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Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Director

Onsite - Washington, D.C.

About Blue Water Thinking

Guided by our principles of value generation, continuous innovation, customer-centricity, and vested collaboration, Blue Water Thinking proudly supports our Federal clients in achieving their Agency goals.

Founded by a decorated twenty-eight year Veteran of the United States Army, Blue Water Thinking understands and supports the mission of our Nation's war fighters, Veterans, their families and caretakers. 

Leveraging our executive team's military experience and private and public sector consulting expertise, Blue Water Thinking takes an integrated "one-team" approach and brings to bear best-fit solutions,  thought leadership, and grit to meet our client's transformational needs.

Fueled by our values of integrity, respect, professionalism, stewardship and customer service, the Blue Water Thinking team understands the power of the human connection, collaboration, humility and loyalty to one another, our clients and industry partners.

Lastly, our formula for success is simple:  Build something good, take care of our people, keep our clients satisfied, nurture our work ethic and reputation, build long-lasting partnerships, enjoy what we do and give back as much as possible.

Job Description:

Blue Water Thinking is seeking an experienced and dedicated Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Director to join our team, supporting a large project at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The ERM Director will lead the engagement team, providing expert guidance and strategic direction to enhance the agency’s risk management, business improvement, and organizational development efforts. This role requires a seasoned executive with deep expertise in federal ERM implementation and risk management best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the ERM engagement team, providing strategic oversight and expert risk management consultation.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor, offering thought leadership, strategic guidance, and expert counseling in business and risk management improvements.
  • Oversee multiple contractor employees, ensuring successful implementation and execution of the agency’s ERM program.
  • Design and drive organizational improvements in alignment with client direction, leveraging ERM best practices.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive training programs to mature the ERM program within the agency.
  • Facilitate key customer engagement activities such as fireside chats, focus groups, and executive briefings.
  • Assess, refine, and enhance the agency’s ERM framework to ensure alignment with federal regulations and industry best practices.
  • Ensure compliance with federal ERM policies, frameworks, and governance structures.
  • Collaborate with senior executives and stakeholders to embed a culture of risk awareness and proactive risk management.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Risk Management, Finance, or a related field.
  • 15+ years of experience leading enterprise risk management programs, with a focus on federal agencies.
  • Proven executive experience in ERM leadership roles (e.g., Federal Chief Risk Officer or similar).
  • Recognized subject matter expertise in federal ERM implementation, governance, and policy frameworks.
  • Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to drive ERM initiatives across large organizations.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience in executive-level briefings and presentations.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in Business, Public Administration, or a related field.
  • Professional certifications such as Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP), Certified Enterprise Risk Manager (CERM), or PMP.
  • Experience developing ERM training programs and delivering educational workshops.

Eligibility:

  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain the required federal public trust clearance for this role.

Compensation:

Salary for this position is determined by various factors, including location, the candidate’s combination of knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements.

Salary range: $160,000 - $180,000

Blue Water Thinking offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), paid time off, federal holidays, and a matching 401K plan.

If you are a senior-level ERM professional with a strong federal risk management background and a passion for strategic risk leadership, we encourage you to apply and join our dynamic team!

Our Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity.

Blue Water Thinking, LLC (BWT) is committed to equal employment opportunity. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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