We are an Independent Insurance Agency seeking career-oriented professionals to join our Employee Benefits Team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in employee benefits and a proven track record of success in sales and program management. This position manages an existing association health plan in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. Salary is dependent on experience.

Responsibilities:

· Develop and maintain relationships with clients, vendors, and broker distribution channel

· Manage overall program operations and vendors

· Identify and pursue new business opportunities

· Conduct needs analysis and recommend appropriate employee benefit solutions

· Prepare and present proposals to clients

· Negotiate contracts and close sales

· Provide ongoing support to clients and ensure their satisfaction

· Stay up-to-date on industry trends and regulations

Position requires approximately 30% travel within Oregon, Washington and Alaska.

BASIC PURPOSE: Provide strategic relationship management and consultative services to clients sponsoring health benefit trusts and/or association health plans. Position requires up to approximately 30% travel within Oregon, Washington and/or Alaska.

JOB SUMMARY: Serve as primary consulting and administrative liaison between client, insurance companies, third party administrators, and sub-broker distribution channel. This position is 60-80% client and/or vendor facing and leverages an advanced skill set and employee benefits knowledge to design, place, and manage insurance services and benefits, specifically for association health plans. Must be licensed and/or certified to service and advise on group benefits. Must comply with all agency policy, procedures, standards, and ethics.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Advanced knowledge of: (1) insurance products, (2) bid preparation and analysis, (3) problem claim resolution, (4) regulatory environment of employee benefits plans, and (5) underwriting and funding concepts.
• Ability to influence and negotiate.
• Client service orientation with ability to proactively understand client’s needs, diffuse potentially difficult situations, and resolve client problems.
• Ability to build strong relationships and work collaboratively with others, internal and external to the organization.
• Team player who takes initiative, is resourceful and self-motivated to continuous learning and development.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as presentation skills.
• Possess advanced program and project management skills, with effective organizational and time management skills and ability to prioritize workload without supervision. Strong attention to detail and ability to self-check work.
• Demonstrated ability to compile, analyze and interpret data to facilitate decision making, instilling confidence and comfort with clients.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Computer skills which include proficiency with Microsoft Office products, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, as well as navigation within the Internet.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s level degree or equivalent; Business Administration degree a plus.
• Five or more years related industry experience and/or training, brokerage/consultant preferred.
• Five or more years of analytical work related to employee benefit programs preferred.
• In-depth experience managing association health plans preferred.