Job Type: Staff Job Description: The Director of Contracts and Insurance Risk Management, will play a key role in safeguarding KCU's interests while fostering innovation and operational excellence. The Director will oversee the administration, review, and management of contracts, as well as the administration and procurement of KCU's insurance programs. This role will coordinate all aspects of the insurance program and contracts processes, ensuring compliance, efficiency, attention to detail, and alignment with institutional goals. The individual will provide substantive expertise and input on complex contractual and insurance matters, serving as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be an innovative problem solver with a customer service mindset, capable of navigating complex challenges with a high degree of business and technology acumen. They will proactively identify opportunities to streamline processes, mitigate risks, and enhance operational effectiveness. This role requires exceptional analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments to support KCU's mission and strategic objectives. This position reports to the Vice President of Legal Affairs. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Oversee the full lifecycle of contracts, including drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and ensuring compliance with laws and policies * Manage the university's insurance program, including procurement, renewals, claims administration, and ensuring adequate coverage for institutional risks * Serve as the university's primary liaison with insurance brokers and carriers on insurance-related matters, in coordination with the General Counsel * Develop, implement, and refine procedures, workflows, templates, reporting, and best practices for contracts and insurance administration * Provide expert guidance to departments on contractual and insurance issues, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities * Refine technology solutions to improve efficiency in contracts and insurance management * Monitor and analyze emerging risks, regulatory changes, and industry trends to ensure the university remains proactive in contracting and insurance coverage * Lead negotiations with third party service providers (brokers, underwriters) to ensure the most cost effective risk management solutions for the University QUALIFICATIONS * Master's Degree or higher in business, law, risk management or a related field, preferred; bachelor's degree required; professional certifications (e.g., CPCU, ARM) preferred * At least 5 years of experience in contract review, contracts administration, insurance program management and/or risk management, preferably in higher education or health care related fields * Strong knowledge of contract law, insurance principles, and risk management practices * Exceptionally talented in building and strengthening relationships among and between a variety of constituents, both internally and externally SKILLS * True self-starter who will show curiosity, tenacity, innovation, and creativity in position with an ability to work independently with little supervision, with a strong customer service approach * Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to work effectively with ambiguity in a deadline-driven environment * Excellent communication, writing, negotiation and interpersonal skills * Possess a combination of strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with a approachable demeanor and excellent work ethic; demonstrate a solution-oriented approach and willingness to take on varied responsibilities from time to time * High level of business and technology acumen, with experience implementing process improvements, leveraging technology, and employing innovative approaches to further the strategic interests of the business and make operations more effective and efficient Equal Opportunity Employer KCU is committed to promoting an equal employment opportunity workplace. Equal opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information (GINA), physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, ancestry, military and/or veteran status, and/or any other status protected by applicable Federal, state or local law. Annual Security Report KCU is committed to providing a safe campus for students, faculty, and staff. Our annual campus security report lists campus crimes and statistics for the campus and public areas around campus for the last three years, in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. Thank you for your interest in a career at KCU!