Risk Manager

Title: Risk Manager

Location: Midtown

Org Unit: Risk Management and Insurance

Work Days:

Weekly Hours: 35.00

Exemption Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $136,800.00 - $154,000.00

*As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int 1208-2018 - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices

Position Summary

The Risk Manager supports Cornell University and Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) in promoting a safe, secure, and compliant environment for students, patients, faculty, staff, researchers, and visitors. This position plays a key role in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks across both the Ithaca-based and Weill Cornell Medicine enterprise, applying sound risk management principles and risk financing strategies to reduce exposure and support institutional objectives.

The Risk Manager works collaboratively with academic units, administrative departments, research teams, clinical operations, and external partners to ensure the effective administration of risk management and insurance programs across all campuses, including Cornell’s Ithaca campus, WCM in New York City, Cornell Tech, and international locations. The role exercises functional expertise and influence but has no supervisory responsibilities. This position reports to the Director, Risk Management and Insurance for Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell University. This role does not directly supervise staff.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide risk management guidance and insurance support to departments, faculty, staff, researchers, and clinical operations across Cornell University and WCM.

• Support daily operations of the University and WCM insurance portfolios—including but not limited to property, general liability, automobile, cyber, professional liability, and specialty insurance.

• Collect underwriting and exposure information from departments for annual renewals and mid-term updates.

• Coordinate with brokers, carriers, and third party administrators to ensure timely issuance of certificates of insurance, policy endorsements, and related documentation.

• Assist with claims involving property damage, general liability, auto, student health/disability, and other assigned lines.

• Review contracts, clinical research agreements, leases, affiliation agreements, vendor/service contracts, and other documents for appropriate insurance and indemnification provisions.

• Collaborate with campus stakeholders, including but not limited to Environmental Health & Safety, University Police, Facilities, clinical departments, research laboratories, and academic units to support property protection and loss prevention initiatives.

• Serve as a connection point between Cornell University and WCM risk management activities to ensure consistency, information sharing, and alignment of practices.

• Assist in updating departmental business continuity plans, risk management documentation, web resources, and guidance materials.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in business, risk management, insurance, healthcare administration, public administration or related field

Experience

• 7+ years of related experience in risk management, insurance, or claims.

• Experience in higher education, healthcare, or research settings preferred.

• Familiarity with Risk Management Information Systems.

• Experience in higher education, healthcare, research, or large institutional environments preferred.

• Professional designations such as ARM, CRM, or CPCU preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to interpret insurance policies and contractual language.

• Strong analytical and collaboration skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a large, decentralized, and complex institution.

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external customers while balancing diverse stakeholder interests.

• Strong project management skills and the ability to simultaneously manage multiple tasks.

• Broad knowledge of corporate insurance policies (D&O, property, general liability, specialty, etc.)

• Safety knowledge. Claims management/handling knowledge

• Ability to generate and pursue ideas - multiple opportunities exist for process optimization.

• Negotiation/collaboration skills - associates may participate in supplier contract negotiations.

• Strong written and verbal communications - will be representing Cornell University and Weill Cornell to Insurers and Suppliers.

Licenses and Certifications

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• This position may require occasional travel between campus locations in Ithaca, New York City, and other Cornell sites.

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “any person, any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.