About This Role:

Kansas State University seeks a dynamic, distinguished leader to serve as its Chief Risk and Safety Officer (CRSO). Kansas State is the first operational land-grant university in the country that has grown into a Tier 1 research university serving more than 20,000 students, 1,300 faculty members, 2,900 staff members and four campuses.

The Chief Risk and Safety Officer will oversee the Division of Safety and Risk Services, which includes Environmental Health and Safety, risk and insurance, Campus Police, and emergency management.

The successful Chief Risk and Safety Officer candidate will:

Enterprise Risk Management

• Oversee the formulation and implementation of a collaborative, enterprise-wide approach to risk management.

• Assist with the creation, implementation and oversight of core risk management tools, technologies, and procedures which facilitate identification and assessment of risk on university operations, prioritization, development, and implementation of mitigation response plans.

• Oversee the implementation and tracking of key performance indicators and risk mitigation program maturity measures.

Emergency and Safety Planning

• Oversee the formulation and implementation of a university security master plan, university, campus and department safety and emergency response plans and procedures and university emergency training programs.

• Regularly consult with leaders on campus, as well as at the state and national level in developing and refining emergency and safety plans.

• Serve as a point of contact/liaison with occupational health and safety and emergency management regulatory agencies.

• Responsible for building and maintaining relationships with Kansas Board of Regents system institutions, local law enforcement agencies and local emergency management departments.

For a full position description and leadership profile, please visit the office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance.

For more information about Kansas State University, please view our university profile.

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To learn more about benefits at Kansas State University, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

Learn more about the Manhattan community at https://madeformanhattan.org/

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion.  The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others.  The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Required competencies/qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, insurance, risk management, criminal justice, or another related field required.

Preferred competencies/qualifications:

• Master's degree with professional certification in risk management or insurance (e.g., CIC, CISR, AIC, ARM, ARME or CRM).

Work Experience:

• Previous experience in a higher education setting preferred.
• At least five (5) years of leadership experience implementing effective Risk Management and other Safety programs, including responding to issues, performing compliance verification, designing and coordinating training, identifying hazards and facilitating creative and effective solutions required. Also broadening since this position oversees KSU PD.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment

How to Apply:

WittKieffer is assisting Kansas State University with this search. All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited.

Applications should include, as separate documents, a resume and letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to the WittKieffer Team at KSUCRSO@wittkieffer.com.

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the position will remain open until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.