Operational Risk Manager Jobs in Asheville, NC (NOW HIRING)

Warren Wilson College is seeking a Director of Risk Management to educate and lead the campus community in multiple risk management initiatives. This role is ideal for someone who would enjoy working closely with faculty, staff, students and outside agencies to develop risk management training, policies and procedures, and then guiding the implementation process.

Warren Wilson College is the only national liberal arts college that fully integrates on-campus work and off-campus community engagement into its curriculum. In addition to its innovative experiential program, the College and its 700 students are known for their strong commitment to environmental sustainability, diversity and social justice. The college also features a top-ranked low-residency MFA Program for Writers, a Masters in Applied Climate Studies, and a summer-long Swannanoa Gathering of music and folk arts workshops.

Interested individuals should read further to learn more about the College and the responsibilities for this full-time, exempt position. Applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter that describes how your previous experience will contribute to the mission and Progressive Promise of Warren Wilson College.

First consideration will be given to candidates who apply by Sunday, July 26, 2026. All applications must be received electronically.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Risk Management, Public Administration, Business, or related field.
• Five years of direct experience in insurance/risk management program administration, with progressive responsibility.
• Two years of experience in a supervisory role.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively problem solve and handle sensitive situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, conduct investigations, while maintaining discretion and confidentiality.
• Evidence of working knowledge of reporting practices related to the Clery Act, and laws pertaining to Title IX and VAWA.
• Demonstrated commitment to working effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, written and oral communication, organizational and presentation skills.
• Current OSHA 30 hour certification, or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Computer proficiency in MS Office and/or Google Suite.
• A valid driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous risk management experience on a college campus.
• Knowledge of budget management principles.
• Evidence of experience in handling dynamic critical incidents.
• Training in de-escalation and/or mental health crisis response.
• Documented training in Incident Command System.
• Professional experience with public safety in an educational setting.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Risk Management develops and manages the College's risk management and insurance programs, and serves as Warren Wilson's representative for risk and emergency management matters. The Director will establish and enhance a supportive, collaborative framework for college-wide safety and risk management practices while developing positive relationships and partnerships with staff, faculty and students and outside agencies to achieve campus-wide goals.

The incumbent will develop and deploy training programs for students, staff, and faculty. This position will ensure that administrative and operational procedures are in compliance with College policies, state and federal statutes, and best practices for public safety, emergency response and risk management. The Director will work closely and regularly with the College's insurer for oversight of claims reporting, compliance and training opportunities. The Director is also responsible for the College's emergency response plan, public safety policies and procedures. Due to the nature of the position and makeup of the public safety officer team, the incumbent may need to work a fluctuating schedule to include holidays, nights and weekends.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Risk Management (60%)

• Directs and oversees the College's risk management and insurance programs to identify, assess, and mitigate institutional risk exposures.
• Develop and implement institutional risk management training programs including the documentation of completed safety training for students, staff and faculty in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Reviews and updates policies, programs, and procedures ensuring inclusion of any current or new legal requirements for risk management and environmental health and safety.
• Serves as primary point of contact for the College's insurer; interprets risk management requirements and insurance coverages and communicates policy and procedure changes to appropriate users.
• Designs, directs and coordinates risk programs of the College to control exposures and minimize loss.
• Responsible for the claim filing process for property and liability incidents.
• Keeps abreast of changes to laws and regulations that impact the organization.
• Responsible for conducting and evaluating periodic safety, fire and/or hazardous conditions or substance inspection of all College facilities, equipment and employee work practices; recommends changes and coordinates implementation.
• Authority to issue safety directions and when necessary may suspend work in any location deemed unsafe; once safety protocols are met, has sole authority to authorize resumption of work at suspended job site.
• Reviews and investigates accident/incident reports, compiling findings and recommendations for corrective actions into summary reports.
• Chairs the campus Safety Committee.
• Develops and maintains strong working relationships with all campus constituencies and outside agencies

Emergency Response (20%)

• Educates and assists College's senior leadership team in understanding and preparing to execute their emergency response responsibilities.
• Develops and maintains campus emergency management plan; assists in the related training of college employees and contractors; while also maintaining related documentation.
• With the Lead Public Safety Officer, serves as the Warren Wilson College liaison to local emergency services and allied agencies.
• Responds to emergency situations, including after-hours emergencies, as needed.
• Chairs the Emergency Response Team.

Public Safety (20%)

• Directly supervises the Lead Public Safety Officer (LPSO); in the LPSO's absence directly supervises Public Safety Officers (PSOs).
• Indirectly supervises PSOs through the LPSO to ensure compliance with all campus and departmental policies, protocols, and standards.
• Conducts sensitive investigations (Title IX & personnel) as needed.
• Collaborates with Residence Life staff to maintain and report Clery Act Reporting data.
• Writes the Annual Security Report and submits the annual Campus Safety and Security Survey as required by the Clery Act.
• Oversees safety protocols and traffic planning for special events.
• Monitors the departmental budget.
• Recruit, hire, and train staff and complete performance evaluations.
• Performs related duties as assigned

Working Conditions

• Working hours may include evenings, holidays or weekends depending on deadline requirements, coverage and special events.
• Must be physically capable of entering all campus facilities, able to drive appropriate vehicles, and work indoor and outdoor in all weather conditions.
• Must be capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Must be capable of standing or walking for prolonged periods, walking up and down inclines, climbing stairs, and occasionally running, stooping, lunging, reaching, crawling, or other physical activities required to respond to calls.

Our Mission: Warren Wilson College's distinctive approach to education intentionally integrates academics, work, and community engagement to cultivate curiosity, empathy, and integrity. We empower graduates to pursue meaningful careers and lead purposeful lives dedicated to a just, equitable, and sustainable world.

We are committed to a culture of educational access and to ensuring that all students and employees from a diverse range of identities and experiences will thrive in this community. We seek and support an engaged faculty and staff with a genuine interest in our innovative approach to education and the Progressive Promise for all, as well as a willingness to fully participate in the life of the College.

Warren Wilson College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.