Underwriting Manager Jobs for OPT Students
Underwriting Manager jobs on OPT require specialty occupation standing, which insurance and risk management roles consistently meet through their degree-specific analytical demands. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies, gives you real runway to land a role and secure H-1B sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsIf you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them at a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers and partners are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care. This is a fully remote position. Must be able to work CST hours. This role does not qualify for employer sponsored work authorization. Nationwide does not participate in the STEM OPT extension program.
Job Description Summary
Success on our team requires a blend of customer service skill and analytical prowess. Each account we work on is interesting and challenging. Satisfaction comes from finding solutions that provide the best coverage and give our partner agents a way to differentiate themselves from the competition. If you are adaptable, responsive, love customers and really want to make a difference, we want to hear from you! In this role, you'll manage a personal lines underwriting team and be responsible for meeting quality and productivity standards for risks underwritten. We'll count on you to manage the work activities and adherence to the service level agreements of the team and be responsible for the quality processes and related services to producers and members and handles escalated underwriting and customer service issues. You'll be key in driving profitable underwriting results and growth through leadership, development and engagement. You will also assist the director with planning, budgeting and reporting.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversees research within underwriting team. Identifies needs and resolves research issues from the underwriting team and leadership. May research issues or lead research projects in support of unit objectives.
- Reviews and provides oversight to analysis and conclusions within underwriting team. Analyzes and interprets collective data within assigned territory. Drives operational changes and ensures implementation of standards and procedures.
- Manages workflow for the underwriting team and ensures compliance to all time and service standards. Manages underwriting transactions which have been escalated from other underwriting staff, and provides suggested decision or approach. Ensures file handling quality and workflow efficiency. Manages larger, more complex issues that require working with and through others to meet business needs and maximize workflow. Manages work inventories within the team.
- Accountable for all underwriting and operational decisions for the unit. Interprets and ensures alignment with underwriting guidelines and standards. Resolves escalated issues, applies underwriting appetite in assigned territories and provides technical oversight to complex issues. Reviews for acceptability and handles those within authority using company underwriting guidelines and standards. Authorizes and/or interprets approved coverage forms and duration of coverage, classification rates, selection standards and insurance laws and regulations.
- Develops and manages operational plans for underwriting team. Plans implementation of organizational objectives and underwriting initiatives. Responsible for the planning and management of associates including: budget, performance management, salary planning and administration, hiring and placement, and disciplinary actions.
- Provides technical advice on underwriting and service issues to the unit ensuring compliance to state laws and company requirements. Consults as an underwriting subject matter expert with all levels of internal and external partners regarding policy and practice, customer service issues, sales, claims and product.
- Communicates operational plans, established corporate vision and direction and underwriting results to internal associates and external partners.
- Responsible for the relationship management of the team and resolution of relationship issues. Strengthens internal and external relationships through regular contact on underwriting matters, promoting profit, new business growth, and retention. May participate in the review and analysis of agency performance.
- Responsible for delivery of appropriate customer service levels within the team. Follows up and ensures proper handling of escalated underwriting and customer service requests and underwriting issues.
- Coaches, develops and provides feedback to associates. Determines and ensures delivery of training and development based on individual and team needs. Manages education of internal and external partners on underwriting process, practice and tools.
May Perform Other Responsibilities As Assigned.
Reporting Relationships:
Reports to director; Direct reports: Typically 7+ underwriting associates at various levels.
Typical Education And Experiences
Education: Bachelor's degree and pursuit of continued education preferred.
License/Certification/Designation: Completion of technical insurance coursework such as CPCU preferred.
Experience: Six years underwriting, customer service or related experience. Supervisory or management experience desired.
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:
- Detailed knowledge of personal lines insurance products, state regulations, underwriting policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Working knowledge of company operations, financials, trend analysis and competitor data to assist in the management of underwriting staff.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills used to interact with all levels of internal and external contacts.
- Ability to lead and train associates in all aspects of Personal Lines underwriting.
- Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changing situations.
- Ability to set work priorities that conform to established standards.
- Ability to analyze insurance risks, apply logical judgment and utilize procedures effectively.
- Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions and apply critical thinking skills.
- Skilled in Excel and other analytical tools to evaluate data.
- Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.
Staffing Exceptions to the above Minimum Job Requirements must be approved by the: hiring manager’s leader and HRBP.
Values:
Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.
Job Conditions
Overtime Eligibility: Not Eligible (Exempt)
Working Conditions:
Normal office environment. Occasional travel may be required to visit agencies or attend meetings. Extended or non-standard work hours as required to meet business need.
ADA:
The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.
Benefits
We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here.
Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.
Smoke-Free Iowa Statement: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries comply with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on or around company premises as well as company issued vehicles. The company offers designated smoking areas in which smoking is permitted at each individual location. The Act prohibits retaliation for reporting complaints or violations. For more information on the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, individuals may contact the Smokefree Air Act Helpline at 888-944-2247.
