Director of Risk Management

Capital District Transportation Authority - Albany, NY

Full-time - Director

Albany, NY

Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation

About the position

CDTA is seeking a highly qualified individual for the position of Director of Risk Management. This role is pivotal in overseeing the creation, enforcement, and management of safety and security programs across all operations, properties, and facilities. The Director will also manage the Worker's Compensation program, which includes handling claims and conducting investigations. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to represent CDTA's interests in safety, security, and liability claims involving property, equipment, services, vehicles, employees, customers, and the community. The Director of Risk Management will be responsible for identifying and evaluating safety and security risks associated with CDTA's operations and facilities. This includes assessing and improving operating practices and procedures to safeguard employees, facilities, equipment, revenue, and the general public. The Director will provide and implement recommendations aimed at minimizing safety and security risks, as well as developing operating and capital budgets related to safety and security programs and equipment. In addition to these responsibilities, the Director will act as a liaison, maintaining collaborative relationships with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders. Regular communication with local law enforcement on confidential safety and security matters is essential. The role also involves administering the Workers' Compensation program, analyzing lost time incidents, and developing programs to minimize workplace accidents. The Director will provide performance reports, represent the company at hearings and court proceedings, and conduct claims reviews with the Third Party Administrator (TPA). Investigating and prosecuting fraudulent claims in collaboration with CDTA's TPA and legal counsel is also a key responsibility. The Director will investigate employee incidents affecting safety and security and may provide testimony in disciplinary hearings and court proceedings as necessary. Furthermore, the Director will be responsible for system security, including the investigation of incidents and the development of emergency response plans. Training programs to enhance safety and security for CDTA employees, customers, and facilities will also be developed and implemented. The role includes providing security support for CDTA rail facilities, conducting security assessments, and coordinating with law enforcement agencies and security firms. The Director will also provide risk management support to other departments and maintain frequent contact with outside agencies to resolve risk management issues. Responding to safety and security incidents, directing investigations, and securing evidence for court proceedings are critical aspects of this role. The Director will be required to carry a cell phone for emergency response and assist law enforcement with investigations where CDTA employees or technology can provide critical support.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate safety and security risks relating to CDTA's operations and facilities.
• Assess and improve operating practices and procedures to protect employees, facilities, equipment, revenue, and the general public.
• Provide and implement recommendations to minimize safety and security risks.
• Develop operating and capital budgets pertaining to safety and security programs and equipment.
• Act as a liaison and maintain existing collaborative working relationships with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders.
• Confer regularly with local law enforcement on confidential safety and security matters.
• Administer the Workers' Compensation program.
• Analyze and investigate lost time to assess appropriate case management and actions with department managers.
• Develop programs and procedures to minimize accidents in the workplace.
• Provide reports on performance, represent the company at hearings and court proceedings as necessary, conduct claims reviews with Third Party Administrator (TPA), and make recommendations for program improvements.
• Investigate and prosecute fraudulent claims in collaboration with CDTA's TPA and counsel.
• Investigate employee incidents pertaining to and affecting safety and security; provide testimony in disciplinary hearings and court proceedings as necessary.
• Responsible for system security including investigation of incidents and development and maintenance of system security and emergency response plans.
• Develop, implement, and conduct training programs to enhance safety and security for CDTA employees, customers, and facilities.
• Evaluate and assess CDTA's current and future use of technology to support safety and security measures.
• Provide security support for CDTA rail facilities; conduct security assessments; coordinate station security committees; liaison with law enforcement agencies, security firms, etc.
• Provide risk management support to other departments as necessary; maintain frequent contact with outside agencies to resolve risk management issues.
• Respond to safety and security incidents, direct investigation and secure evidence for use in court proceedings and hearings.
• Assist law enforcement with current investigations where CDTA employees and/or technology provide critical support to the legal process.
• Perform special assignments as necessary.

Requirements

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Existing relationships with local law enforcement and knowledge of police protocols as they relate to situations on vehicles or within the organization.
• Knowledge of Worker's Compensation issues.
• Knowledge of safety and security issues; risk identification and mitigation.
• Investigative skills and preparation of detailed and comprehensive reports.
• Experience working with unions, knowledge of due process and disciplinary issues.
• Knowledge of Capital Region geography and population, specifically urbanized areas.
• Ability to work independently.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related program.
• Minimum 10 years' direct experience in large-scale organization directing safety and security efforts, investigation, risk identification/mitigation, and training; 5 years' management/supervisory experience in a large-scale organization.