The Employee Benefits Marketing Specialist (EBMS) is an analytical and administrative position responsible for the end-to-end project management of the Ross & Yerger Employee Benefits coverage marketing efforts.  The EBMS ensures that all new business and renewal marketing efforts are achieved on time, accurately, and completely. Tasks include gathering and managing all the necessary information to build, analyze and present to the carrier the Request for Proposal (RFP) which can include the Risk Assessment Questionnaires (RAQs), EE census, and claims information with the objective of obtaining proposals from various insurance carriers. The EBMS analyzes the carrier proposals and creates presentations that clearly display and communicate the coverage/rating data to the Employee Benefit Client Sales and Service Team.  The EBMS will seek out appropriate markets to place new and existing business at the most competitive cost, utilizing financially sound  carriers.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepares request for proposals for existing clients and new business prospects in coordination with Account Team through the use of the agency’s Client Management Systems. Create marketing narratives allowing carriers to meet each group’s goals for renewal.
• Assists in creating formal, specifically targeted request for quotes as required (i.e. municipal RFQs).
• Analyzes coverage needs and recommends markets and products based on those findings. Includes analyzing the group’s current benefits plan designs, plan utilization and claims experience.
• Promote products or carriers that have been identified by management (formal Carrier Partnerships).
• Reviews carrier submissions and negotiates with the carriers to achieve the best in cost and benefits.
• Attends scheduled Marketing meetings and New Account prequalifying meetings.
• Has complete knowledge of the insurance marketplace and can identify new markets for specialized coverages and programs.
• Builds strong relationships with Carrier Sales Representatives, Carrier Renewal Representatives and Underwriters.
• Remains informed regarding new products, legislation, market trends, underwriting guidelines, and additional industry information.
• Notifies EB Team of carrier and/or industry changes that may affect current or new clients and develops efficient, creative ways to share this information.
• Maintains RFP log to track New Business and Renewal Marketing activities. Furnishes updates and results to Management for purposes of attaining Carrier Partnership goals.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements:

• Current Mississippi Life and Health License.
• College degree desirable; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possess the skills necessary to communicate with colleagues, clients, prospects and carriers concerning all lines of coverage.
• Advanced Microsoft Office, Excel, Word and PowerPoint skills.
• Ability to maintain and organize electronic files on the agency’s Agency Management Systems.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining a high attention to detail.
• Responsive and self-motivated team player with the ability to communicate verbally and in writing with others to explain complex issues, receive and interpret complex information, and to respond appropriately.
• Full knowledge of insurance rating and underwriting principles. Underwriting experience highly desired.
• Knowledge of insurance markets with an in-depth understanding of Group Benefit Plans (Fully Insured vs. Self-Funded/Level-Funded) for all types of coverages (included but not limited to: Group Health, Dental, Life, Disability, Vision, Worksite Voluntary Products, Business Travel Accident, HSA’s. HRA’s, FSA’s, Section 125, Retirement and/or Pension plans, 401(k), etc.).
• Knowledge of Federal and State Laws that impact small and large employers (i.e. PPACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ERISA)
• Ability to maintain a professional manner at all times.

About Ross & Yerger

Since 1860, Ross & Yerger, a Top 100 Independent Insurance Agency headquartered in Jackson, MS, has had an unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of its employees, clients, and community. As a perennial “Best Place to Work” organization and one of Mississippi’s healthiest workplaces, we nurture a culture of continuous learning, professional development, and career advancement. It’s in that spirit that we also share profits and ownership with all employees through our ESOP plan in addition to offering tremendous benefits including competitive compensation, comprehensive health and welfare benefits, continuing education reimbursement, and generous Paid Time Off.