2027 GBS ASCEND Program Associate - Sales Desk Chicago

New York Life Insurance • Chicago, IL

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

New York Life Group Benefit Solutions (NYLGBS) is hiring a GBS ASCEND Program Associate for its Distribution and Sales teams. The role begins with a formal training program covering group insurance products, systems, and sales processes, with practical exercises in quoting, proposal development, and sales operations. The program also provides exposure to internal partners, company-sponsored licensing, mentorship, coaching, and structured learning milestones.

After completing training, the associate will join a sales desk supporting employer groups in the select market (50–250 lives). Responsibilities include managing quoting and proposals, coordinating implementation and onboarding, and carrying out the renewal cycle for select accounts. As experience develops, the associate will progress into a Sales Representative or Account Executive role, managing broker and client relationships, promoting NYLGBS products, developing new business, and serving as a partner to internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Strong communication, organization, and attention to detail.
• Customer-focused mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to learn and grow.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Salesforce proficiency is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Complete formal training in group insurance products, systems, and sales processes.
• Support quoting and proposal generation for employer groups in the select market (50–250 lives).
• Manage the end-to-end RFP process from intake through proposal delivery.
• Track quote activity and maintain systems.
• Assist with implementation coordination and onboarding.
• Execute all phases of the renewal cycle for select accounts, including plan design changes, underwriting review, and renewal delivery.
• Partner with the Sales Desk Lead and regional sales representatives to drive growth within the select market.
• As experience develops, manage broker and client relationships within an assigned book of business.
• Promote NYLGBS products and solutions through active market engagement.
• Drive new business opportunities through broker partnerships.
• Act as a trusted partner to internal and external stakeholders.

Benefits

• Full package of employee benefits.
• Leave programs.
• Adoption assistance.
• Student loan repayment programs.
• Annual discretionary bonus.
• May be eligible to participate in an incentive program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level