Description

United Educators, a Reciprocal Risk Retention Group (UE) provides liability insurance and risk management services to nearly 1,600 schools, colleges, and universities throughout the United States. Founded in 1987, UE is a mission-directed company owned and governed by the educational institutions it insures. Widely recognized as the preeminent provider of liability insurance and risk management services to education, UE is rated A (excellent) by AM Best, is a profitable, growing company and has several times earned Ward 50 company distinction. UE has an exceptionally strong record of member retention (97.7% ten-year average), consistent growth, and strong returns on equity. 

UE addresses education’s unique risks through focused, practical risk management programs and data driven underwriting resulting in tailored coverage. Claims are handled by a team that applies a Cool Head, Warm Heart® philosophy to legal matters. UE helps educational institutions prepare for, respond to, and recover from adversity and risks, enabling them to advance their mission.

UE provides comprehensive global liability coverage, including General Liability (GL), Educators Legal Liability (ELL), and Internships and Professional Services (IPL) for large, multi-campus universities to small, independent K-12 schools.

Reporting directly to UE’s VP of Risk Management, the AVP, Risk Management will lead and support all aspects of day-to-day operations for the Risk Management Department. S/he should drive a high level of organizational performance for the department and be a culture carrier for UE’s broader company-wide commitment to provide insurance and risk management services to the member institutions at competitive prices, while maintaining the high level of service of which UE is justifiably proud.

Key responsibilities will include the following:

(1)  Oversight of department operations – this includes but is not limited to keeping the department running from a tactical perspective, helping hit goals/targets, managing data reporting & assessments, managing budget, running meetings and coordinating key follow-ups with the right stakeholders, etc.

(2)  Staff management – this leader will be the primary interface for all personnel related items
(e.g., professional development, goal setting, DEI values) within the risk department. S/he will influence, manage, and mentor across the broad team of ~25 that sits beneath two Director-level leaders who will report directly to the AVP.

(3)  Broader company leadership – the AVP, Risk Management is a senior leadership role within UE, and will need to regularly meet with peers / seniors around other parts of the organization to discuss lateral efforts and initiatives that require teamwork.  

In terms of preferred experiential and behavioral attributes for the position, we would highlight the following:

§ Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in business, law, or academic field preferred

§ Ten or more years of professional experience in business, law, insurance, or education

§ Subject matter expertise in business, law, insurance, and/or education concepts

§ Ability to align functional work to executive and organizational priorities

§ Experience with budget management, project management, and business administration

§ Record of effective management of individuals and teams

§ Strong oral and written communication skills

§ Curiosity, openness, initiative, and drive

§ Capacity to adapt in a fast-paced and evolving environment

§ Travel as needed (~10%) to UE member campuses, industry conferences, and company events

§ Three or more days per week working on site at UE’s offices in Bethesda, MD.

Please direct inquiries, expressions of interest, and nominations to: [unitededucators@russellreynolds.com]