Assistant Underwriter, Surety (Customs Bonds) in Schaumburg, Illinois at Avalon Risk Management Insurance Agency LLC

Avalon Risk Management (“Avalon”) is a specialty insurance broker with offices in major port cities throughout the country. We focus on the unique and exciting world of risk management and insurance products for the international trade and logistics industry. Avalon is a privately held company owned by our founding management team and we have celebrated over 25 years of success. We are looking for a reliable professional interested in growing into an Underwriter. The position will work from our headquarters in Schaumburg, IL.

Our ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Insurance, or Risk Management. Related professional experience in an insurance, surety, or financial services environment with analytical responsibilities may be considered as a substitute for formal education. We are looking for an early professional with formal training who is driven to grow their underwriting career. We’ll provide the professional training. You provide the effort.

All our underwriters have excellent verbal and written communication skills with an excellent attention to detail. The candidate must also be very organized and consistently meet deadlines. Strong computer skills, especially with MS Word and Excel are required.

Underwriting offers growth opportunities that align with knowledge and capability growth. We support career journeys into full Underwriter and Senior Underwriter, or other specialized roles as you gain experience and demonstrate proficiency in risk analysis and judgement.

Our Assistant Surety Underwriters communicate with our offices, clients, insurance markets, and government agencies to gather and assess information for surety related coverage and bond renewals. Responsibilities include:

• Support the underwriting team by gathering, reviewing, and organizing information needed for preliminary bond risk evaluation within established guidelines
• Assist with the preparation of underwriting approval requests and supporting documentation for reinsurers
• Respond to routine bond-related questions from agents and customers, escalating more complex matters as appropriate
• Assist with bond insufficiency notifications, tracking follow-ups and maintaining documentation
• Support letters of credit and collateral maintenance activities, including tracking requirements and documentation
• Prepare and update reports used to manage the surety program using Word, Excel, Access, proprietary Merlin software, and other internal tools
• Participate in special projects such as reinsurance support, collateral reviews, audits, and departmental initiatives as assigned

Avalon is a premier provider of innovative insurance and surety solutions. This is a full-time, exempt (salaried) position with a starting base compensation range of $48,000 - $55,000 per year. We offer an excellent benefits package that includes student debt assistance, health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), new tuition reimbursement, and more. After an introductory training period, new hires are eligible for a hybrid in-office and work from home environment. Avalon is an equal opportunity employer. Apply today via our quick application process!