Business Continuity and Risk Officer

Required Position

Full-Time Appointment

Responsibilities

The Business Continuity and Risk Officer at Laurentian University is responsible for leading, executing and implementing, and maintaining the university’s business continuity program and supporting the Manager Risk and Insurance with implementation of the University's risk management programs. The role includes identifying potential risks, creating response strategies, and ensuring the institution’s resilience in the face of emergencies and disruptions. This position requires a deep understanding of business continuity and risk management standards, with applicable designations. In addition, duties include contact with Senior Leadership and external partners in regards to the University’s risk assessment and risk financing program.

Business Continuity Planning

• Lead and responsible for the comprehensive business continuity plans (BCPs) for various departments;
• Lead the business impact and analyze to identify critical operations and their dependencies;
• Ensure regular testing and updating BCPs to reflect changes in operations and emerging threats; and
• Develop and lead the testing of the University’s business continuity plans (BCPs).

Crisis Management

• Lead the development and execution of crisis management plans;
• Coordinate response efforts during incidents, ensuring effective communication and resource allocation; and
• Lead and develop training and support to staff and faculty on crisis response protocols.

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards including those specific to institutions;
• Maintain records and documentation related to risk management and business continuity activities; and
• Assist with the preparation of reports and presentations to senior management.

Training and Awareness

• Lead and responsible for training programs on business continuity and risk management for students, faculty and staff; and
• Promote a culture of risk awareness and resilience within the university community.

Risk Management

• Assist the Manager of  Risk and Insurance in the assessment and settlement of insurance claims;
• Assist Manager of Risk and Insurance with risk management and insurance-related inquiries; and
• Responsible for the processing of requests for Certificates of Insurance and the collection of third-party certificates of insurance and WSIB certificates applicable for events, contracts, and contractors on campus.

Collaboration and Coordination

• Work closely with various departments and report to on matters related to Business Continuity and Risk individuals such as: President, Provost, Vice President’s, Senior Leadership, Faculties, including IT, Facilities, and s\Security, to ensure comprehensive risk management coverage; and
• Key point of contact with external and/or agencies such as Insurance Broker, Independent Adjusters, Canadian University Reciprocal Exchange (the University’s primary insurer), and external legal counsel to inform and coordinate responses to the University’s risk portfolio.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree ( four (4) years)  in Risk Management, Business Administration, Emergency Management, or a related field;
• Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) or Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional (FCIP), Canadian Risk Management (CRM), Certified Business Continuity Professional or equivalent;
• Other relevant certifications such as Associate Business Continuity Professional (ABCP) or Member of the Business Continuity Institute (MBCI) are advantageous;
• Minimum five (5) years experience in business continuity, risk management, insurance claims or a related field;
• Higher education experience is an asset;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills ;
• Proven project management abilities;
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities;
• Knowledge of Canadian regulatory requirements and standards for risk management and business continuity; and
• Ability to work fluently (verbal and written) in both official languages, French and English, is required.

The official University hours of operation shall be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, during, and including, the months from September to April, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m Monday through Friday during and including May to August., amounting to thirty-three and three-quarter (33.75) hours per week.