Business Continuity Planner - (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $90,000 - $108,000.

Initial applicants review on or about August 4, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

Hybrid - Minimum 3 days per week on-site

As part of our commitment to fostering a proactive and collaborative risk culture, this position requires a consistent on-campus presence. Risk Management in a higher education environment is deeply interconnected with day-to-day campus life and operations. Being on-site at least three days, each week is essential to building strong partnerships across departments, responding in real time to emerging issues, and maintaining high visibility with campus stakeholders.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

As part of our commitment to fostering a proactive and collaborative risk culture, this position requires a consistent on-campus presence. Risk Management in a higher education environment is deeply interconnected with day-to-day campus life and operations. Being on-site at least three days, each week is essential to building strong partnerships across departments, responding in real time to emerging issues, and maintaining high visibility with campus stakeholders.

Involves developing, implementing, and monitoring campus programs and policies to increase campus preparedness in the event of a disaster. The Continuity Planner works with faculty and staff from all sectors of the campus to identify, analyze, prioritize, and promote solutions that will make our teaching, research, and public service functions more resilient to disaster events. The aim is to increase campus preparedness to the level where we can continue doing our teaching, research, and public service activities despite the occurrence of any disruptive events. In furtherance of this goal, the Continuity Planner also: Assists in policy and program planning, development, and administration; Interprets, monitors, and analyzes information regarding policies and procedures; Provides consultative services to department administrators; Provides training.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Risk Assessment & Insurance Management * Analyzes complex loss areas and identifies potential risks, including financial, operational, regulatory, environmental, and reputational threats that could impact the organization. * Maintains underwriting data, prepares specifications for broker or underwriter bids, evaluates bids, and recommends or finalizes insurance contracts to optimize coverage and cost efficiency
2. Claims Administration & Loss Prevention * Administers claims related to general liability, auto, and property damage while coordinating with third parties, attorneys, and claimants to ensure timely and effective resolution. * Performs complex accounting and risk finance related to the monitoring of risk control strategies and programs. Implement risk control programs and strategies to prevent losses and reduce insurance premiums. * Implements risk control programs and strategies, assesses deductibles, pursues subrogation opportunities, and recommends cost allocation strategies to enhance program effectiveness and minimize financial exposure. * Maintains underwriting data, prepares specifications for broker or underwriter bids, evaluates bids, and recommends or concludes insurance contracts.
3. Mission Continuity Planning & Implementation * Develops, implements, and oversees campus-wide Business Resumption and Mission Continuity activities to ensure operational resilience. * Maintains expertise in Continuity Planning best practices, including Information Technology (IT), disaster communications, and Business Impact Analysis (BIA). * Leads training sessions for UC Ready departmental plan coordinators, fostering preparedness and responsiveness. * Tracks and facilitates the completion of departmental action items, collaborating across departments to negotiate solutions, address dependencies, and enhance mission-critical functions. * Coaches clients in use of UC Ready Continuity Planning Tool and troubleshoots client problems with tool. Advises clients in the selection and use of technologies and services for the backup and safeguarding of documents, records, data, and applications.
4. Risk Control & Loss Prevention * Implements risk control programs and strategies to prevent losses and reduce insurance premiums. * Monitors compliance with risk management policies and promotes best practices to enhance organizational resilience. * Designs, develops and presents training presentations to clients.
5. Risk Data Analytics & Predictive Modeling * Collects and analyzes historical loss data, claim trends, and industry benchmarks to identify patterns and forecast potential risks. * Utilizes predictive analytics, machine learning models, and statistical tools to assess financial exposure and probability of risk events.
6. Develops data visualization reports and dashboards to communicate risk insights and trends to stakeholders.

*LI-RM1

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university, or equivalent experience / training; and
• Three years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in risk management or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education/training/experience. Advanced degrees are preferred and may substitute for one year of experience (required).
• Solid organizational skills to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple projects.
• Thorough written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen and skill to communicate effectively in a diverse environment.
• Working skills in the appropriate use of technology and relevant scientific equipment as required.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills to organize, prioritize and manage the successful completion of projects within time and budget constraints.
• Thorough knowledge and skill in applying and interpreting applicable local, state, and federal regulations and related standards and guidelines.
• Professional certification such as CBCP (Certified Business Continuity Professional) certification is preferred.

Working Conditions: Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/