Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Policy...

Although this position will be designated under the department's hybrid workplace program, it will still be required to report to the department office on a scheduled basis and at the discretion of the supervisor, based on business needs., The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) regulates the insurance industry in Colorado by helping consumers by answering their questions, investigating their complaints, and helping them understand their insurance. The Division regulates and monitors the insurance companies in Colorado, as well as insurance agents, ensuring all are following the law.

In addition to investigating consumer complaints and reviewing insurer rate and policy form filings, the property and casualty work unit is responsible for implementing Colorado Senate Bill 21-169-Concerning Protecting Consumers from Unfair Discrimination in Insurance Practices, a first-in-the nation effort to address the insurance industry's use of big data and artificial intelligence. SB21-169 prohibits insurers from using external consumer data, algorithms, and predictive models in ways that unfairly discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, or gender expression across a range of insurance practices including underwriting, pricing, claims handling, utilization management, and marketing.

This work unit's responsibilities include engaging with multiple stakeholder communities, drafting regulations and regulatory guidance, reviewing insurers' filings for compliance, monitoring the development of regulatory frameworks related to the governance and quantitative testing of big data and artificial intelligence systems, and collaborating with other state insurance regulators through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. SB21-169 directs the Division to work with stakeholders before adopting rules on how insurers test their data, algorithms, and predictive models and demonstrate to the Division that their use does not unfairly discriminate against consumers.

Position: SFA 4311

This position develops strategic and programmatic concepts to ensure that insurers' use of big data, algorithms, and predictive models are not unfairly discriminating against protected classes of consumers. This position oversees the development of a leading-edge regulatory framework for the use of big data and artificial intelligence systems in underwriting, pricing, claims handling, and other insurance practices. Specifically, SB21-169 addresses potential unfairly discriminatory outcomes resulting from the use of big data, algorithms, and predictive models in certain insurance practices on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, or gender expression. The result, once the program is successfully implemented, is to ensure equitable treatment by insurers and the financial security it provides to all Coloradans regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Developing a regulatory program to regulate insurers' use of big data, algorithms, and predictive models to ensure their use does not result in unfair discrimination;

• Advising, serving as a resource, and coordinating across the division, including working with the actuarial, rates and forms, consumer services, and market conduct teams in such a capacity to implement the program;

• Coordination with other teams to regulate insurers' use of big data, algorithms, and predictive models;

• Analyzing current carrier practices regarding the use of big data, algorithms, and predictive models;

• Performing and/or directing policy research and developing policies, procedures, and regulations in compliance with state law;

• Developing a plan to collect and evaluate carrier-reported data on their use of big data, algorithms, and predictive models and testing for unfairly discriminatory outcomes;

• Directing and conducting stakeholder outreach and engagement with carriers, producers, consumers, consumer advocates, and other interested parties;

• Evaluating carrier compliance and coordinating, as appropriate, enforcement activities;

• Preparing reports and presenting to the General Assembly as part of State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART) Act hearings;

• Participating in the work of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and coordinating with other states to address issues as necessary;

• Identifying gaps in enforcement, evaluating the effectiveness of implementation, and making adjustments to the program as data and tools in this area evolve., 1. A completed State of Colorado Application(log-in to your current NeoGov account or create a NeoGov account to complete the online application). Note: Incomplete applications, including incomplete work history sections or "see résumé," "see attachment," or "see addendum" statements, will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application form.

2.A current email addresson your application, as all communication pertaining to this position will be conducted via email. Please set up your email to accept messages from info@governmentjobs.com and '@state.co.us' addresses, and check your email often. Note: The department cannot guarantee the successful delivery of email, including incorrect filtering into junk mail folders.

3. A detailed cover letter, explaining how you meet the required competencies and how your accomplishments, qualifications, skills, areas of expertise, personal characteristics, etc. make you a good fit for this position; you may also attach additional documents that demonstrate this.

Comparative Analysis Process: Structured Application Review

Part of, if not the entire, comparative analysis process for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials; Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application and cover letter, you describe the extent to which you possess the education, experience, and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the required and/or preferred qualifications/competencies. You are also encouraged to attach additional documents to that effect. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may affect your score and prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.

Part of the comparative analysis process and/or the interview process may be conducted through remote video conferencing (i.e. Google Meet, Zoom, etc.)