Note To Employment Agencies
We value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. Nationwide does not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. All resumes submitted by employment agencies directly to any Nationwide employee or hiring manager in any form without a signed Nationwide Client Services Agreement on file and search engagement for that position will be deemed unsolicited in nature. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is subsequently hired as a result of the referral or through other means.
Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives, based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range.
Note on Compensation for Part-Time Roles: Please be aware that the salary ranges listed below reflect full-time compensation. Actual compensation may be prorated based on the number of hours worked relative to a full-time schedule.
The national salary range for Manager, Underwriting - Personal Lines: $97,000.00-$180,000.00
The expected starting salary range for Manager, Underwriting - Personal Lines: $97,000.00 - $145,000.00
If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them at a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers and partners are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care. This is a fully remote position. Must be able to work CST hours. This role does not qualify for employer sponsored work authorization. Nationwide does not participate in the STEM OPT extension program.
Job Description Summary
Success on our team requires a blend of customer service skill and analytical prowess. Each account we work on is interesting and challenging. Satisfaction comes from finding solutions that provide the best coverage and give our partner agents a way to differentiate themselves from the competition. If you are adaptable, responsive, love customers and really want to make a difference, we want to hear from you! In this role, you'll manage a personal lines underwriting team and be responsible for meeting quality and productivity standards for risks underwritten. We'll count on you to manage the work activities and adherence to the service level agreements of the team and be responsible for the quality processes and related services to producers and members and handles escalated underwriting and customer service issues. You'll be key in driving profitable underwriting results and growth through leadership, development and engagement. You will also assist the director with planning, budgeting and reporting.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversees research within underwriting team. Identifies needs and resolves research issues from the underwriting team and leadership. May research issues or lead research projects in support of unit objectives.
- Reviews and provides oversight to analysis and conclusions within underwriting team. Analyzes and interprets collective data within assigned territory. Drives operational changes and ensures implementation of standards and procedures.
- Manages workflow for the underwriting team and ensures compliance to all time and service standards. Manages underwriting transactions which have been escalated from other underwriting staff, and provides suggested decision or approach. Ensures file handling quality and workflow efficiency. Manages larger, more complex issues that require working with and through others to meet business needs and maximize workflow. Manages work inventories within the team.
- Accountable for all underwriting and operational decisions for the unit. Interprets and ensures alignment with underwriting guidelines and standards. Resolves escalated issues, applies underwriting appetite in assigned territories and provides technical oversight to complex issues. Reviews for acceptability and handles those within authority using company underwriting guidelines and standards. Authorizes and/or interprets approved coverage forms and duration of coverage, classification rates, selection standards and insurance laws and regulations.
- Develops and manages operational plans for underwriting team. Plans implementation of organizational objectives and underwriting initiatives. Responsible for the planning and management of associates including: budget, performance management, salary planning and administration, hiring and placement, and disciplinary actions.
- Provides technical advice on underwriting and service issues to the unit ensuring compliance to state laws and company requirements. Consults as an underwriting subject matter expert with all levels of internal and external partners regarding policy and practice, customer service issues, sales, claims and product.
- Communicates operational plans, established corporate vision and direction and underwriting results to internal associates and external partners.
- Responsible for the relationship management of the team and resolution of relationship issues. Strengthens internal and external relationships through regular contact on underwriting matters, promoting profit, new business growth, and retention. May participate in the review and analysis of agency performance.
- Responsible for delivery of appropriate customer service levels within the team. Follows up and ensures proper handling of escalated underwriting and customer service requests and underwriting issues.
- Coaches, develops and provides feedback to associates. Determines and ensures delivery of training and development based on individual and team needs. Manages education of internal and external partners on underwriting process, practice and tools.
May Perform Other Responsibilities As Assigned.
Reporting Relationships:
Reports to director; Direct reports: Typically 7+ underwriting associates at various levels.
Typical Education And Experiences
Education: Bachelor's degree and pursuit of continued education preferred.
License/Certification/Designation: Completion of technical insurance coursework such as CPCU preferred.
Experience: Six years underwriting, customer service or related experience. Supervisory or management experience desired.
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:
- Detailed knowledge of personal lines insurance products, state regulations, underwriting policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Working knowledge of company operations, financials, trend analysis and competitor data to assist in the management of underwriting staff.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills used to interact with all levels of internal and external contacts.
- Ability to lead and train associates in all aspects of Personal Lines underwriting.
- Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changing situations.
- Ability to set work priorities that conform to established standards.
- Ability to analyze insurance risks, apply logical judgment and utilize procedures effectively.
- Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions and apply critical thinking skills.
- Skilled in Excel and other analytical tools to evaluate data.
- Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.
