Senior Director, Risk Management & Compliance

Why Your Role Matters

The Senior Director of Risk Management, Compliance, & Safety is a pivotal leadership position within the Association and is responsible for overseeing risk assessment, compliance, and safety protocols across all operational areas. Reporting directly to the Associate Chief Financial & Administrative Officer, this role leads an established Risk Management and Safety Program and serves as the organization's Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all things risk, safety, and compliance. The role involves strategic planning, policy development, training implementation, and emergency response coordination. The Senior Director will play a critical role in fostering a culture of safety and minimizing risk exposures to ensure the well-being of staff, members, and the community. You will partner closely with other senior leaders throughout the enterprise to achieve outcomes.                                                                        

How You Will Make an Impact

In this role, you are highly organized and focused on improving systems, processes, and resources. You have the ability to communicate effectively and follow up with leaders, managers, and staff teams to ensure effective risk management and timely reporting. Ultimately, you will help to ensure our organization secures its reputation, positive community impact, and fiscal health by controlling risk. 

Risk Management Audits, Compliance, Records, & Reporting

• Conduct comprehensive analysis of data and implement controls, strategies, and systems that mitigate risk exposures, including maintaining and enhancing the Risk Management Information System (RMIS) built on Microsoft tools.
• Lead audits of processes and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and organizational policies (program/aquatics safety, child abuse prevention, Americans with Disabilities Act, facility safety, volunteerism, vehicle safety, staff trainings, OSHA, etc.)
• Monitor systems and audit criminal background checks (members, community members, staff, and volunteers) in partnership with People Strategy
• Maintain detailed records of incidents, injuries, and risk reports, implementing strategies to mitigate losses (incident reports, exposures, Know Your Score, Praesidium assessments, etc.)
• Maintain records of Staff Injury and Incident reports and oversee OSHA reporting compliance. 
• Present risk reports and recommendations to senior leadership
• Champion a culture of safety through training, communication, auditing, and coaching, and act as the leader of safety and the Association's Subject Matter Expert (SME) for risk, safety, and compliance. 

Risk Processes, Protocols, and Systems

• Maintain, refine, and extend the Association's library of safety-based playbooks, policies, and handbooks (60+ playbooks/policies and 15 handbooks currently in place), continually updating them to reflect best practices.
• Design risk management processes for various operational areas (program/aquatics safety, child abuse prevention, facility safety, volunteerism, etc.)
• Maintain and update the Risk Management Department Handbook, which encompasses all functions of the Risk Management Department.
• Assure that centers adhere to the association’s safety guidelines in collaboration with operations leadership.
• Manage facility use agreements, MOUs, and independent contract relationships in partnership with Operations leadership.
• Oversee the annual insurance renewal process and act as liaison to insurance brokers and carriers. 
• Provide support on legal matters in collaboration with the Associate CFAO

Risk & Safety Strategy, Planning, Training, Emergency Response, & Capacity-building

• Lead the Association Safety Impact Team / Safety Committee and the comprehensive Risk Management and Safety Program, driving risk mitigation efforts and supporting strategic initiatives.
• Develop and deliver risk and safety training programs for staff at all levels.
• Create and manage risk and safety budgets, using existing tools and in-house solutions where possible to deliver results cost-effectively.
• Provide support to the YMCA center and program leadership to ensure adherence to risk policies, protocols, and processes (aquatics and youth programs especially)
• Coordinate emergency response procedures and develop contingency plans for crisis management (i.e., severe weather, cyber threat, or major incidents/allegations)
• Collaborate with program leaders to ensure adherence to risk policies and protocols.
• Recommend and implement risk management solutions in partnership with senior leadership. 

Performance Achievement & Results

• Fosters a culture that builds trust and treats all team members and colleagues with respect; constructively and immediately deals with conflict; gains commitment and provides clarity; holds team members accountable and cultivates peer accountability; and achieves results to meet strategic and operational goals.
• Models inclusive leadership behaviors and embraces all dimensions of diversity – building strong teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to our mission.
• In partnership with the Associate CFAO, responsible for successfully meeting strategic goals and objectives.

What You Bring to the Y

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Risk Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in operations, risk management, compliance, or a related field, including experience developing and implementing risk management programs, policies, procedures, and systems.
• Knowledge of industry regulatory standards, compliance requirements, and risk management practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools and experience maintaining and enhancing risk management information, tracking, and reporting systems.
• Knowledge of YMCA policies, procedures, and operations is preferred.
• Strong strategic planning and management skills, with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, initiative, and problem-solving skills when addressing complex issues.
• Proven leadership ability, including experience with team management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and presentation skills.

Physical Requirements: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, talk, and occasionally lift and/or move items, including equipment, furniture, and/or children. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.