Associate Underwriter (Excess & Surplus - Excess Casualty)

International Association of Insurance Professionals (IAIP); Jersey City (NJ); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

401(k) match

Profit sharing

PTO 38 days

Educational assistance

Job summary

IAT Insurance Group is hiring an Associate Underwriter in the Jersey City/Newark area as part of our Associate Underwriter Program. This entry-level role offers mentoring and exposure to all angles of underwriting within the Excess and Surplus unit.

The position supports a hybrid schedule, combining office presence Monday through Wednesday with remote work Thursday and Friday, with opportunities to learn and grow in a structured program starting June 1, 2027.

Qualifications

• A four-year college degree or equivalent applicable experience.
• Equivalent experience defined as 4 years in the insurance industry.
• Willingness and ability to travel.
• Excellent oral and written communication with demonstrated leadership, professionalism, organization, and time management.
• Authorized to work in the United States and not require visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate information to determine risk acceptability, price, and document decisions.
• Make decisions based on evaluation of information.
• Communicate and negotiate underwriting and pricing decisions.
• Document decisions per best practices and regulatory standards.
• Build effective relationships with agency personnel and internal staff.
• Act with urgency on inquiries/requests.
• Provide unmatched customer service.
• Drive new business opportunities to assigned agents.
• Assist with reporting and project needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Leadership

Time management

Organization

Travel willingness

Work authorization

Education

Four-year degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Raise your hand if you're naturally curious and enjoy learning about different industries and how their businesses operate. We get that. In fact, this Associate Underwriter role might be the perfect career launch to keep you learning, analyzing, and growing. This position is part of our extensive Associate Underwriter Program, a structured and immersive experience designed to build a strong foundation in the field. Through this program, hires gain exposure to all angles of the underwriting profession and are equipped to apply analytical skills in evaluating business risk from an insurance standpoint.

Building a strong career foundation is imperative to professional growth - that's why our Associate Underwriter program is designed to provide hires with the skills needed for a rewarding future in Underwriting. Associate Underwriters will be mentored by a designated coach to learn about the company, and the part they'll play in making IAT successful.

Job Description:

The Excess and Surplus Business Unit at IAT Insurance Group has an opening for an Associate Underwriter that can start June 1st of 2027 in one of the below listed IAT office locations:

• Jersey City, New Jersey
• Newark, New Jersey
• Cheshire, Connecticut
• Kansas City, Missouri

This is a great entry-level career opportunity and/or a great position for someone with several years of industry experience who wants to continue to learn and grow in the insurance industry. Please note, IAT works on a hybrid schedule, working from the office Monday through Wednesday with the option of working remotely Thursday and Friday.

As an Associate Underwriter, you'll make an impact by:

• Evaluating information to determine risk acceptability, price, and document decisions in accordance with company guidelines and standards.
• Making appropriate decisions based on evaluation of information.
• Effectively communicating and negotiating underwriting and pricing decisions to achieve optimal outcomes and ensure understanding of company direction.
• Documenting decisions in accordance with business unit best practices and regulatory standards.
• Building effective working relationships with assigned agency personnel as well as internal company staff.
• Acting with a sense of urgency on all inquiries/requests.
• Providing unmatched customer service.
• Driving new business opportunities to assigned agents.
• Manage small territory with mentor oversight
• Assist with various reporting and project needs
• Performs other duties as assigned.

We're ready to onboard a candidate with:

• A four-year college degree or equivalent applicable experience (We will consider May 2027 graduates)
• Equivalent applicable experience is defined as 4 years of applicable insurance industry experience.
• The desire and ability to travel.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as demonstrated leadership, professionalism, organization, and time management.
• To qualify, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and must not require VISA sponsorship, now or in the future, for employment purposes.

Compensation:

Please note, that the annual gross salary range associated with this posting is $65,000 - $80,000. Actual salaries will vary based on factors such as a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and geographical location related to this specific role. The total compensation will include a base salary, performance-based bonus opportunities, 401(K) match, profit-sharing opportunities, and more.

To view details of our full benefits, please visit https://www.iatinsurancegroup.com/careers/benefits

IAT Insurance Group is the largest private, family-owned property and casualty insurer in the U.S. Insurance Answers Together® is how we define IAT, in letter and in spirit. We work together to provide solutions for people and businesses. We collaborate internally and with our partners to provide the best possible insurance and surety options for our customers.

At IAT, we're committed to driving and building an open and supportive culture for all. Our employees propel IAT forward - driving innovation, stable partnerships and growth. That's why we continue to build an engaging workplace culture to attract and retain the best talent.

We offer comprehensive benefits (Full Time Employees Eligible):

• 26 PTO Days (Entry Level) + 12 Company Holidays = 38 Paid Days Off
• 7% 401(k) Company Match and additional Profit Sharing
• Hybrid work environment
• Numerous training and development opportunities to assist you in furthering your career
• Healthcare and Wellness Programs
• Opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses
• College Loan Assistance Support Plan
• Educational Assistance Program
• Mentorship Program
• Dress for Your Day Policy

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We maintain a drug-free workplace and participate in E-Verify.