What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Claims Specialist position at Berkley?
Company Details:
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.
Key Competencies
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.
Responsibilities:
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
- Bachelor’s 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