Senior Claims Specialist - Professional Liability - Non-Profit D&O

Senior Claims Specialist

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.

Qualifications

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

Additional Company Details

The position is based in Naperville, IL in-office four days per week. We do not accept any unsolicited resumes from external recruiting firms. The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full time regular employees which for this role includes: Base Salary Range: $135,000 - 155,000. The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment. This role is eligible to participate in the annual discretionary bonus program. Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Wellness, Paid Time Off, 401(k) and Profit-Sharing plans.

Sponsorship Details

Sponsorship not Offered for this Role