POSITION TITLE Executive Director – Academy for Risk Management & Insurance

PERSONNEL STATUS: Regular/Exempt

DEPARTMENT: College of Business

OPEN DATE: May 17, 2023 

CLOSING DATE: June 17, 2023

The Executive Director provides strategic direction and execution of related plans to establish an Academy for Risk Management and Insurance (ARMI) at Bowie State University as one of the top programs of its kind in the country. Additionally, the Executive Director will lead curricular programming towards the development of the Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) academic concentration and major. The incumbent reports to the Dean of the College of Business (COB) and works with university leadership, faculty, staff, and students in meeting the current and future needs of ARMI.

The Executive Director provides leadership initiative and creativity within the college and serves as a primary point of contact and liaison for the Dean, faculty and staff, ARMI sub-committees, and students. The Executive Director manages ARMI recruiting activities for incoming students interested in the RMI; coordinates an ARMI Scholarship program/committee (allocation of scholarship funding from the ARMI endowed scholarship); plans and coordinates seminars, symposia and executive education, Master Class Distinguished Speakers program, the ARMI Board of Governors meetings and the ARMI sub-committee meetings; and coordinates ARMI fundraising activities. The Executive Director will be the liaison to the Bowie State University Career Services Department, the Co-Operative Education Program, and the Alumni Office in regards to ARMI initiatives.

Responsibilities:

Program Development:

• The Executive Director must develop, in conjunction with other stakeholders, the vision and mission statements for the ARMI.
• The Executive Director will develop a strategic plan for the ARMIincluding financial and personnel needs to accomplish stated professional/academic goals and objectives.
• The Executive Director will persuasively communicate the vision and mission statement to potential stakeholders and partners who can then work with the ARMIto achieve its goals and objectives.
• The Executive Director will partner with faculty to develop curricula supporting the academic and professional activities of the ARMIand the COB.
• The Executive Director will support student recruitment for academic programs in the COBas well as academic/professional activities in the ARMI.
• The Executive Director will develop and manage community and professional outreach to make the ARMI’s presence and capabilities known locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
• The Executive Director will work with the COBto recruit faculty for research and professional participation in the ARMI consistent with its goals and objectives.
• The Executive Director will assist COBfaculty and administrators in establishing an RMI Concentration building to a major in 12 to 18 months. The RMI concentration will include an innovative curriculum, learning labs, and supporting activities. The rationale for building the concentration is to provide business and non-business majors with a structured, innovative curriculum that offers training for careers in risk management and insurance. Students enrolled in RMI coursework will be required to utilize the Data Analytics Research Trading and Technology (DARTT) Lab to enhance their learning experience.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• The Executive Director will develop a Board of Governors for the ARMIand its sub-committees (Executive, Development, Curriculum, and Corporate Relations Committees). The Board will assist the ARMI staff and department faculty, assures continuity of programming, increases awareness of the program in the insurance and risk management community, and provides advice, council and support to the faculty with respect to programs, curriculum and pedagogy. The Executive Director also fundraises to endow scholarships, provides internships and career placement opportunities. The Executive Director will report at least twice annually to the BOG on the state of the ARMI and provide financial reports, including the state of the endowments.
• The Executive Director will assist the Board in planning and assessment activities. The Executive Director will also endeavor to increase support of the ARMIthrough various fundraising initiatives including, but not limited to Executive of the Year Dinner and Diversity Scholarships Campaign with the ARMI Development Committee and the Vice President for University Development to attain the yearly fundraising goals of the Academy.
• The Executive Director will also have responsibility, in conjunction with the Admissions Office, for ARMIstudent recruitment.
• The Executive Director will coordinate the Scholarship program for the RMIprogram and work with faculty, the Dean’s Office and the Financial Aid Office in administering the ARMI Scholarship program.
• The Executive Director will also be the liaison to the insurance and risk management community to gain support for ARMIeducational programs and other offerings.
• The Executive Director will coordinate and oversee multiple budgets for the RMI
• The Executive Director will promote the ARMIbrand to local and national industry groups through thought leadership, innovation and successful programming as well as manage relationships with industry employers and develop / enhance partnership with industry groups.
• The Executive Director will teach one or more classes as required within ARMI.
• The Executive Director will ensure successful job placement opportunities for students via three pillars — Enrich Curriculum, Engage the Students, Enhance the Brand.

Problem Solving:

• This position requires that the incumbent be very skilled in dealing with individuals in high levels in the insurance industry, with faculty within the university, with staff in various university departments, and with students and parents.
• Be able to determine and apply solutions to ad-hoc issues that arise.

Communication:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are imperative to this position, which includes drafting key policy documents and important letters.
• Must have the ability to articulate, both internally and externally, the focus and mission of the Academy and the programs within the university that reflect insurance education.
• Must be able to articulate to industry groups, national, regional and local, the mission of the Academy.
• Must be able to articulate to scholarship sources, the goals and structure of the Academy and the scholarship program.
• Must be able to communicate in an effective manner in the classroom.

Complexity of Tasks:

• Must be able to simultaneously handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to mediate in situations requiring putting university policies into practice.
• Must be able to gather information from multiple sources, compile that information in an organized manner, and develop reports, which sometimes are confidential in nature.
• Management of budgets and perform historical analysis and budget forecasts.
• Data collection and analysis.

Leadership Skills:

• Must be a team player, committed to what’s best for the ARMIprogram, College of Business and the University.
• Should possess a committed work ethic and set work standards/habits by example.
• Must be able to assist with the formulation of policy for a 35-person board.
• Must, from a political point of view, maintain balance within the organization while maintaining a visible profile within the insurance industry and to represent the best interests of the ARMI, and the College of Business and the University.
• Must possess the ability to prioritize responsibilities.
• Be able to delegate and coordinate tasks effectively.
• Individual should set goals and strive to adhere to them.
• Establish and build working relationships throughout the university.

Initiative/Creativity:

• Should be a self-starter and able to work independently.
• Resolve issues within scope of responsibilities or look to the proper authority.
• Complete tasks that require cooperation with multiple coworkers/departments.
• Take advantage of formal and informal training programs and opportunities.
• Constantly look for, and implement, ways to upgrade the efficiency of the ARMI, operating systems, budgetary responsibilities and report dissemination.
• Envision, plan and strategize for the future of the ARMI.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and external contacts to further the ARMI’s image.

Qualifications: A Master’s Degree preferred (MBA or Finance/insurance related area) along with Insurance industry designation (CPCU, CLU, etc.). A minimum of five (5) years of experience in a senior capacity in an insurance-related organization. Budget experience highly preferred. Must possess high proficiency with Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) essential. A successful candidate must have experience with report preparation processes, possess excellent written, oral and interpersonal skills; excellent planning, organization and project management skills; and have the ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people.

Conditions of Employment: This is a Non-Union Position. Please be advised, COVID-19 vaccinations are encouraged but not required for faculty and staff to be employed at Bowie State University. This protocol is subject to change. Must be able to spend considerable time in front of a computer. Some night and weekend hours are likely. Travel required periodically (conferences and corporate visits.) On occasion, one may be required to transport materials.

SALARY: $175,000 - $200,000

BSU offers a generous benefits package, which includes 22 vacation days, 13 holidays, 15 sick days; comprehensive health insurance and retirement options; and tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any of the University System of Maryland schools.

APPLICATION: Interested and qualified applicants should go to https://bowiestate.peopleadmin.com/ to apply online. Paper application submissions will not be considered.

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