management, and insurance, with a focus on strategic decision making.
In-depth knowledge of various risk financing methods, including self-insurance, captives, and reinsurance
Proven analytical and problem-solving skills and demonstrated experience working with senior leadership and developing long-term strategy.
Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
Experience working under tight deadlines and utilizing various systems/reports/data to develop long-term strategy and solutions.
Proven track record in developing and implementing successful risk financing strategies.
Proven experience, strategic mindset and skills in leading innovative approaches to optimize Penn's risk financing, ensuring long-term financial protection and operational resilience.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and redesign Penn's current risk financing program, including commercial insurance, self-insurance, and alternative risk transfer methods.
Develop and implement innovative risk financing solutions, such as captive insurance programs, accessing reinsurance markets, and exploring capital market options.
Analyze and address Penn's complex risk profile, including property losses, liability issues, health system exposures, and emerging risks in areas like research, IT, regulatory compliance, and climate change.
Create and manage a robust risk management plan integrated with risk financing strategies to reduce the likelihood and severity of potential disruptions.
Negotiate with insurance companies, structure reinsurance programs, and manage self-insurance or captive insurance initiatives.
Collaborate with various departments to identify, assess, and mitigate risks across the university and health system.
Provide expert advice on risk management practices and financial implications to senior leadership.
Continuously monitor and adapt risk financing strategies to align with Penn's evolving needs and market conditions.
Conduct financial and operational analysis to support planning efforts that span a wide range of initiatives.
Analyze consolidated budgets, capital plans, multi-year financial plans, etc.; monitor current year budget to actual results.
Analyze data from various systems to produce regular and ad hoc financial reports.
Participate in review of operational processes and policies to ensure sound and consistent financial analysis protocol.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Benefits

Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.