Job Title: Chief Risk Officer (CRO)
Base Salary: $100,000 – $200,000

About the Role
An established independent insurance agency is seeking a strategic and legally experienced Chief Risk Officer (CRO) to join the executive leadership team. This is a pivotal role for a professional with a legal background in insurance who thrives in complex coverage scenarios, excels in contract analysis, and brings a proactive mindset to resolving high-stakes risk and compliance matters.

 

Position Summary
The Chief Risk Officer will lead the organization’s risk management function, advising executive leadership on legal, regulatory, and contractual issues that impact operations, carrier relationships, and client engagements. This role requires extensive experience with claims disputes, insurance coverage analysis, underwriting negotiations, and contract drafting and interpretation.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee risk management strategy across operations, client engagements, and carrier negotiations.
• Serve as the primary liaison with carriers, MGAs, and underwriters on legal and contractual matters.
• Provide in-house legal guidance on insurance law, regulatory compliance, and contract interpretation.
• Draft, review, and negotiate agreements including producer contracts, client service agreements, carrier partnerships, and broker-of-record letters.
• Advise on claims disputes and collaborate with stakeholders to overturn coverage declinations or resolve complex claims issues.
• Monitor changes in insurance law and regulations; ensure internal policies remain compliant and up to date.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to manage legal and operational risk.
• Support sales and service teams with risk assessments and legal input on complex or unique placements.
• Represent the agency in negotiations or discussions involving legal counsel, regulators, or carrier representatives when required.

 

Preferred Background

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree with extensive insurance industry experience in claims advocacy, coverage analysis, underwriting counsel, or regulatory compliance.
• Ability to leverage legal expertise to drive business solutions and support organizational growth.
• Proven track record of solving complex problems with creativity and sound judgment.
• Recognized as a trusted advisor, able to collaborate effectively across departments and with leadership.

 

Requirements

• Active license to practice law in the state of New York.
• 7-10+ years of insurance industry experience in legal, compliance, underwriting counsel, or claims roles.
• In-depth knowledge of P&C insurance lines including general liability, commercial property, D&O, E&O, cyber, builders risk, and personal lines.
• Proven ability to negotiate with carriers, interpret policy language, and resolve denied claims.
• Strong background in drafting and interpreting insurance contracts and regulatory documents.
• Expertise in insurance-related compliance and risk mitigation practices.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to commute to the office as-needed.

 

Disclaimer: Please note that this job description may not cover all duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the role, and it is subject to modification at the employer's discretion.

 

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