Crop Insurance Specialist - GRAINCO FS - Ottawa, IL

• To promote the sale of Federal Crop Insurance, Crop Hail Insurance, and other personal lines insurance products to achieve corporate production objectives and service our client’s needs.

• Plans and conducts sales prospecting by soliciting referrals, developing/leveraging centers of influence and business partners, maximizing relationships with existing client/BPs, and as necessary, including cold prospecting (within the do-not-call guidelines). Develops and maintains a system for referred (or potential) leads, centers of influence, upcoming policy expiration dates and client/BP follow up calls/meetings.
• Binds coverage and countersigns insurance policies in accordance with organizational rules and values, and only in the products licensed by the company.
• Works toward progressively building a sustainable book of profitable business.
• Develops and hones effective cross-selling skills and techniques to maximize effectiveness at needs-based selling.
• Attends and completes all assigned training, i.e., company-sponsored schools / events, on-the-job training, continuing education, and developmental activities in preparation for a successful career.
• Create and maintain a good reputation within your community, to avoid conflicts of interest, to comply with any policies and standards of the company.
• Works with underwriting and other departments to effectively write policy coverage in a timely manner.
• Handles the marketing and advertising required to grow their business and the company footprint.
• Supports farm bureau membership activities (as applicable) and home office functions.
• Performs other related work as required or requested.

• Performs all other duties as assigned.

• Education equivalent to graduation from high school (or the equivalent in related work experience)
• Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable insurance license(s)* (P&C license) and obtain and maintain Federal Crop Insurance Certifications.

• Previous successful sales, leadership, entrepreneurial, or agriculture experience.
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication, including telephone etiquette, possesses good decision-making skills and the ability to persuade and negotiate effectively, possesses the ability to handle potential conflict effectively and constructively, and demonstrates good organizational skills, analytical ability, and detail orientation and knowledge of basic math.
• Possesses the ability to multi-task while interacting effectively with financial representatives, claimants, insureds, internal staff members, and external contacts, and must be able to work independently in the field or as a member of a team.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

• Education equivalent to graduation from college with a degree in business, insurance, or agribusiness (or the equivalent).
• General knowledge of insurance and financial solutions and industry (or related).
• Ability to develop the leadership skills necessary to lead and influence others.
• Oral and written fluency in another language(s) in addition to English
• Willingness and ability to utilize latest technology related to crop insurance sales and service, production and acreage reporting, and other system upgrades.

• Normal office environment but exposed to working conditions may include dust, fumes, chemicals, and electrical hazards with appropriate safety measures.
• Frequently in contact with corn and soybeans in a production agriculture work environment.
• Position regularly requires extended periods of work outside of normal business hours (evenings and weekends).
• Will be required to regularly travel to various locations.
• Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position.