Risk Advisor, Employee Benefits

Smith Brothers Insurance•Vestal, NY

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Risk Advisor develops new business and builds lasting client relationships in the Employee Benefits marketplace. The role focuses on identifying and cultivating mid-to-large group accounts (100+ lives), delivering strategic benefits solutions, and partnering with internal resources to provide a strong client experience. The advisor drives revenue growth through proactive prospecting, market expertise, and a consultative sales approach tailored to sophisticated employer clients. This full-time sales role is designed to maximize time in the market, with in-office presence expected for collaboration, training, team engagement, and internal relationship-building. The role includes frequent in-person, video, email, and phone communication. Offsite client, networking, and prospect meetings may require non-standard working hours, including evening events, and travel as a normal part of business. The position requires viewing computer monitors for extended periods. Compensation is commission-based; a draw may be provided during the initial validation period. Total compensation can range from $50,000 to $200,000+, based on performance and other factors. Eligible employees may participate in company benefit programs. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States full-time without Company sponsorship.

Requirements

3–5+ years of Employee Benefits insurance experience in a sales-focused role.
Active Life, Accident & Health Insurance license in good standing.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Demonstrated success in prospecting, pipeline development, and closing complex consultative sales.
Knowledge of Employee Benefits products, funding arrangements, compliance, market dynamics, and consultative sales processes.
Strong presentation, facilitation, and client education skills; ability to explain complex information clearly.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to translate data into recommendations.
Strong organization and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Collaborative, team-oriented, client-first approach; ability to work independently while contributing to a broader growth strategy.
Proficiency with agency management systems, carrier platforms, MS Office, and technology-enabled tools.
Ability to use AI tools and AI-assisted workflows and learn new technologies.
Self-motivation, strong work ethic, adaptability, and stress tolerance.
Flexibility and willingness to take on additional work and projects.
Ability to attend offsite client, networking, and prospect meetings, including evening events and travel as part of normal business.
Ability to view computer monitors for extended periods.
Authorization to work in the United States full-time without Company sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in Employee Benefits insurance sales with an independent agency.
Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, human resources, risk management, or a related field preferred.
Experience working with carriers, underwriting, benefits marketing, compliance, and client service teams.

Responsibilities

Prospect, qualify, and close new Employee Benefits opportunities.
Build and maintain a strong pipeline to achieve new business goals and revenue.
Lead client-facing meetings, including discovery, strategy discussions, and proposal presentations.
Educate employers on Employee Benefits strategy, financial models, compliance considerations, and plan design.
Deliver presentations, webinars, and group education sessions to clients and prospects.
Develop tailored solutions and strategic recommendations aligned with client goals and workforce needs.
Represent the agency at networking events, conferences, and vendor partner meetings.
Collaborate with internal implementation, service, and enrollment teams to ensure a strong client experience.
Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of the Employee Benefits practice, processes, and offerings.
Stay current on Employee Benefits regulations, market trends, and the competitive landscape to inform clients and strategy.
Use the agency management system for daily activities, documentation, and assigned tasks.
Engage in ongoing professional development and training.
Comply with agency processes, confidentiality standards, and quality metrics.
Effectively use MS Office, standard office applications, other technologies, and AI tools such as Copilot and ChatGPT to support work and efficiency.
Work effectively with team members, provide backup support, and contribute to collaboration.
Demonstrate alignment with the organization's purpose, values, and culture.
Complete projects and other work as assigned.