Chief Operating Officer | Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association

The Risk Management Association (RMA), affiliated with the Illinois Municipal League (IML), is seeking a knowledgeable, experienced, and collaborative leader to fill the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer (COO).

In support of its members, IML operates and manages the Risk Management Association (RMA). Headquartered in Springfield, Illinois, IML serves all 1,294 cities, villages, and towns in the State of Illinois. Also based in Springfield, RMA is a voluntary membership, risk management, and self-insurance pool. The RMA was formed in 1981, and it currently serves 800 – nearly 62% - of the 1,294 municipalities throughout the state.

About RMA:

Governed by an experienced board of directors comprised of elected municipal officials, the IML Risk Management Association (RMA) has established itself as a leader in the industry by adhering to sound risk management principles while providing outstanding customer support. RMA’s dedicated and experienced team of professionals has worked hard to meet municipal risk management needs via preferred pricing, risk management and loss control assistance, and long-term financial security for its member communities.

RMA has developed a proven track record of success in helping local leaders safeguard their communities. Its team of professionals has developed a very specialized body of knowledge to assist municipalities in ways commercial insurers simply can’t. Insurance coverage provided by RMA includes property, automobile, general liability, workers’ compensation, cyber, public officials’ liability, and other specialized policies. Claims management, loss control, and membership services are provided through a third-party administrator. Financial services, investment management, and auditing are performed through separate contractual service agreements.

The RMA team strives to reduce the financial impact of insurance coverage on municipal budgets while maintaining vital protection and the highest level of service. Through its proactive risk management practices, RMA helps its member municipalities prevent claims while keeping public employees and the community safe. Since its only members are cities, villages, and towns – RMA is laser-focused on delivering excellent programs and superior customer service, not on dividends for shareholders.

The Chief Operating Officer:  

Since 2016, the IML Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has managed both IML and RMA. The RMA Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a newly created position reporting to the IML Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the RMA Board of Directors. The COO will serve as the CEO’s principal assistant in managing the day-to-day affairs of the RMA.

The COO’s primary responsibilities will include supervising and directing staff, coordinating third-party administration of programs and services, negotiating external contracts, recruiting and retaining members, communicating with elected and appointed officials, developing legal defense strategies, presenting and speaking to large and small groups, general financial oversight, review and approval of large claims, investment management and other duties necessary for the successful operation of a self-insurance risk management pool.  This position will also manage the collection and distribution of foreign fire insurance fees to Illinois municipalities in accordance with state statute.

A close working relationship and partnership with IML, and specifically its CEO, will be critical to the success of the position. Attendance at all RMA and IML board of directors’ meetings will be required, and coordination of all RMA board meeting materials will be the responsibility of the COO. The COO will be involved in both RMA and IML activities and will participate in program planning, policy analysis, membership development, and other key duties. Travel throughout the state to meet with current and prospective RMA members is expected.

Candidate Qualifications:

Qualified candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration, insurance, risk management, public administration, or some other related field of study. A master’s degree and/or a juris doctor degree is desirable but not required. Candidates for the RMA COO position are expected to be familiar with the various practices, principles, rules, and regulations related to public sector insurance administration and risk management services in Illinois. The RMA hopes to attract candidates who possess a professional background and work experience in the insurance and/or risk management fields.

The ideal candidate for the position will possess the following skills, traits, and attributes:

• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to develop harmonious and productive relationships with Board Members, local officials, employees, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong public presentation abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a forward-thinking mind set.
• Outstanding leadership attributes, including the ability to effectively empower and motivate employees, independent contractors, and third-party administrators, while holding them accountable for their performance and behavior.
• A general understanding of insurance, risk management, public sector insurance pools, and/or non-profit association management.

Compensation and How to Apply:

The starting annual salary for the COO position will range from $155,000 to $180,000 DOQ/E. RMA also provides an outstanding package of fringe benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, and generous leave time allowances, including vacation, sick, holiday, and others. RMA employees are also enrolled in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). Residency in or near the City of Springfield, Illinois, will be required within six months of appointment. This is a full-time, in-person position that functions out of the IML/RMA office located in downtown Springfield.