Director, Actuary

American Equity; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company, based in Des Moines, IA, seeks a Director of Actuary to lead VM-22 valuation, model validation, and reserve analytics. You will oversee quarterly valuation production, drive process improvements, and collaborate across Actuarial, Investments, Finance, and Technology to meet regulatory and financial reporting needs.

The role demands a Fellow of actuarial science, strong leadership, and proven experience in complex reserving, stochastic valuation,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, economics, or a related field with a strong quantitative foundation.
• Fellowship designation (FSA or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience leading complex actuarial valuation, modeling, or financial reporting initiatives.
• Experience with Aon PathWise or another actuarial projection and asset‑liability modeling platform is preferred.
• Supervisory experience is preferred.
• Experience with retail annuity products in the US.

Responsibilities

• Monitor regulatory and industry developments related to VM-22 and assess potential implications for the Company’s valuation models, processes, and results in partnership with the Qualified Actuary.
• Lead the validation, testing, implementation, and change management of VM-22 valuation models, including coordination of model enhancements, user acceptance testing, and production readiness.
• Lead the quarterly VM-22 valuation process, including production, review, analysis, reconciliation, documentation, and communication of reserve results.
• Direct and perform complex actuarial analyses related to annuity reserving and modeling, including reserve movement analysis, sensitivity testing, and identification of key result drivers.
• Partner with the Qualified Actuary and stakeholders across Actuarial, Investments, Product, Pricing, Finance, Risk, and Technology to support VM-22 implementation and ongoing valuation processes.
• Develop and present actuarial exhibits, analyses, and summaries to senior leadership and other governance stakeholders, and support the Qualified Actuary in communications with auditors and regulators.
• Ensure actuarial analyses and supporting documentation are completed in accordance with applicable professional standards, Company policies, and internal control requirements.
• Provide technical direction, coaching, and development to actuarial staff and build sustainable VM-22 valuation capabilities within the team.
• Manage the employee life cycle and experience, including but not limited to, selection and retention of talent, continuous feedback and performance management, reward and recognition, corrective action and employee development.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, economics, or a related field

Fellowship designation (FSA or equivalent)

Tools

Aon PathWise

Job description

American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company is a leading provider of annuity solutions designed to help clients protect and grow retirement income. Part of Brookfield Wealth Solutions, we partner with more than 40,000 financial professionals and help fund over half a million retirements nationwide. Recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies and named a Top Workplace in Iowa, American Equity fosters a collaborative and purpose‑driven culture where employees are empowered to ignite their passion and help shape the future of financial services.

Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, with satellite offices in New York, NY, American Equity provides opportunities for employees to support work across the enterprise, including our sister company, American National, headquartered in Houston, Texas.

General Purpose Of The Job

The Director, Actuary provides leadership for the Company’s VM-22 valuation function, ensuring that valuation models, processes, controls, and reporting capabilities support accurate, timely, and well‑documented reserve calculations for applicable annuity products. The role oversees quarterly valuation production, reserve analytics, model implementation and validation, and operational execution. In partnership with the Qualified Actuary and cross‑functional stakeholders, the Director translates valuation requirements into effective processes and scalable solutions that support evolving business, regulatory, and financial reporting needs. The Director leads and develops actuarial talent and drives continuous improvement in the Company’s VM-22 valuation capabilities and operating processes.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Monitor regulatory and industry developments related to VM-22 and assess potential implications for the Company’s valuation models, processes, and results in partnership with the Qualified Actuary.
• Lead the validation, testing, implementation, and change management of VM-22 valuation models, including coordination of model enhancements, user acceptance testing, and production readiness.
• Lead the quarterly VM-22 valuation process, including production, review, analysis, reconciliation, documentation, and communication of reserve results.
• Direct and perform complex actuarial analyses related to annuity reserving and modeling, including reserve movement analysis, sensitivity testing, and identification of key result drivers.
• Partner with the Qualified Actuary and stakeholders across Actuarial, Investments, Product, Pricing, Finance, Risk, and Technology to support VM-22 implementation and ongoing valuation processes.
• Develop and present actuarial exhibits, analyses, and summaries to senior leadership and other governance stakeholders, and support the Qualified Actuary in communications with auditors and regulators.
• Ensure actuarial analyses and supporting documentation are completed in accordance with applicable professional standards, Company policies, and internal control requirements.
• Provide technical direction, coaching, and development to actuarial staff and build sustainable VM-22 valuation capabilities within the team.
• Manage the employee life cycle and experience, including but not limited to, selection and retention of talent, continuous feedback and performance management, reward and recognition, corrective action and employee development.
• Performs other related work as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct Reports: Will manage a senior actuarial associate.

General Description of Indirect Reports (2 and 3-downs): 0

Education And/Or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, economics, or a related field with a strong quantitative foundation.
• Fellowship designation (FSA or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience leading complex actuarial valuation, modeling, or financial reporting initiatives.
• Experience with Aon PathWise or another actuarial projection and asset‑liability modeling platform is preferred.
• Supervisory experience is preferred.
• Experience with retail annuity products in the US.
• Experience with principle-based reserving, stochastic valuation methodologies, or asset‑liability modeling is preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Professional Designations

• FSA, MAAA required

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Deep understanding of actuarial science and the ability to apply this knowledge is critical.
• Knowledge of rating agency capital requirements.
• Mastery of actuarial valuation best practices, procedures and processes.
• General knowledge of assets and economic scenarios.
• Ability to effectively present technical information to top management.
• Strong knowledge and systems aptitude with asset‑liability models.
• Exceptional attention to numeric and other detail.
• Strong statistical and advanced math skills, including excellent Excel modeling skills.
• Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents from regulatory agencies, and other members of the business community.
• Strong project management skills, including planning and organization.
• Ability to successfully handle pressure and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced work environment.

This description covers the major purpose and essential functions of the job. It is not intended to give all details or a step‑by‑step account of the way each task is to be performed. Employees may receive other job related instructions and be required to perform other job related work requested by their manager. All requirements are subject to possible modification to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.

At American Equity, our core values—Empowered, Passion, Integrity, and Caring—are more than words. They guide how we support one another and how we serve our clients every day. To learn more about American Equity, our culture, and our values, visit the Careers site.

Iowa Best Companies to Work for 2025 | Top Workplaces