Staffing Exceptions to the above Minimum Job Requirements must be approved by the: hiring manager’s leader and HRBP.
Values:
Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.
Job Conditions
Overtime Eligibility: Not Eligible (Exempt)
Working Conditions:
Normal office environment. Occasional travel may be required to visit agencies or attend meetings. Extended or non-standard work hours as required to meet business need.
ADA:
The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.
Benefits
We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here.
Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.
Smoke-Free Iowa Statement: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries comply with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on or around company premises as well as company issued vehicles. The company offers designated smoking areas in which smoking is permitted at each individual location. The Act prohibits retaliation for reporting complaints or violations. For more information on the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, individuals may contact the Smokefree Air Act Helpline at 888-944-2247.
Note To Employment Agencies
We value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. Nationwide does not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. All resumes submitted by employment agencies directly to any Nationwide employee or hiring manager in any form without a signed Nationwide Client Services Agreement on file and search engagement for that position will be deemed unsolicited in nature. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is subsequently hired as a result of the referral or through other means.
Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives, based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range.
Note on Compensation for Part-Time Roles: Please be aware that the salary ranges listed below reflect full-time compensation. Actual compensation may be prorated based on the number of hours worked relative to a full-time schedule.
The national salary range for Manager, Underwriting - Personal Lines: $97,000.00-$180,000.00
The expected starting salary range for Manager, Underwriting - Personal Lines: $97,000.00 - $145,000.00
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an Underwriting Manager
Target insurers with established H-1B track records
Large carriers like Chubb, Travelers, and Zurich file H-1B petitions regularly for underwriting roles. Prioritizing employers with a documented sponsorship history significantly reduces the risk of reaching OPT expiration without a clear visa transition path.
Position your degree as the specialty occupation anchor
Underwriting Manager roles require finance, actuarial science, economics, or risk management degrees to meet specialty occupation standards. Lead with your field of study in your resume and cover letter to make the H-1B eligibility case immediately obvious to hiring managers.
Raise sponsorship early in the process
Ask about sponsorship willingness in the second or third conversation, before an offer is extended. Framing it as a practical planning question rather than a demand keeps the conversation professional and helps you avoid investing weeks in a process that won't lead anywhere.
Quantify your underwriting impact with hard numbers
Hiring managers in this field respond to measurable outcomes. Loss ratio improvements, premium volume managed, and portfolio growth figures all demonstrate the analytical rigor underwriting leaders expect and strengthen your candidacy against domestic applicants for sponsored positions.
Know your OPT end date and plan around the H-1B timeline
H-1B registration opens each March for an October 1 start date. If your OPT expires before October 1, you need a cap-gap bridge. Mapping your OPT end date against the H-1B calendar before you start applying helps you filter for realistic sponsorship scenarios.
Pursue CPCU or ARe designations to strengthen your profile
The Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter and Associate in Reinsurance credentials signal serious professional commitment. Employers weighing the cost and effort of H-1B sponsorship respond well to candidates who have invested in industry credentials beyond their degree requirements.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does an Underwriting Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT and H-1B purposes?
Yes. Underwriting Manager positions consistently qualify as specialty occupations because they require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as finance, actuarial science, economics, or risk management. The analytical and technical demands of the role, including portfolio assessment, risk modeling, and team oversight, support the specialty occupation determination USCIS applies when reviewing H-1B petitions.
Can I work as an Underwriting Manager on OPT without my employer having sponsored anyone before?
You can work for any employer on OPT, including those with no prior sponsorship history. The challenge arises when you need H-1B sponsorship before your OPT expires. Employers unfamiliar with the process often face longer timelines and higher legal costs, which can create uncertainty. Searching on Migrate Mate helps you identify employers who have sponsored underwriting roles before, reducing that uncertainty significantly.
Does an actuarial science or risk management degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension in underwriting roles?
It depends on your specific degree program, not the job title. Actuarial science and certain quantitative finance programs are on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List and qualify for the 24-month extension. A general business or management degree typically does not. Check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the official DHS list to confirm eligibility before counting on the extra time.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I switch from a staff underwriter role to an Underwriting Manager position mid-OPT?
OPT authorization is tied to your degree field and employer, not your specific job title. As long as the Underwriting Manager role is directly related to your degree program, the promotion or title change does not require a new OPT application. You should update your SEVP portal through your DSO to reflect the new position and confirm the role still qualifies under your authorized employment category.
How far in advance should I start looking for Underwriting Manager jobs on OPT?
Start at least six months before your OPT start date or current employment ends. Underwriting Manager roles involve multiple interview rounds including technical case studies and panel interviews with senior leadership, which extends the hiring timeline beyond entry-level positions. The H-1B filing window adds further urgency if you need sponsorship by October 1. Browse current openings on Migrate Mate to gauge which employers are actively hiring and sponsoring.
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