Special Districts Association of Oregon - Director of Underwriting
Posted: 9/2/2026
Location: Salem, OR
Director of Underwriting
Special Districts Association of Oregon (SDAO) is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Underwriting to lead underwriting operations for the Special Districts Insurance Services Trust (SDIS) and Public Educational Agency Cooperative (PACE).
This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished underwriting professional to influence the direction of Oregon's premier public entity insurance programs. You will oversee underwriting strategy, rate development, coverage administration, reinsurance relationships, and a highly skilled underwriting team while helping ensure the long-term strength and sustainability of our insurance programs.
SDAO serves and supports Oregon's special districts and public entities through advocacy, training, and comprehensive risk management and insurance solutions. SDIS and PACE provide innovative property and casualty coverage programs designed specifically for public entities throughout Oregon.
Our mission-driven organization values collaboration, professionalism, innovation, and exceptional member service.
As the Director of Underwriting, you will be responsible for:
Strategic Leadership
- Lead and manage all underwriting operations for SDIS and PACE.
- Develop underwriting strategies that support long-term financial stability and growth.
- Provide analysis and recommendations regarding exposure trends, claims experience, and insurance program performance.
- Support strategic planning and operational improvement initiatives.
Insurance Program Management
- Oversee the development, maintenance, and implementation of coverage documents and endorsements.
- Establish and maintain underwriting guidelines, procedures, and manuals.
- Review actuarial studies and recommend rates to ensure program adequacy and competitiveness.
- Make pricing, renewal, and deductible decisions for program members.
- Evaluate unique or emerging risks and recommend coverage solutions.
Reinsurance & Industry Relations
- Work closely with reinsurance brokers to negotiate pricing, terms, conditions, and coverage limits.
- Ensure consistency between coverage documents and reinsurance agreements.
- Maintain key relationships with reinsurers, brokers, independent insurance agents, and industry partners.
Member & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as a trusted resource for members and insurance agents regarding coverage and pricing questions.
- Present underwriting and trend analysis to management, committees, and governing boards.
- Collaborate across departments to ensure exceptional member service and operational effectiveness.
Team Leadership
- Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and development for underwriting staff.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
- Lead departmental planning, process improvement, and performance management efforts.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, mathematics or systems analysis or related field.
- Minimum four years’ experience as an Underwriter for an insurance company or self-insured pool
- State of Oregon Insurance License required.
OR
- An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications
- Previous full supervisory experience strongly desired
- Five or more years of management level experience addressing the insurance needs of public entities
- Demonstrated project or program management or leadership skills within the public entity and/or insurance industries
This position requires occasional evening meetings, weekend commitments, and travel within Oregon and throughout the United States.
To Apply
- Open for application until 12 noon Friday September 18th, 2026
- All applicants must provide a current resume, completed SDAO application and responses to supplemental questions. Incomplete application packets will not be considered.
- Please contact hr@sdao.com with any questions