Senior Claims Specialist

At Berkley Program Specialists we are dedicated exclusively to program business and excel at partnering with program administrators who possess significant underwriting expertise for homogeneous niche classes of business.

We enjoy the strength and stability that comes with being a Berkley Company and underwrite our programs through our member insurance companies which are A (Superior) Financial Size Category XV by A.M. Best.

The Senior Claims Specialist is responsible for the handling investigation evaluation and resolution of complex Directors & Officers (D&O) and Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) claims for non-profit organizations.

This role requires deep technical expertise in claims-made coverage forms strong analytical and negotiation skills and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service to insureds brokers and legal partners. Position will also provide guidance and feedback to the junior staff.

Claims Management

• Independently manage a portfolio of complex non-profit D&O and EPLI claims from initial notice through resolution.
• Conduct timely and thorough coverage analysis under claims-made policies including interpretation of policy terms conditions exclusions and endorsements.
• Evaluate liability damages and exposure to determine appropriate claim reserves and resolution strategies.
• Oversee and direct defense counsel including litigation strategy budgeting and performance.

Coverage Analysis & Technical Expertise

• Apply advanced knowledge of claims-made policy structures including reporting requirements retroactive dates and prior acts provisions.
• Analyze legal and factual issues across a variety of EPLI claims (e.g. discrimination harassment wrongful termination) and D&O exposures specific to non-profits (e.g. fiduciary duties governance disputes).
• Issue clear concise and well-documented coverage correspondence including reservation of rights and coverage determination letters.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Partner closely with insureds brokers and internal underwriting teams to ensure coordinated claim handling.
• Retain and manage external vendors including defense counsel experts and third-party administrators.
• Negotiate settlements effectively to achieve optimal outcomes while controlling costs.

Customer Service & Communication

• Provide responsive professional and empathetic service to policyholders and stakeholders.
• Clearly communicate claim status coverage positions and resolution strategies to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers and insureds to enhance customer satisfaction and retention.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure all claims activities comply with internal guidelines regulatory requirements and best practices.
• Maintain accurate and timely claim file documentation and reporting.
• Participate in audits peer reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Works with attorneys account representatives agents and insureds regarding the handling and/or disposition of highly complex claims.

Education

• Bachelors degree required; JD or advanced insurance designations (e.g. CPCU AIC RPLU) preferred.

Experience

• 7 years of experience handling D&O and/or EPLI claims with demonstrated experience in non-profit exposures preferred.
• Proven track record managing complex claims and litigation.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong expertise in claims-made insurance policies and coverage analysis.
• In-depth understanding of D&O and EPLI exposures legal environment and litigation processes.

Skills

• Excellent analytical decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of organizational skills and attention to detail.

Key Competencies

• Technical excellence and sound judgment
• Customer-focused mindset
• Strategic thinking and adaptability
• Collaboration and relationship management
• Accountability and ownership