Surety Department Assistant

Avalon Risk Management ("Avalon") is a specialty insurance broker with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. We focus on the unique and exciting world of risk management and insurance products for the international trade and logistics industry. Avalon is a privately held company owned by our founding management team. We are looking for a program assistant to join our Bond Claims department.

This full-time position will work from our headquarters in Schaumburg, IL. After an introductory training period, new hires are eligible for a hybrid in-office and work-from-home environment.

We are looking for a team player who has an eye for detail and is highly organized across digital and physical documents. Successful candidates must be able to appropriately handle a high volume of claims materials with proper prioritization and follow-up. Having excellent written and verbal communication skills is a must. We are seeking candidates with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in a professional customer service role within the importation industry or related fields such as contracts, finance, or billing support.

Prior experience in direct insurance support, particularly with a focus on logistics, is a plus. Organizational skills from experiences such as legal team mailroom, mortgage documentation support, etc. would also be useful. Strong follow-up skills are essential, along with the ability to consistently meet deadlines. Strong computer skills are required, especially with MS Word and Excel.

The Department Assistant directly supports the Surety Claims, Subrogation, and Surety Underwriting teams by performing administrative duties such as filing, intake, faxing, and updating claims reports and spreadsheets; assisting with bond queries, subrogation files, bond renewals, and insufficiencies. Our professionals must be able to confidently work in an ever-changing environment. Essential functions of this role include but are not limited to:

• Intake coordination and inbox management. When new claims come in, read and sort emails based on the claim type and assign an adjuster. The specialist will take ownership of the intake process.
• Coordinate intake of mail from Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
• Create claims and subrogation files in the system of record.
• Assist with distribution of subrogation files to collection agencies.
• Run bond and entry queries.
• Review 1600s, petition responses and distribute as needed.
• Send out late file 1600s to brokers as needed.
• Mail monthly  letters and fax/scan them as needed.
• Internet searches for current addresses for importers with returned mail.
• Fax/email/call Customs for status updates and to request case copies.
• Create and maintain various spreadsheets.
• Review monthly 612 reports.
• Enter check information into claims database upon receipt of checks.
• Assist the department with follow-up on renewals.
• Help with bond renewal notices and research for collateral and claims for each insured.
• Provide overall office support to the department.

Avalon is a premier provider of innovative insurance and surety solutions. This is a full-time, non-exempt (hourly) position with a starting base compensation range of $21.00 to $24.00 per hour (approx. equivalent $43,680 to $49,920 per year). We offer an excellent benefits package that includes health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, student debt assistance, and more. Avalon is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating a best-in-class culture for employees.

Apply today via our quick application process!