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Knights of Columbus · 2 days ago

Chief Underwriter (Life Insurance)

New Haven, CT

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$126K/yr - $220K/yr

10+ years exp

Knights of Columbus is a tax-exempt Catholic fraternal benefit society that provides financial security through various insurance products. The Chief Underwriter will develop and execute life insurance underwriting strategies, providing leadership to the underwriting team and ensuring adherence to risk management and operational excellence.

Insurance

No H1B

Responsibilities

Provides strong leadership, development, vision and strategic direction to the underwriting function

Develops and implements procedures, practices, and processes to ensure organizational objectives such as operational excellence, exceptional customer service and appropriate business risk, mortality and morbidity objectives are understood and achieved

Drives efforts to modernize and transform procedures, controls and technology within underwriting to enhance sales growth, efficiency and customer experience

Provides direction and guidance on industry trends and best practices and shares Underwriting perspective on Division wide initiatives

Responsible for developing highly skilled professionals and for overall performance of Underwriting operations. In concert with Medical Director responsible for training underwriters

Performs second signature reviews on most complex cases. Along with Medical Director, performs audits of underwriter decisions as part of their performance evaluations and development

Establishes underwriting strategy and ensures consistent processes and standards are in place and adhered to by underwriters across all teams

Partners with reinsurers and product team to identify and develop underwriting niches and growth opportunities

Proactively identifies and determines impact and or action needed for upcoming regulatory requirements. Participates in internal/external audits and collaborates on antifraud and litigation compliance

Qualification

Mortality risk managementAdvanced underwriting acumenLeadershipRisk management skillsKPI/Goal settingTeam developmentChange managementInfluencing skillsStrategic thinkingCommunication skillsNegotiation skills

Required

Expert understanding of: all risk factors relating to mortality risk management (medical, financial, occupational, environmental, etc.; insurance principles

Ability to balance distribution needs with mortality results; demonstrated strong risk management skills

Ability to influence and persuade using compelling arguments to gain the support and commitment across the organization

Ability to think strategically and create new and better ways for the underwriting department and organization to be successful

Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward; combines analysis, wisdom, experience and judgment in decision quality

Ability to prioritize, negotiate and work with a variety of external and internal stakeholders; ability to interface with all levels of management

Demonstrated leadership and management skills; creates a climate where people are motivated to their best to help the organization achieve its objectives

Builds strong teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals

Develops and delivers communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences

Team development

KPI/Goal setting and performance management

Build foundation of trust and open communication

Effectively lead team through change

Bachelor's degree required

Minimum of 10 - 15 years of experience, with advanced underwriting acumen in the insurance industry required

Holds FALU, FLMI and/or CLU industry designation

Benefits

Time Away: 13 paid holidays per year in addition to vacation and paid sick leave, and flexible workweek schedules.

Professional Development: Certifications, designation, and tuition reimbursement.

Retirement Benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching company contributions, and cash balance retirement plans fully funded by the company.

Health and Wellness: Short-term disability and term life insurance fully paid for by the company;

Up to 12 weeks of childbirth leave under STD policy.

One week of fully paid parental leave for all new parents, including adoptive and foster parents.

A variety of health insurance options, including premium-level family coverage and a pre-tax Health Savings Account with employer contributions.

Long-term disability insurance;

Dental insurance;

Vision insurance;

Health club membership reimbursement;

Employee Assistance Program