Director, Operations - Crop Insurance

AgWest Farm Credit•Spokane, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

AgWest Farm Credit is seeking a Director, Operations to join their Washington Lending and Insurance department in Spokane, Washington. This full-time position reports to the SVP, Operations and is responsible for managing assigned Insurance Specialist staff, overseeing insurance service actions, reporting, and processing procedures. The role involves researching changes in insurance policies and preparing accurate crop insurance renewal forms. AgWest Farm Credit is a member-owned financial cooperative serving farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural-related businesses across seven western states, with a history spanning over 100 years as part of the Farm Credit System.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business or ag-related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
A combination of at least four years’ administrative, insurance, and/or management experience
Effective administrative and customer service skills
Proven ability to lead by example as an individual contributor or manager
Ability to effectively identify, hire, and develop strong talent, and maintain a high performing team
Advanced understanding of agriculture and insurance services
Appropriate State Insurance Agent license(s), or the ability to obtain and maintain required license(s) within six months of assuming the role

Nice To Haves

General understanding of insurance related laws and regulations

Responsibilities

Organize insurance specialist staff workflow and determine priorities to ensure effective and quality customer service is provided.
Manage insurance specialist staff’s work including the processing of MPCI and Hail business into the appropriate computer systems, preparation and mailing of renewal forms, and tracking of process.
Review MPCI and Hail provisions for changes; coordinate with insurance agent and marketing staff to prepare accurate and informative renewal and marketing materials.
Comply with appropriate regulations and procedures in completion of applications, forms, documents and reports.
Support a high degree of data integrity by maintaining accurate databases.
Maintain industry knowledge through ongoing crop insurance educational training/seminars.
Assist in conducting organizational review program requirements and establishing other appropriate monitoring systems to accurately inform management of activities and results.
Provide proactive human resource leadership to promote high levels of employee engagement, customer service, teamwork and productivity.
Ensure performance management actions are consistent across area of responsibility and aligned with association expectations.
Promote talent management and succession planning to ensure adequate and effective staffing through employee transitions.
Communicate and model AgWest's commitment to employee and customer engagement; actively work with assigned staff to advance stewardship and community service initiatives.
Perform all duties and maintains all standards in accordance with association policies, procedures, and internal controls, and ensure assigned staff follow association policies, procedures and internal controls.
Represent and communicate the values, purpose, and mission of the association to employees, customers, the public, and other target audiences.