Executive Underwriter or AVP, UW Director - Financial Institution

Zurich
Chicago, IL

Zurich North America is hiring an experienced Financial Institutions Executive Underwriter or AVP Underwriting Director in Chicago!

As a Financial Institutions Underwriter, you will handle complex new and renewal domestic Middle Market and National accounts for all Financial Institutions industry verticals and lines of coverage offered. As a member of Zurich's underwriting team, you will enjoy the opportunity to fully apply and hone your underwriting and marketing skills while building relationships with select brokers focused in the region. With more than 125 years of experience, Zurich has a broad and varied appetite for Financial Institutions business; this role is an exciting expansion opportunity allowing for high growth potential and visibility & support.

This role filled at either the Executive Underwriter OR AVP, Underwriting Director level. The hiring manager will determine the appropriate level based upon the selected applicant’s experience and skill set relative to the qualifications listed for this position.

The Financial Institutions Underwriter is responsible for:

  • Serving as a customer industry advocate with a focus on improving the customer experience by understanding their risk and offering the best end to end solution for their insurance needs, specifically within Financial Lines for Financial Institutions, including D&O, E&O, EPL, Fiduciary, and Fidelity lines of coverage
  • Using a disciplined approach to exposure evaluation, risk assessment and pricing
  • Using risk insights, data and models to drive informed decisions at point of sale
  • Identifying gaps involves and aligning Zurich’s products and value proposition to offer a solution that provides the contract certainty the customer needs
  • Demonstrating strong analytical skills and executing as an innovative advisor
  • Underwriting, analyzing and generating new and renewal business
  • Market facing and production within the growing International division
  • Administering and monitoring underwriting rules and guidelines, insurance laws and regulations and rating manual rules
  • Developing and maintaining agency and broker relationships
  • Working within broad limits and authorities on highly complex assignments

Executive Underwriter Basic Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area
    OR
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the Claims, Underwriting support area
    OR
  • Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area
    OR
  • Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
    AND
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • Experience working on time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
  • Experience with Umbrella underwriting

OR

Basic Qualifications- AVP Underwriting Director:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent and 7 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area.
    OR
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent and 14 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
    OR
  • Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area
    OR
  • Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 12 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
    AND
  • Experience with Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications for both:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Microsoft Office experience

Your pay at Zurich is based on your role, location, skills, and experience. We follow local laws to ensure fair compensation. You may also be eligible for bonuses and merit increases. If your expectations are above the listed range, we still encourage you to apply—your unique background matters to us. The combined salary range for this position is $110,300.00 - $238,700.00. The proposed salary range for the Executive Underwriter is $110,300.00 - $180,600.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15%. The proposed salary range for the AVP, UW Director is $145,800.00 - $238,700.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 20%.

We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families. [Learn more about Total Rewards here .]

Why Zurich?

At Zurich, we value your ideas and experience. We offer growth, inclusion, and a supportive environment—so you can help shape the future of insurance. Zurich North America is a leader in risk management, with over 150 years of expertise and coverage across 25+ industries, including 90% of the Fortune 500®.

Join us for a brighter future—for yourself and our customers.

Zurich in North America does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer disability/vets.

Zurich complies with 18 U.S. Code § 1033.

Please note: Zurich does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies. Preferred vendors should use our Recruiting Agency Portal.

Location(s): AM - Chicago
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No

Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-JJ1 #LI-DIRECTOR #LI-HYBRID

Posted 2026-02-06

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