Director of Risk Management
Are you ready to lead the charge in protecting one of the nation’s top transit systems At the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), we’re seeking a seasoned expert in claims and insurance to drive our financial risk strategy forward. In this high-impact leadership role, you’ll do more than manage policiesyou’ll shape the systems that safeguard our people, infrastructure, and daily operations. If you have deep experience in insurance markets, claims management, and risk mitigation, this is your opportunity to make a lasting difference for the communities we serve.
As our Director of Risk Management (Claims and Insurance), you’ll be the strategic anchor for UTA’s insurance and claims programsbuilding frameworks that proactively manage risk, protect public assets, and ensure resilience across our organization. Your expertise will help us navigate regulatory challenges, control financial exposure, and keep our services running smoothly. If you're ready to lead with insight, integrity, and innovation in a role that blends public service with industry expertise, we want to hear from you.
Pay Rate: $115,800.00 or more, depending on experience
Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
Professional certifications such as Certified Risk Manager (CRM), Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate in Risk Management (ARM), or Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) are preferred but not required.
7-10 years of experience in financial risk management, insurance, or a related field, ideally within a large organization or public sector.Preference will be given to candidates who have a background in claims and/or insurance.
Proven experience in developing and implementing financial risk management frameworks, managing comprehensive insurance programs (including property, liability, and workers’ compensation), and handling claims and insurance litigation in collaboration with legal teams is required; experience in the transit industry or a related field (bus, rail, logistics, etc.) is highly preferred.
Skills:
Expert knowledge of risk management principles, strategies, and best practices.
Strong understanding of insurance markets and programs, particularly in areas like property, liability, workers’ compensation, and risk pools.
Ability to negotiate effectively with brokers and carriers to secure favorable terms.
Proficiency in analyzing risks across financial, operational, strategic, and reputational areas.
Knowledge of alternative risk transfer mechanisms (e.g., captives, insurance pools).
Proficient in quantitative analysis for risk evaluation and insurance structuring.
Strong leadership abilities with experience leading cross-functional teams and managing projects.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for reporting to executive leadership and the board.
Ability to act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on risk and insurance matters.
Strong collaboration skills for working with departments like legal, finance, operations, and capital projects.
Familiarity with regulatory requirements related to risk management, insurance, and transit operations.
Ability to develop and enforce policies that comply with industry standards and regulations.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, especially in high-stakes situations involving risk mitigation and insurance claims.
Ability to conduct thorough risk assessments and adapt strategies to manage emerging financial risks.
Benefits Offered:
Health, dental, vision, life/AD&D, and more
Onsite Health and Wellness Clinics for medical care at no cost to employees, spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children
22 days of paid time off (13 vacation days and 9 sick days), increases with tenure
10 paid holidays and 2 paid floating holidays a year
Retirement options - Pension Plan
Generous tuition reimbursement for higher education (bachelor, master, PhD)
Training, development, and career advancement opportunities
Paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and child placement (after 12 months of employment)
Free transit passes for employees, their spouses, and their dependent children
Employee assistance program
UTA Wellness program
Free on-site fitness facilities and discounted membership to VASA Fitness
Discounted cell phone plans (T-Mobile and AT&T)
Pet insurance plan options (tailored to pet’s health and needs)
Our mission is to move Utah. We are proud to be powered by our diverse teams across departments, who work together to make that mission a reality. Their ingenuity and passion make better transportation accessible for our community. Our team has shaped our culture, making our work environment a place where people can build their careers for years to come. We hope you become one of them!