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For over 50 years, AmeriLife has been a leader in the development, marketing and distribution of annuity, life and health insurance solutions for those planning for and living in retirement.
Associates get satisfaction from knowing they provide agents, marketers and carrier partners the support needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.
Job Summary
The Life & Annuity Advanced Underwriting Specialist & Key Accounts Liaison is a senior-level hybrid role designed for an experienced Life & Annuity professional with deep expertise in new business processing, underwriting navigation, and high-level agent relationship management. This position is responsible for managing the department's most complex cases and highest-value agent accounts, serving as the primary escalation point for underwriting challenges and "Not In Good Order" (NIGO) resolutions, and acting as a strategic liaison between Gordon Marketing's key agent partners and carrier underwriting teams.
Drawing on 10+ years of Life & Annuity department leadership experience, this individual brings institutional knowledge, carrier relationships, and advanced technical expertise that directly elevates the quality of service delivered to Gordon Marketing's agent network. This role operates with a high degree of autonomy and professional judgment, and is expected to serve as a subject matter expert and resource for the broader Life & Annuity team.
Job Description
Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities
Advanced Case Management & Underwriting
- Personally manage a pipeline of complex, high-value, and non-standard life insurance and annuity cases from submission through policy issuance and in-force status.
• Navigate advanced underwriting scenarios including impaired risk cases, large face-amount policies, non-medical limits, table ratings, flat extras, and exclusions.
• Conduct detailed application reviews for completeness, accuracy, and regulatory compliance; identify and resolve NIGO issues before submission to minimize delays.
• Order and coordinate paramedical exams, Attending Physician Statements (APS), lab work, and doctor records; proactively follow up to keep cases on track.
• Submit applications to carriers and actively manage daily case status across multiple carrier portals and through direct underwriter communication.
• Once policies are issued and received, ensure proper scanning to file, policy delivery to the agent, and complete documentation in all internal systems.
• Manage cases end-to-end from initial submission through placement, in-force status, and commission payment.
Escalation Handling & NIGO Resolution
- Serve as the primary escalation point for the Life & Annuity team on complex, stalled, or problematic cases requiring senior-level intervention.
• Analyze and resolve NIGO issues with precision and urgency, communicating clearly with agents and carriers to obtain outstanding requirements.
• Facilitate informal underwriting pre-screening and field underwriting consultations on behalf of agents prior to formal application submission.
• Advocate on behalf of agents with carrier underwriters to pursue favorable underwriting decisions, reconsiderations, and appeals where appropriate.
• Identify patterns in NIGO or case delays and recommend process improvements or agent education to reduce recurring issues.
Key Accounts & Agent Relationship Management
• Serve as the dedicated liaison for Gordon Marketing's key agent accounts, providing elevated, high-touch support throughout the new business process.
• Build and maintain deep, trusted relationships with top-producing agents, carrier case managers, regional sales directors, and underwriters.
• Proactively communicate case status updates, requirement notifications, and policy delivery timelines to key account agents.
• Monitor key account pipeline health and proactively flag at-risk cases or potential lapse situations to agents and management.
Team Resource & Subject Matter Expertise
- Function as an internal subject matter expert and go-to resource for the Life & Annuity team on complex products, carrier guidelines, and underwriting requirements.
• Provide guidance and informal mentorship to junior processors on case handling, carrier communication, and problem resolution.
• Attend and participate in carrier training sessions and webinars; share relevant product and underwriting updates with the broader team.
• Scour carrier websites for direct-submit life and annuity policy options and communicate findings to team members and management.
• Like, share, and post approved social media content related to Life & Annuity products as directed.
• Perform all other tasks and duties as assigned by management.
Qualifications & Requirements
Experience
- 10+ years of experience in Life & Annuity new business processing, case management, or department leadership is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex and impaired-risk life insurance and annuity cases.
• Prior experience in an Insurance Marketing Organization (IMO/FMO) or carrier new business environment is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of managing high-value agent relationships and serving as an escalation resource for underwriting challenges.
• Background in Life & Annuity department leadership, supervision, or training is a significant advantage.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Advanced knowledge of life insurance and annuity products, underwriting guidelines, and carrier new business processes.
• Expertise in identifying and resolving NIGO issues, navigating impaired risk underwriting, and facilitating informal pre-screens.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy when managing a high-volume, complex case pipeline.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to advocate professionally for agents with carrier underwriters and case managers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint) and electronic document management systems.
• Comfortable navigating multiple carrier portals and policy administration platforms simultaneously.
• High degree of professional judgment, autonomy, and ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative and service-oriented; committed to elevating both agent experience and team performance.
Working Conditions
This position is remote. The role involves extended periods of computer use, telephone communication, and document handling. Given the senior and hybrid nature of this position, the employee will regularly shift between hands-on case work, agent consultation, carrier communication, and team support functions. A high degree of daily interaction with agents, carrier representatives, underwriters, and internal team members is expected.
A comprehensive benefits package that includes PTO, medical, dental, vision, retirement savings, disability insurance, and life insurance.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity at all levels of the organization. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing an inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace where all employees can thrive.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement
We are committed to full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and all applicable state and local disability laws. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. Requests for accommodation will be handled confidentially. If you require assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact us at HR@AmeriLife.com.
Pay Transparency Statement
We are committed to pay transparency and equity, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Compensation for this role will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and market factors. Where required by law, the pay range for this position will be disclosed in the job posting or provided upon request. Additional compensation information, such as benefits, bonuses, and commissions, will be provided as required by law. We do not discriminate or retaliate against employees or applicants for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing their pay or the pay of another employee or applicant, as protected under applicable law. Pay ranges are available upon request.
Background Screening Statement
Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, which may include employment verification, education verification, criminal history check, and other job-related inquiries, as permitted by law. All screenings are conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and information collected will be kept confidential. If any adverse decision is made based on the results, applicants will be notified and given an opportunity to respond.
Originally posted on Himalayas