RISK MANAGER

La Crosse County; La Crosse (FL); Hybrid; USD 84,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wisconsin Retirement System

County health insurance

Paid vacation from day one

Sick leave accrual

Job summary

La Crosse County is seeking a strategic Risk Manager to build a countywide risk, safety, and resilience program from the ground up, directly shaping policies, culture, and financial stewardship across the county.

Reporting to the County Administrator and partnering with Finance, HR, and Corporation Counsel, you will lead risk strategy, insurance oversight, safety programs, business continuity, and crisis planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in risk management, public administration, business administration, or related field.
• Experience in risk management program development and administration.
• Knowledge of insurance, safety, workers’ compensation, and claims practices.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to use risk data to influence decisions.
• Experience with contracts, legal risk concepts, or regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Design policies, frameworks, and long‑term risk strategies for the county.
• Lead risk identification, analysis, and mitigation initiatives.
• Manage insurance procurement, renewals, and open claims oversight.
• Oversee vendor relationships and cost allocation for risk programs.
• Direct the county’s workplace safety and workers’ compensation programs.
• Develop crisis management, response, and business continuity plans.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory compliance

Contracts management

Risk data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in risk management, public administration, business administration, or related field

Job description

What You’ll Gain by Joining Us

• A Future You Can Count On: Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), one of the most respected pension programs in the nation.
• Reliable, Affordable Coverage: Countywide insurance plans plus growing access to local, no-cost care options for everyday health needs.
• Time Off That Works For You:
  • Start earning vacation and sick time your very first day
  • Bank up to 2× your annual vacation accrual
  • Build up to 150 sick days as a full time employee

A Place Where Everyone Belongs

We believe our workforce should reflect the community we serve. We’re committed to fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and belonging—because diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes for everyone.

Overview

Make a lasting impact on an entire community. Lead a brand new, countywide Risk Management program.

La Crosse County is launching a modern, proactive approach to risk, safety, and organizational resilience — and we’re looking for a strategic Risk Manager to build it. This is a rare opportunity to establish a program from the ground up and directly shape policies, culture, safety, and financial stewardship across a full county government.

Why This Role Matters

This position reports directly to the County Administrator and partners closely with Corporation Counsel, Finance, and Human Resources. You will be the county’s primary expert for:

• Organizational risk strategy
• Insurance and claims oversight
• Safety and workers’ compensation
• Contract risk review
• Fraud prevention
• Business continuity and catastrophic event planning

If you’re motivated by meaningful impact, autonomy, and leading change, this role offers both the platform and support to do it.

What You’ll Lead

Build a countywide Risk Management Program

• Design policies, frameworks, and long term strategies
• Lead risk identification, analysis, and mitigation initiatives

Oversee insurance, claims, vendor relationships

• Manage insurance procurement and renewals
• Oversee open claims, negotiations, cost allocation, and resolution

Strengthen organizational safety

• Direct the county's workplace safety program
• Administer the workers’ compensation program and compliance standards

Enhance resilience and preparedness

• Develop and maintain crisis management, response, and business continuity plans
• Conduct audits, evaluate exposure trends, and present recommendations to leadership

You’ll also act as a highly trusted internal consultant — advising leaders across departments and improving consistency, compliance, and accountability throughout the organization.

What You Bring

We’re looking for a candidate with a blend of experience and leadership qualities who can grow a program and influence a complex organization.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in risk management, public administration, business administration, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience in risk management program development and administration
• Knowledge of insurance, safety, workers’ compensation, and claims practices
• Strong analytical skills and ability to use risk data to influence decisions
• Experience with contracts, legal risk concepts, or regulatory compliance
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Shape a program from the ground up — influence strategy, culture, and long term risk posture across the entire county
• High visibility and executive partnership — frequent collaboration with the County Administrator and other senior leaders
• Wide impact and variety — work that spans safety, insurance, claims, continuity planning, compliance, and organizational improvement
• Meaningful public service — your expertise directly supports the wellbeing, safety, and financial stewardship of the community

Salary

Hiring range: $83,600 – $111,200, depending on qualifications and experience.

Employer-paid benefits add significant value beyond base pay. At the hiring midpoint, the County’s annual contribution to benefits is approximately $28,700 for single coverage and $43,000 for family coverage, including health and dental insurance, WRS retirement contributions, and paid leave.

Work Location

La Crosse County Administrative Center - La Crosse, WI

Hybrid schedule available: work remotely up to two days per week.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve.

Need an Accommodation?

If you require a disability-related accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, reach out to Human Resources at [e-mail] — we're here to help.