The Santa Barbara County Executive Office is currently accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Liability & Insurance Manager (Risk & Safety Manager II job classification) in the Risk Management Division. This position is at-will and exempt from civil service provisions. The current vacancy is in Santa Barbara with the ability for the incumbent to discuss a long-term hybrid telework schedule contingent upon the needs of the department.

The Liability and Insurance Manager leads liability claims administration and oversees the County’s insurance portfolio within the Risk Management Division. This position supervises key staff and manages complex claims involving property damage, bodily injury, and third-party liability.

Serving as the primary liaison with County Counsel, outside legal counsel, and PRISM (the County’s excess insurance JPA), the Manager supports litigation strategy, trial preparation, and represents the County in legal or administrative proceedings as needed.

Key responsibilities include managing insurance renewals, reviewing contracts for insurance and risk transfer compliance, and analyzing loss trends to inform Countywide risk mitigation efforts. This position also acts as the County’s subject matter expert on liability and insurance coverage and may serve as Risk Manager during absences.

The Department & Division: The Risk Management Division of the County Executive Office ensures that the County's human, fiscal and capital assets are preserved and protected in an efficient and effective manner allowing other Departments to fulfill their mission.

Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate is a collaborative and strategic professional with a strong background in public sector claims management, litigation coordination, and insurance program administration. They bring a balance of analytical skills and interpersonal effectiveness, enabling them to lead a team, work closely with legal counsel, and negotiate settlements that protect the County’s interests. This individual is detail-oriented yet able to see the big picture, capable of interpreting and applying statutes, regulations, and case law to evolving liability issues. They are comfortable representing the County in legal and administrative settings, experienced in reviewing contracts for risk transfer, and adept at developing policies to mitigate exposure. The ideal candidate thrives in a leadership role, communicates with clarity and professionalism, and brings sound judgment to high-stakes decision-making.

Employment Standards
Education and Experience
The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below may be acquired through various types of training, education, and experience. A typical way to acquire the required knowledge and abilities would be:

* Equivalent of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in occupational health, safety engineering, insurance/risk management, business administration or related field and,
* Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience with liability claims, including investigation, assessment, and settlement practices, with at least two (2) years as a supervisor or manager in this field.

nternational degrees will require documentation from an evaluation service that demonstrates meeting the U.S. education standards. You may find a list of evaluation services at http://www.naces.org/members.html. Please note that it may take time for the evaluation services to complete their review and provide documentation.