Veterans' Preference:Candidates who wish to assert Veterans' Preference should attach a copy of their DD214 to their application. Failure to do so will result in being denied Veterans Preference.

PLEASE NOTE:Former State Personnel System employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information on the application. Colorado Revised Statutes require that all state employees be hired and promoted through competitive examination of merit and fitness. Failure to include the required information, failure to follow instructions, and/or failure to submit materials by the application deadline may result in your application not being considered for the position and may affect your score or inclusion in the final pool of qualified candidates.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

There are two ways to qualify for this position: 1) Experience OR 2) A Combination of Education and Experience

Option 1: Experience

• Nine (9) years of full-time professional* work experience in at least one (1) of the following three (3) areas:

• Developing or administering risk management and/or governance systems and frameworks for the use of predictive models, machine learning technologies, and big data;

• Performing quantitative and qualitative analysis, including conducting audits and/or examinations related to data collection and privacy, cybersecurity, algorithmic accountability, risk assessment and remediation, data ethics, and compliance;

• Developing, evaluating, and validating predictive models, machine learning algorithms, and big data predictive analytics with the ability to assess their accuracy, fairness, and transparency.

Option 2: A Combination of Education AND Experience

• Associate's Degree and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate's degree in public policy, quantitative social science, mathematics, statistics, law, data science, computer science, risk management, actuarial science, or in a field of study related to the work assignment; AND

• Seven (7) years of full-time professional* work experience in at least one (1) of the following three (3) areas:

• Developing or administering risk management and/or governance systems and frameworks for the use of predictive models, machine learning technologies, and big data;

• Performing quantitative and qualitative analysis, including conducting audits and/or examinations related to data collection and privacy, cybersecurity, algorithmic accountability, risk assessment and remediation, data ethics, and compliance;

• Developing, evaluating, and validating predictive models, machine learning algorithms, and big data predictive analytics with the ability to assess their accuracy, fairness, and transparency.

OR

• Bachelor's Degree and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in public policy, quantitative social science, mathematics, statistics, law, data science, computer science, risk management, actuarial science, or in a field of study related to the work assignment; AND

• Five (5) years of full-time professional* work experience in at least one (1) of the following three (3) areas:

• Developing or administering risk management and/or governance systems and frameworks for the use of predictive models, machine learning technologies, and big data;

• Performing quantitative and qualitative analysis, including conducting audits and/or examinations related to data collection and privacy, cybersecurity, algorithmic accountability, risk assessment and remediation, data ethics, and/or insurance compliance;

• Developing, evaluating, and validating predictive models, machine learning algorithms, and big data predictive analytics with the ability to assess their accuracy, fairness, and transparency.

Document this experience in your applicationIN DETAIL, as your experience will not be inferred or assumed. Part time experience will be prorated.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Partial credit toward the degree requirement will be given for completed college/university coursework that did not result in a degree. A master's or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study related to the work assignment will substitute for the bachelor's degree requirement.

*Professional work involves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment and personal accountability and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is: uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelor's or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field; and continuously studied to explore, extend, and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and application and to improve data, materials, equipment, applications and methods.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated professional* experience working in a government agency, in the insurance industry, or in the Colorado Division of Insurance;

• Master's or Doctorate degree in public policy, quantitative social science, mathematics, statistics, law, data science, computer science, risk management, or in a field of study directly related to the work assignment;

• Demonstrated professional* experience working with and knowledge of how predictive models, machine learning algorithms, and big data are utilized within insurance processes such as underwriting, pricing, and claims management, including the identification of potential biases and unintended consequences;

• Demonstrated knowledge of statistical methods and professional* experience in utilizing statistical software and programming languages such as R, Python, or SAS to analyze and interpret complex datasets;

• Demonstrated professional* experience in communicating complex technical issues to non-technical internal and external stakeholders, and engaging effectively with policymakers, industry representatives, and consumer advocates to develop and implement regulatory frameworks;

• Demonstrated professional* experience working in the financial or insurance industries related to implementing policies and practices to address unfair discrimination;

• Demonstrated knowledge, understanding, and professional* experience to ensure equitable access to insurance for all Coloradans regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics;

• Demonstrated professional* experience working in the insurance industry with a focus on enterprise risk management, and/or actuarial or quantitative analysis;

• Demonstrated professional* experience in overseeing policy development related to insurance under both state and federal laws, including drafting regulations;

• Demonstrated professional* experience in promoting the efficient use of policy and regulatory levers to address barriers and create opportunities to advance insurance industry transformation efforts.

