[Hiring] Senior Associate, Associate Account Executive @New York Life

Role Description

The Associate Account Executive (Associate AE) is a developmental role designed as a career path into the Account Executive position. The role is responsible for managing a portfolio of clients primarily in the 250–499 lives segment with a focus on retention, growth, and service. The Associate AE partners closely with clients, brokers, and internal business partners to support renewals, strengthen client relationships, and deliver a high level of service, including a focus on upsell and cross-sell opportunities. This role provides structured development to prepare talent for progression into larger segment Account Executive roles. We’re looking for a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, values building strong relationships, and is motivated by creating growth opportunities for both clients and the organization.

Preferred candidate location is within one of the following areas: Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis.

What You'll Do

• Client & Broker Relationships
  • Serve as a trusted resource on products, coverages, systems, and processes.
  • Build and maintain strong partnerships with clients and brokers, positioning yourself as a local market expert.
  • Facilitate policy renewals, including census collection, underwriting negotiations, and presenting renewal recommendations.
  • Represent New York Life at industry events to strengthen knowledge and expand networks.
• Growth & Retention
  • Identify and pursue upsell and cross-sell opportunities to expand client relationships.
  • Develop strategies to achieve profitability and retention goals for your assigned book of business.
  • Partner with underwriting and internal teams to negotiate policy changes on behalf of clients.
• Collaboration & Leadership
  • Navigate effectively within a matrix organization, coordinating with underwriting, sales, and service partners.
  • Actively participate in training and development efforts.
  • Participate in special projects, contributing ideas for process improvements.
• Compliance & Operations
  • Maintain accurate tracking across systems for renewals, pipeline, and client activities.
  • Ensure all activities meet compliance standards and company requirements.

Qualifications

• Prior background in Life, Accident, Disability, and/or Leave benefits preferred.

Requirements

• Strong negotiation, influencing, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills; active listening is key.
• High-energy, self-motivated, with a “sense of urgency” and “take-charge” attitude.
• Proficiency in MS Office; ability to leverage and present technology/online tools effectively.
• BA/BS degree preferred.
• Required state licenses.

Development and Training

• Complete structured 8-week training program, including mentorship milestones.
• Apply feedback to strengthen competencies in client engagement, presentation, and book management.
• Demonstrate readiness for promotion into the AE role.

Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Problem Solving
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Organizational Agility
• Perseverance
• Priority Setting
• Clear and Effective Communication

Working Conditions & Rewards

• Domestic travel up to 30% (overnight as needed).
• Base salary plus incentive compensation.
• Field sales office location.

Pay Transparency

• Salary range: $75,000 + Sales Incentive
• Overtime eligible: Exempt
• Discretionary bonus eligible: No
• Sales bonus eligible: Yes

Our Benefits

We provide a full package of benefits for employees – and have unique offerings for a modern workforce, including leave programs, adoption assistance, and student loan repayment programs. Based on feedback from our employees, we continue to refine and add benefits to our offering, so that you can flourish both inside and outside of work.

Our Diversity Promise

We believe in a diverse workforce because it is our mission to advocate for the financial security and success of people in every community. This is why diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are guiding principles that are embedded in our brand and our culture.