Associate Underwriter - Miscellaneous Surety

RLI Insurance Company•Peoria, IL

1d•$24 - $34•Hybrid

About The Position

Under frequent supervision, provide underwriting support for the Miscellaneous (Transactional) Surety line of business from submission through post-binding activities. This role supports the underwriting of individual surety bonds such as license & permit, probate, public official, fidelity, and similar obligations. The Associate Underwriter partners closely with Underwriters, internal team members, and retail agents to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant bond issuance. Depending on prior experience, the Associate Underwriter is expected to learn and develop surety underwriting fundamentals through training, shadowing, and special projects. The role includes building proficiency in surety systems, forms, and processes; applying judgment to ensure consistency between bond applications, approvals, and issued bonds; and identifying inconsistencies or concerns for escalation to the Underwriter.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in insurance, finance, risk management, business or a related field
0+ years of related experience for consideration [OR] equivalent level of education and experience
Basic understanding of underwriting principles with an interest in Surety and Bonding.
Ability to analyze applications, financial data, and supporting documentation to identify risk considerations.
Strong attention to detail and ability to identify inconsistencies across applications, bonds, and endorsements.
Effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with Underwriters, agents, and internal partners.
Ability to organize, summarize, and analyze information using underwriting systems and software tools.
Ability to follow underwriting guidelines, document decisions, and escalate issues appropriately.
Willingness to participate in continuing education and pursue surety-related insurance designations or exams.

Responsibilities

Provide underwriting support throughout the end-to-end Miscellaneous Surety process, from submission intake through bond issuance and post-issuance servicing.
Review incoming bond requests and applications to determine completeness, acceptability, and eligibility for quoting.
Assist with evaluation of risk characteristics, obligee requirements, bond forms, and supporting documentation.
Prepare bond quotes and recommendations for Underwriter review or issue bonds directly in accordance with assigned underwriting authority.
Process new business and renewal bond requests, including review of financial information, credit data, and background documentation as applicable.
Identify inconsistencies, missing information, or potential underwriting concerns and work with the Underwriter to resolve them.
Process bond endorsements, riders, cancellations, and reinstatements; review and approve for accuracy prior to distribution.
Ensure bond documentation aligns with underwriting intent, regulatory requirements, and obligee specifications.
Maintain accurate underwriting files and documentation in accordance with internal standards and compliance requirements.
Assist with special projects, workflow improvements, and other duties as assigned.
Participate in training, continuing education, and insurance or surety examinations as deemed appropriate.

Benefits

Annual bonus plans
Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
401(k) — automatic 3% company contribution
Annual 401k and ESOP profit-sharing contributions (Up to 15% of eligible earnings)
Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
Paid volunteer time off (VTO)
Parental and family care leave
Flexible & hybrid work arrangements
Fitness center discounts and free virtual fitness platform
Employee assistance program
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits
Flexible spending and health savings accounts
2x base salary for group life and AD&D insurance
Voluntary life, critical illness, & accident insurance for purchase
Short-term and long-term disability benefits
Training & certification opportunities
Tuition reimbursement
Education bonuses