Senior Associate, Underwriting Advisor

New York Life Insurance • Philadelphia, PA

24d • $85,000 - $110,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Associate, Underwriting Advisor works in New York Life’s Group Benefit Solutions Underwriting organization, which evaluates and manages risk across employer group business. The role independently underwrites an assigned portfolio, developing competitive and financially sound strategies for new business and renewals that support profitable growth, persistency, earnings, and long-term portfolio performance. It primarily handles accounts with 1,000 or more lives and uses technical underwriting expertise and business judgment to recommend pricing, renewal, plan design, and case-positioning approaches.

The position partners with Sales, Client Management, brokers, Distribution, Pricing, Risk Management, and other business partners. It also contributes to underwriting quality and organizational effectiveness through desk and portfolio management, case review, mentoring, knowledge sharing, subject-matter expertise, continuous improvement, and support of broader New York Life and Group Benefit Solutions initiatives. The role is hybrid, with three days per week in the office.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• At least 5 years of Group Life, Accident, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, and Absence underwriting, or other relevant experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of large employer groups with multi-carrier product offerings and awareness of marketing drivers and dynamics beyond group insurance-specific factors.
• Thorough knowledge of risk factors that influence market and competitive conditions.
• Ability to make effective decisions based on strong knowledge of internal and external financial and risk levels.
• Strong time-management skills; highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Ability to foster strong working relationships.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas and persuade and negotiate effectively.
• Ability to lead discussions and deliver external presentations and analysis to a diverse client base.

Responsibilities

• Analyze employer group risk, primarily for accounts with 1,000 or more lives, and develop pricing, renewal, plan design, and case strategies.
• Evaluate group demographics, claims and experience data, plan designs, market and industry information, actuarial tools, and other risk indicators.
• Make independent underwriting decisions within established Levels of Authority; escalate cases when additional review is needed and present clear, evidence-based recommendations.
• Develop recommendations on competition, products, pricing, plan design, and case positioning to support risk management and profitable growth.
• Manage an assigned book of business, identify emerging risks and growth opportunities, and support sustainable portfolio performance.
• Serve as a case or risk reviewer when appropriate, providing feedback and coaching and identifying recurring risk or quality trends.
• Communicate underwriting positions and recommendations to Sales, Client Management, brokers, Distribution, and other partners.
• Work with Distribution to develop solutions that balance customer goals, competitive considerations, and risk, including alternatives when a requested approach cannot be supported.
• Identify appropriate opportunities for growth, enrollment, product positioning, and improved case outcomes.
• Build relationships across Underwriting and matrix partner organizations and provide support across teams or regions as business needs require.
• Mentor and support less-tenured underwriters, interns, and peers in technical knowledge, case strategy, judgment, and decision quality.
• Develop expertise in designated strategic areas and serve as a resource to underwriting, Distribution, and matrix partners.
• Contribute to team, underwriting, and cross-functional initiatives, continuous-improvement forums, team huddles, and problem-solving discussions; share best practices and lessons learned.
• Recommend process improvements and contribute to underwriting guidelines, risk memos, and standard work as needed.
• Apply technical knowledge to assess complex employer risks, financial and experience information, plan design implications, market conditions, product capabilities, regulatory considerations, and funding arrangements.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and guideline-consistent decision rationales, rate development, file organization, and case documentation.
• Complete assigned underwriting audits and quality reviews and address identified improvement opportunities.
• Prioritize new business, renewals, inquiries, and presale activity for an assigned book and desk while delivering timely, high-quality outcomes.
• Maintain timely and accurate system data, case statuses, financial positions, and other information required for reporting.
• Demonstrate organization, follow-through, accountability, and adaptability as business needs, processes, tools, and technology change.
• Pursue development opportunities, apply new knowledge, and share learning with colleagues.

Benefits

• Comprehensive employee benefits package.
• Leave programs.
• Adoption assistance.
• Student loan repayment programs.
• Employees may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and an incentive program, in addition to base salary.

What This Job Offers

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