RISK MANAGER

La Crosse County; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 84,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Job summary

La Crosse County is seeking a strategic Risk Manager to build a countywide risk program from the ground up, shaping policies, culture, safety, and financial stewardship across the organization. You will report to the County Administrator and collaborate with Corporation Counsel, Finance, and Human Resources.

You will lead policy design, risk identification and mitigation, insurance and claims oversight, safety programs, and business continuity planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in risk management, public administration, business administration, or 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.

Responsibilities

• Design policies, frameworks, and long-term strategies for a countywide risk program.
• Lead risk identification, analysis, and mitigation initiatives.
• Oversee insurance procurement, renewals, and vendor relationships.
• Manage open claims, negotiations, and cost allocation.
• Direct the county’s workplace safety and workers’ compensation programs.
• Develop crisis management, business continuity plans, and audits.
• Advise leaders across departments to improve consistency and accountability.

Skills

Program development

Risk assessment

Insurance & claims knowledge

Analytical skills

Contracts/compliance experience

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in risk management/public administration/business administration

Job description

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, and 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.