This is essentially the job I do at Conning (no, I’m not leaving – my boss is retiring and a bunch of us are shuffling around.)
If you’re interested, feel free to message me for more info. The link is to the official ADP listing, etc.
Position Summary:
The Vice President—Life/Annuities Insurance Research functions as a core member of the Conning Insurance Research Life/Annuities team to provide qualitative research, serves as lead author on regular reports, lead/contribute to consulting projects, support broader Conning initiatives, and present to clients.
The Vice President will be encouraged to take initiative in identifying and solving problems independently and apply knowledge of their assigned Life/Annuities sectors/lines of business to produce carefully vetted reports and forecasts on market trends.
They would be self-sufficiently able to perform primary research on Life/Annuities insurance industry trends (financial, economic, societal, technological), write well, work with office automation tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, data retrieval), and be able to present their own research material to clients and colleagues.
The position provides an opportunity to advise clients on the key forces shaping Life/Annuities insurance markets, advance their knowledge of key market sectors, and collaborate with Conning’s team of analysts.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Serve as lead author for regular recurring Life/Annuities publications: quarterly forecast and semi-annual segment reports, as well as several shorter articles (1500 words) relating to research topics.
- Conduct research from both primary and secondary sources.
- Produce 2 to 3 annual strategic studies on industry segments or strategic issues annually, incorporating financial analysis, market trends and strategic implications of change.
- Lead consulting engagements that represent an extension of research to company applications.
- Participate in team-based review of all finished products to ensure that they exhibit professional quality and are completed as scheduled.
- Develop contacts and find opportunities for Conning to increase its exposure and sales in the financial services sector.
- Guide support staff associates in the performance of their assignments.
- Participate in the development of analytical tools and technological and information resources to support insurance research.
- Represent Conning at industry functions in speaking and panel participation roles and give 2 to 3 topical presentations internally and at industry events.
Ancillary Responsibilities :
Support and work with other areas within Conning including Asset Management, Business Development and Investment and Risk Solutions in client interaction and new prospect proposals as requested.
Requirements :
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Actuarial Science, Economics, Accounting or Finance.
- 5+ years of validated experience in related field including Life/Annuities insurance company operations, actuarial functions, consulting, strategic planning / business development, investment banking, or equity/ credit research.
- Actuarial or other Insurance or Financial Services designation desirable.
- Strong writing and analytical skills - ability to synthesize, develop and articulate critical conclusions from broad research and source information including insurance financial information.
- Ability to write and produce well-organized reports ranging from 100 pages to 1,200 words with limited direct supervision clearly and concisely.
- Read and understand insurance company statutory and GAAP financial statements and reporting principles, and an understanding of actuarial topics.
- Read, understand, and use spreadsheet applications to analyze industry and company specific data.
- Apply knowledge of insurance products and to understand the role of technology, distribution, customer service, and economic drivers in shaping the business.
- Apply strong-to-expert knowledge in several of the following areas: Reserve analysis, underwriting and claims processes, insurance marketing and distribution approaches, information technologies and analytical techniques, capital markets and valuation analysis, strategic planning, market research, and competitive analysis.
- Ability to represent Conning at industry functions including delivering formal presentations and growing the Conning network on industry contacts.
- Dedication to continuing education, such as earning industry certifications.
- 10-15% travel, mainly U.S.
Decision Making Level/Position Latitude:
Work product is subject to peer review as well as review by manager and Head of Insurance Research.
Physical Demands :
This position is an “office job”. Most of the time is spent sitting and working with a PC and telephone. Lifting and moving small file boxes may periodically occur.
Work for one of Pensions & Investments Best Places to Work in Money Management! Presented by Pensions & Investments, the global news source of money management, this award program identifies and recognizes the best employers in the money management industry. Conning’s US operations were recognized for a second year in a row.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
Our company embraces the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion; our employees can bring the best version of themselves to work every day. We thrive in an environment where everyone’s voice is heard, every idea counts, and the differences of our employees are valued. We provide reasonable accommodations to those who need them.
If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact us to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.