Deputy Executive Officer - Risk Operations

About the role

The County of Ventura is seeking a Deputy Executive Officer (DEO) for Risk Operations. This role serves as the second-in-command for Risk Management, providing executive leadership, direction, and coordination across the County’s risk programs. Reporting to the County Human Resources Director, with a dotted-line to the Senior DEO, this role focuses on strategy, interdepartmental alignment, organizational performance, and executive decision support.

Responsibilities

• Drive countywide risk strategy, enterprise priorities, and performance standards in coordination with the Senior DEO.
• Cook with departments, County Counsel, outside counsel, carriers, and executive leadership on high-impact issues.
• Oversee insurance and risk-financing planning, program performance, and operational compliance, ensuring alignment with executive direction.
• Provide executive leadership to managers who run technical operations and claims programs, ensuring they have clear guidance, support, and accountability structures.
• Present complex risk issues, program performance, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership, governing bodies, and oversight boards in a clear and actionable manner.
• Facilitate executive-level discussions on emerging risks, preparing concise summaries and strategic options for senior leadership.
• Strengthen division-wide consistency through dashboards, reporting, and data-driven recommendations that inform executive decision-making.
• Serve as the executive backup to the Senior DEO, maintaining continuity of leadership and decision authority in their absence.
• Champion a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across all division units.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Risk Management, Insurance, Business Administration, Finance, or a closely related field is required. Additionally, candidates must have at least five years of recent, progressively responsible management experience in risk management, including insurance and claims management for general liability, property, or workers’ compensation, as well as employee safety. Candidates must also have four years of supervisory experience over professional staff. A master’s degree in human resources, risk management, public administration, business administration, finance, enterprise risk management, or a closely related field is preferred. Certification as an Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Associate in Insurance Services (AIS), Workers’ Compensation Claims Professional (WCCP), or CA Self Insurance Plans Certification (SIP) is desired.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in public-sector administration, including roles such as municipal or department leader, Administrative Services Director, Risk Manager, Assistant Director, or comparable government leadership positions.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in navigating evolving priorities, constraints, and organizational needs.
• A solutions-oriented mindset that can identify challenges, analyze root causes, and deliver practical, actionable recommendations.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex information quickly and clearly.
• A positive, optimistic approach that helps build momentum, encourages collaboration, and supports organizational progress.
• An independent, self-motivated work style with the initiative to move projects forward and anticipate next steps.
• Strength in partnership-building and communication with executives, departments, counsel, and external partners.

Skills

Leadership in a Government Setting: Oversight of major risk programs and coordination with technical managers; experience keeping executives informed and supporting high-level decision-making.

Strategic Direction: Involvement in setting goals, improving systems, and advancing cross-department initiatives.

Collaboration: Work with departments, legal counsel, brokers, carriers, and other partners on complex or sensitive issues.

Policy & Compliance: Experience contributing to policy development and ensuring consistent, compliant practices.

Team Development: Coaching, mentoring, and strengthening staff capability and performance.

Benefits

The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package. The salary range for this position is $158,650.17 to $222,132.02 annually. An employee in this position will also be eligible for the following:

• General Salary Increase: A general salary increase of 3.5%, effective December 20, 2026, and 3.5% effective December 19, 2027.
• Educational Incentive: Additional cash payment of 2.5% for completing an associate degree, 3.5% for a bachelor's degree, or 5% for a graduate degree each pay period.
• Executive Annual Leave: The selected candidate will earn 248 hours per year, increasing to 288 hours after 5 years of service, 328 hours after 10 years of service, and 368 hours after 15 years of service. Credit for prior public service may be considered (Management Resolution,1202A).
• Annual Leave Redemption: The ability to “cash in” or redeem up to 100 hours of Annual Leave per year after using 80 hours of annual leave within the previous 12 months (Management Resolution,1207).
• Holidays: 13 paid days annually, including a scheduled floating holiday.
• Deferred Compensation: Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on your 401(k) contributions. Effective February 9, 2024 (and annually thereafter), eligible employees meeting the criteria in Sec. 1907 of the Management Resolution will receive a two percent (2%) of their annualized compensation non-elective contribution into their 401(k) account.
• Health Insurance Plans: Medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your dependents. A flexible credit allowance of up to $25,558 annually, depending on enrollment plan tier.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Boost your spending power by reimbursing yourself with pre-tax dollars for IRS-approved dependent care and health care expenses.
• Pension Plan: Both you and the County contribute to the County’s Retirement Plan. If eligible, you may establish reciprocity with other public retirement systems, such as CalPERS.
• Additional Benefits: Incumbents are entitled to County-paid membership in professional organizations related to their position; other benefits include Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, and Wellness Program.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $158,650.17 to $222,132.02 annually.

Schedule

This position operates on a regular, in-office schedule: Monday through Friday. We ensure support for all County agencies, promote seamless collaboration, and allow for consistent personal planning.