Director, Operations - Crop Insurance

We are in search of a Director, Operations to join our Washington Lending and Insurance department in Spokane, Washington. This full-time position reports to the SVP, Operations and is accountable for effectively managing assigned Insurance Specialist staff; communicating insurance service actions, required reporting, and processing procedures to insurance specialist staff; researching changes within insurance policies, and preparing accurate crop insurance renewal forms.

Compensation Information

The base salary range for this position in Spokane, Washington is:

Typical starting range: $66,200 - $88,700
Full base salary range: $66,200 - $125,200
Annual performance-based incentive target is 12 or 15% of base salary, depending on experience.

*Relocation assistance will be provided to eligible candidates who must relocate to accept this position. 

Essential Duties

• Organize insurance specialist staff workflow and determine priorities to ensure effective and quality customer service is provided.
• Manage insurance specialist staff’s work including the processing of MPCI and Hail business into the appropriate computer systems, preparation and mailing of renewal forms, and tracking of process.
• Review MPCI and Hail provisions for changes; coordinate with insurance agent and marketing staff to prepare accurate and informative renewal and marketing materials.
• Comply with appropriate regulations and procedures in completion of applications, forms, documents and reports.
• Support a high degree of data integrity by maintaining accurate databases.
• Maintain industry knowledge through ongoing crop insurance educational training/seminars.
• Assist in conducting organizational review program requirements and establishing other appropriate monitoring systems to accurately inform management of activities and results.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Human Resource Leadership:
  • Provide proactive human resource leadership to promote high levels of employee engagement, customer service, teamwork and productivity.
  • Ensure performance management actions are consistent across area of responsibility and aligned with association expectations.
  • Promote talent management and succession planning to ensure adequate and effective staffing through employee transitions.
• Communicate and model AgWest's commitment to employee and customer engagement; actively work with assigned staff to advance stewardship and community service initiatives.
• Perform all duties and maintains all standards in accordance with association policies, procedures, and internal controls, and ensure assigned staff follow association policies, procedures and internal controls.
• Represent and communicate the values, purpose, and mission of the association to employees, customers, the public, and other target audiences.

Travel Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 40%, including overnight travel throughout the AgWest territory.
• AgWest employees may occasionally be asked to travel for all-staff or team meetings not included in the standard travel requirements for the role.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or ag-related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
• A combination of at least four years’ administrative, insurance, and/or management experience
• Effective administrative and customer service skills
• Proven ability to lead by example as an individual contributor or manager
• Ability to effectively identify, hire, and develop strong talent, and maintain a high performing team
• Advanced understanding of agriculture and insurance services
• Appropriate State Insurance Agent license(s), or the ability to obtain and maintain required license(s) within six months of assuming the role

Preferred Qualifications

• General understanding of insurance related laws and regulations

Workplace Flexibility

• After an initial in-office training period, this position is eligible for workplace flexibility and a one-time home office stipend.

Benefits Offered by AgWest

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• Basic term life and AD&D insurance (fully paid for by the company)
• Paid days off annually: 15 vacation*, 15 sick, 12 holidays and 3 volunteer
• 401(k) plan (6% match plus 3% employer contribution)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Jeans are welcome at work every day at AgWest! 

*Vacation accrual rates increase with tenure.

Details about insurance and retirement benefits are available at:  https://www.farmcreditfoundations.com/fcfbenefits

#LI-Hybrid