Assistant Vice President - Programs

Position summary

The Assistant Vice President, Programs builds and manages a profitable portfolio of new and existing MGA/MGU programs at Skyward Specialty. The role brings technical knowledge across multiple property and casualty lines and builds strong relationships with program partners. This role has high visibility to senior leadership. The successful candidate will join a fast-growing team and have a real opportunity to add significant value.

Key responsibilities

Portfolio management and growth

• Manage an assigned portfolio of programs, with a focus on growing a strong and profitable book.
• Identify and vet new program opportunities as part of the due diligence process.
• Track underwriting activity, operational metrics, KPIs and book performance, and report findings and recommendations to leadership.

Underwriting and governance

• Handle authority referrals on larger, more complex risks, giving clear and timely feedback and direction.
• Develop underwriting guidelines and conduct audits to ensure governance and alignment with core strategy.
• Take corrective action where audits or performance reviews identify gaps.

Pricing and product development

• Partner with actuarial to develop pricing and support program-specific rate and form filings.
• Coordinate product design and development, along with the operations, claims and financial structuring of program business.

Partner relationships and market awareness

• Build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective partners, including MGAs and delegated authority programs.
• Stay current on competitive, legal and economic trends that affect the captive and program market.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• 7+ years of property and casualty underwriting or product development experience.
• Technical knowledge across multiple P&C lines of business.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.

Preferred qualifications

• Degree in business, insurance, actuarial science, accounting or finance.
• Captive underwriting experience a plus
• Professional designations or licenses, such as CPCU, ARM or AU.
• Experience with MGA or delegated authority program business.

Core competencies

• Relationship building: strong interpersonal skills that earn the trust of partners and colleagues.
• Communication: clear written and verbal communication, with strong presentation skills.
• Organization: manages multiple priorities, time and deadlines effectively.
• Independence and teamwork: works well alone and as part of a team.
• Technical proficiency: strong PC skills and comfort working with performance data.

Compensation and benefits

The base salary range for this role is $165,000 to $200,000. Base pay is determined by factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, education and any applicable minimum wage requirements. This role may also be eligible for performance-based incentives. Our total rewards package includes health and welfare benefits, tuition and professional certification assistance, 401(k) savings, elective participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Program, paid time off, paid holidays, child bonding leave and other employee assistance programs.

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