Required Competencies:The following knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal characteristics are required competencies and may be considered during the selection process (including examination and/or interview):

• Demonstrated written communication skills, including the ability to convey information to various stakeholders in a clear, accurate, and concise written manner;

• Demonstrated verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey information to audiences in a concise manner;

• Demonstrated attention to detail in order to analyze and revise documents;

• Sound judgment and the confidence to make decisions on a routine basis;

• Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills, including having the ability to evaluate evidence and applicable information in order to apply knowledge and to decide on the most appropriate course of action;

• Program/project management skills, including planning, prioritization, organizing tasks, and time management skills in order to meet deadlines;

• Relationship management skills and customer service skills, to establish strong working relationships with stakeholders to ensure collaboration, data exchange, and joint development of performance improvement strategies;

• Strategic thinking, including the ability to identify emerging issues, anticipate trends, and provide recommendations on strategies to minimize risk impacts;

• Demonstrated ability to conduct research and gather pertinent information;

• Demonstrated understanding of how to effectively function in state government, along with the ability to build consensus in a complex and high-pressured, politically-charged environment;

• Flexibility and adaptability with regard to change management, including the ability to adhere to changes in work processes, adapt to changing priorities, and maintain a willingness to comply with and support organizational change(s);

• Stakeholder engagement and outreach skills, including the ability to develop meeting plans and identify shareable information;

• Proven ability to communicate complex technical issues to non-technical internal and external stakeholders, and engage effectively with policymakers, industry representatives, and consumer advocates to develop and implement regulatory frameworks;

• Demonstrated ability to read, understand, interpret, apply, and explain laws, rules, policies, and procedures;

• Ability to represent the department and the Division of Insurance in a positive, professional and objective manner, and support a positive workplace environment;

• Knowledge of the insurance industry and big data and risk management systems as they relate to the insurance industry;

• Knowledge of and the ability to facilitate the rulemaking processes;

• Demonstrated ability to understand and abide by workplace principles, practices, and behaviors as internally identified and defined by the division and department;

• Demonstrated political acumen;

• Ability to travel independently, including work in-office, as required by business need and scheduled by the supervisor;

• Integrity and high ethical standards;

• Accountability, reliability, including attendance;

• Ability to maintain confidential, controversial, or sensitive information;

• Self-starter, including the ability to work independently, learn new processes, utilize own knowledge and that of supervisor, and complete work with minimal supervision;

• Demonstrated professional demeanor;

• Knowledge and understanding in the use of PC software applications including Microsoft Office (Access, Word, Excel, etc.), and Google Suite (Doc's, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, etc).

Conditions of Employment:Candidates who fail to meet the conditions of employment will be removed from consideration.

• The successful passing of a reference check and/or, if required, a background check.

• A reference check may include but is not limited to: contacting previous and current supervisors to verify employment and discuss performance, a review of the personnel file, a review of the performance record, a review of job-related public information,etc.

• The type of background check depends on the job duties of the position, and can include a review of any criminal record, credit report, and/or driving record.

• This position requires the ability to travel up to 5% of the time, including staying over weekends when required; and the ability to transport equipment, including, but not limited to, laptop computers, printers, manuals, and supplies.

• Ability to travel independently, including work in-office, as required by business needs and scheduled by the supervisor.

The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado.

Consumer protection is our mission.

DORA values and promotes diversity, supporting a workplace that is inclusive of people from different backgrounds and experiences; creating an environment that is reflective of our communities; promoting positive relationships; and putting forth unique perspectives to fulfill our mission.

• Employer-sponsored RTD EcoPass, with offices located at Civic Center Plaza, above the RTD Civic Center station and just a few blocks from RTD light rail.

• Extensive work-life programs such as flexible schedules, training and professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects, and more!

• Employee wellness programs, including the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP), which provides free, confidential counseling services.

• Bike-to-work programs, including access to storage lockers and bike racks.

• Flexible retirement benefits, including a choice of the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans.

• Medical and Dental Health Insurance for employees and optional coverage for their dependents.

• Life Insurance for employees, and optional coverage for their dependents.

• Paid Time Off, including 11 paid holidays.

• Short- and long-term disability coverage.

• Tuition assistance program.

Check out our excellent benefits (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits) package!