2027 GBS ASCEND Program Associate - Sales Desk Chicago

New York Life; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

New York Life Insurance Co. is launching a Hybrid training program in Chicago designed to develop talent for its Group Benefit Solutions sales team.

The phased program starts with formal training on group insurance products, quoting, and sales operations, followed by a sales desk placement and progression to client management. The program emphasizes mentorship, licensing, and cross-functional exposure to underwriting, pricing, product, marketing, and service operations, with a path toward broker

Qualifications

• Strong communication, organizational skills, and attention to detail are essential.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Complete comprehensive training on group insurance products, systems, and sales processes.
• Participate in quoting, proposal development, and sales operations exercises.
• Exposure to underwriting, pricing, product, marketing, and service and claim operations.
• Obtain company-sponsored licensing to sell group insurance products.
• Progress into Sales Desk placement and own the end-to-end RFP process.
• Manage broker and client relationships within assigned book of business, promoting NYLGBS products and solutions.

Skills

Strong communication

Organization

Attention to detail

Customer-focused mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Salesforce

Job description

Location Designation: Hybrid - 3 days per week

Join New York Life, the largest mutual life insurance company in the United States and one of the largest insurers in the world, for an opportunity to help us fulfill our mission to make an impact on the lives of others.

Who we are:

New York Life Group Benefit Solutions (NYLGBS) works with businesses and their employees to help provide financial security, peace of mind, and market-leading outcomes. Our Distribution and Sales teams cultivate relationships with insurance brokers and clients, delivering solutions that support growing organizations and their employees.

What you’ll do:

Phase 1: Formal Training Program

• You will begin your journey with a comprehensive training experience that includes:
• Classroom and virtual instruction on group insurance products, systems, and sales processes
• Hands-on exercises focused on quoting, proposal development, and sales operations
• Exposure to internal partners including underwriting, pricing, product, marketing, and service and claim operations
• Company-sponsored licensing to enable you to sell group insurance products
• Mentorship, coaching, and structured learning milestones

Phase 2: Sales Desk Placement & Development

• Support quoting and proposal generation for employer groups in the select market (50-250 lives)
• Own the end-to-end RFP process from intake to proposal delivery
• Track quote activity and maintain systems
• Assist with implementation coordination and onboarding
• Execute all phases of the renewal cycle for select accounts including plan design changes, underwriting review, and renewal delivery
• Partner with Sales Desk Lead and sales representatives within assigned region to drive growth within the select market

Phase 3: Progression into Sales Roles

• Manage broker and client relationships within assigned book of business
• Promote NYLGBS products and solutions through active market engagement
• Drive new business opportunities through broker partnerships
• Act as a trusted partner to internal and external stakeholders

What you’ll bring:

• Strong communication, organization, and attention to detail
• Customer-focused mindset
• Ability to manage multiple priorities
• Willingness to learn and grow
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; Salesforce a plus

Pay Transparency

Salary Range: $65,000-$92,500

Overtime eligible: Exempt

Discretionary bonus eligible: Yes

Sales bonus eligible: No

Actual base salary will be determined based on several factors but not limited to individual’s experience, skills, qualifications, and job location. Additionally, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition to base salary, employees may also be eligible to participate in an incentive program.

Company Overview

At New York Life, our 180-year legacy of purpose and integrity fuels our future. As we evolve into a more technology-, data-, and AI-enabled organization, we remain grounded in the values that drive lasting impact. Our diverse business portfolio creates opportunities to make a difference across industries and communities- inviting bold thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and purpose-driven innovation. Here, you'll find the rare balance of long-standing stability and forward momentum, supported by an inclusive team that honors tradition while embracing progress. As a Fortune 100 mutual company, we offer a place to grow your skills, contribute to meaningful work, and deliver solutions that matter. Your ideas drive what's next, and your growth powers it.

Our Benefits

We provide a full package of benefits for employees - and have unique offerings for a modern workforce, including leave programs, adoption assistance, and student loan repayment programs. Based on feedback from our employees, we continue to refine and add benefits to our offering, so that you can flourish both inside and outside of work. Click here to discover more about our comprehensive benefit options or visit our NYL Benefits Site.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At New York Life, fostering an inclusive workplace is fundamental to who we are and how we serve our communities. We have a longstanding commitment to creating an environment where individuals can contribute their best and succeed together. This foundation is rooted in our core values of humanity and integrity, ensuring that every employee feels valued and supported. By embracing a broad range of perspectives and experiences, we achieve greater success and fulfill our promise of providing financial security and peace of mind to families across all communities. Click here to learn more about New York Life's leadership in this space.

Recognized as one of Fortune's World’s Most Admired Companies, New York Life is committed to improving local communities through a culture of employee giving and volunteerism, supported by the Foundation. We're proud that due to our mutuality, we operate in the best interests of our policy owners. To learn more about career opportunities at New York Life, please visit the Careers page of www.NewYorkLife.com.

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