Surety Claims Coordinator at Avalon Risk Management in Schaumburg, IL

Who We’re Looking For

Based in Schaumburg, we’re looking for someone with professional experience who is ready to take the next step into a more specialized career. You do not need prior bond experience as we are looking for people who have demonstrated that they can learn complex processes, manage a high volume of documentation, stay organized under external deadlines, communicate professionally, and use good judgment about when to act and when to ask for help. Experience in areas such as insurance support, importation, logistics, contracts, finance, billing, or other detail intensive professional environments is especially helpful. A professional degree or related logistics experience is helpful but most importantly, we want someone who is genuinely curious about international logistics, is dependable, comfortable with change and ambiguity, and wants to develop the technical knowledge needed to become a licensed Surety Claims Specialist (Adjuster). If you enjoy following and acting on a case until the end, this is a great role for you.

This position does not require an adjuster license and is an excellent opportunity to enter (or grow in) the international trade and logistics insurance industry. Top candidates will have demonstrated experience in high quality, professional customer support following established, yet complex, procedures.

What you’ll do

The Claims Coordinator helps the bond team get ahead of potential tariff claims before a formal demand is made against the surety. By proactively contacting importers and brokers, gathering necessary documentation, and identifying matters requiring escalation, you will help clients address open issues early while giving our licensed Claims professionals better information for evaluating developing risk. You’ll play a direct role in the efficiency of the claims team by providing “white glove” services such as preparing our clients for claims before final deadlines or sending courtesy copies of claims reports. This important process will both help our clients operate more smoothly and help our claims team prioritize more efficiently. Our professionals must be able to confidently work in an ever changing regulatory environment to accurately maintain claims files. You bring your sense of ownership, and we’ll teach you the technical knowledge. Essential responsibilities of this role include:

• Proactively and professionally contact importers and brokers to gather claim documentation and begin to build the claim file. This is usually done over email with follow up phone calls. Work the claims set up to a successful conclusion of either no further action or further review.
• Based on program guidelines and learned judgement of importers, estimated duties, etc, identify suspicious or concerning claims activity and create a ticket for further corrective action review.
• Clearly communicate details of claims activities to the Bond Underwriting team.
• When escalation is warranted, recommend an intent-to-terminate on a delinquent bond.
• Make basic claim payment recommendations to Surety Claim Specialists based on proactive communication with clients and formulaic guidelines. This is key to how you will learn Customs Bonds Claims.
• Based on automated reports or the running of client activity reports, email Liquidated Damages claims
• prior to demand on surety to importers and brokers. In other words, get in front of the claim.
• Collect and record proof of payment and other claim documents needed to mitigate claims for Liquidated
• Damages, Debit Vouchers, and Increased Duty Bills prior to demand on surety.
• Document and upload documents to claim files as they are received. On time, with details.
• Escalate and forward files to Claim Specialists (adjusters), such as for a demand on surety.
• Coordinate collateral verification checks by using the request template.
• Email Intent to Terminate notifications on delinquent bonds.
• Conduct internet searches for current address/contact information for importers.
• Facilitate completion of payments involving brokers, importers, and Customs.
• Assist with projects regarding data gathering, recording information in appropriate systems, and generating claim tracking reports.
• Assist with mail, claim intake, and forwarding payments to appropriate parties as needed.

Your Career Growth Path

For employees who demonstrate the interest and readiness to advance, the Coordinator role provides a direct

path toward Surety Claims Specialist (an Adjuster) and a career in surety bonds. Advancement is not automatic

or guaranteed; it depends on demonstrated readiness, available business need, and completion of applicable

licensing requirements. Avalon's considers the Coordinator as the direct pre-Specialist role because it provides

ongoing exposure to developing claims, deadlines, documentation, customer interaction, escalation decisions,

and the judgment required of a licensed adjuster.

Who We Are

Avalon Risk Management is a specialty insurance broker with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. We

focus on the unique and exciting world of risk management and insurance products for the international trade

and logistics industry. After 28 years of success, we are fiercely proud that we are still independently owned

and our average employee tenure is an incredible 10 years. Apply today to see where professional careers are

grown.

Let’s Get Started

Avalon is a premier provider of innovative insurance and surety solutions. This is a full-time, exempt (salaried)

position with a starting base compensation range of $46,000 - $50,000 per year. We offer an excellent

benefits package that includes health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, and student

debt assistance. Avalon is an equal opportunity employer that is intentional about creating a best in class

culture for employees. The salary estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for candidates hired in

this position in Schaumburg, IL. Factors that may be used to determine your actual starting salary include your

specific skills, how many years of direct experience you have, and comparison to other employees already in

this role. After a 90 day introductory training period, new hires are eligible for a hybrid in-office and work from

home environment.

Get to know us online at www.avalonrisk.com and by viewing our LinkedIn Life page. Apply today via our quick

application process!