Director of Insurance

The new Director of Insurance for the Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) will join the team in Frankfort, KY, the charming capital of the Bluegrass State. Nestled along the Kentucky River, this picturesque city combines a rich history, a vibrant community, and natural beauty. Its small-town charm is perfectly balanced with the amenities and opportunities of a capital city. The city’s central location between Louisville and Lexington offers convenient access to larger metropolitan areas while maintaining a more affordable cost of living. The sense of community in Frankfort is one of its most compelling features. With excellent schools, a variety of dining options, and family-friendly events throughout the year, Frankfort truly embodies the best of small-town living with the conveniences of a modern city.

About KACo

KACo Insurance funds serve approximately 900 members across the Commonwealth of Kentucky, including 115 of the 120 counties in the state. Programs include the KACo Workers’ Compensation Fund, and the KACo All Lines Fund (KALF), offering property general liability, law enforcement, employment, public officials, auto, cyber and crime coverages. The funds are structured as independent Group Self-Insurance pools under Kentucky law (KRS 304.48 and 304.50). Each is governed by a 5-member Board of Directors of participating elected officials appointed by the KACo Board of Directors and is regulated by the Kentucky Department of Insurance.

About the Director of Insurance Role

The Director has primary responsibility for making recommendations to the Executive Management Team and the Board of Trustees for the respective funds for the long-term strategic direction of the programs and the day-to-day management of the insurance operations. The Director oversees staff involved in the implementation of program policies and goals regarding program structure, marketing, financial management and contract management and negotiation. The Director reports to the Executive Director and collaborates with members of the Executive Management Team regarding member engagement, education and lobbying efforts and serves as a trusted advisor to the insurance Boards of Trustees. The are currently 14 insurance staff managed and led by the Director of Insurance.

The Ideal Candidate

The new Director of Insurance brings substantial experience and expertise in insurance, as well as an understanding of local government and insurance pools. Underwriting or actuarial background is a significant plus. The ideal candidate brings a sophisticated set of communication skills and the acumen to navigate relationships and issues with KACo members and elected officials across Kentucky in a dynamic regulatory, legal, and political environment. KACo seeks an insurance professional with the demonstrated ability to lead people in a caring workplace culture where team members are valued and supported professionally and personally, and where there is stable, effective leadership, camaraderie, and opportunity. The ideal candidate will be a solution driven member of the KACo management team, able to collaboratively drive organizational goals and objectives to assure KACo’s financial and operational success.

Experience and Qualifications

• Ten years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bachelor’s degree and/or insurance education; advanced degree(s) a plus.
• Three years of personnel management experience with a record of success

Compensation & Benefits

The expected starting salary for this position depending on qualifications is $175,00 – $225,000. Approved relocation reimbursement is negotiable. Excellent benefits include:

• Health and Life: Health, Vision, Dental, $50K Life, Accidental D&D Insurance are all provided by KACo at 100%
• Retirement: 401(k) Match – Up to 6% into a 401(a); Participation in Kentucky State County Employee Retirement System (CERS) – Tier 3
• Holidays, Vacation and Sick Time: 17 paid holidays annually; 1 day of vacation time earned each month (carry over up to 400 hours); 1 day of sick time earned each month
• Educational Assistance Program: Available for accredited educational programs related to KACo employment; 80% of approved tuition books and fees up to $10,000 per calendar year with a cap of $50,000 over the course of employment
• Work Flexibility: 1 day of remote work each week
• Additional Offerings: Public Service Loan Forgiveness; Voluntary Life Cancer Assist, Critical Illness and Accident Insurance; Medical Bridge; Short-Term Disability; Medical Air & Ground Transport Insurance

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit application by email to jeffhale@localgovhrs.com a cover letter, resume, list of five job related references (with email and phone numbers), and salary history no later than Feb 28, 2025.

For questions please contact:

Jeff Hale, Mercer Group Associates

jeffhale@localgovhrs.com

706-371-6126