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Agency Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Position involves both outside and inside business development and includes direct responsibility for agency development and management within a book of business. * Independently underwrites ...

About Human Agency We are scaling rapidly and have a growing pipeline of opportunities that demand exceptional talent across disciplines. Our mission is to bring on individuals, from creative ...

Lead agency development efforts for analytics, including new and organic business pitches * Drive process and procedures to support efficiency and consistency * Drive strategic thinking and ...

... agency development and assist with new business. - Achieve financial acumen in the areas of budgeting, billing and staffing. - Contribute to the career growth of junior team members, serving as ...

Meta is seeking an experienced Agency Marketing Manager to build audience-centric marketing plans ... Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration ...

This role is built for a hunter-minded business development professional with deep fluency in the US media agency ecosystem. You understand how holding companies operate, how agencies buy mobile ...

Showing results 41-60

Agency Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$40.7K

$53.2K

$69K

How much do agency development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for agency development in Chicago, IL is $53,224.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,400.00 and $56,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced in an agency development role, and how can professionals effectively address them?

Professionals in Agency Development often encounter challenges such as building trust with new agency partners, aligning diverse business objectives, and navigating competitive markets. Success in this role typically requires strong relationship-building skills, adaptability, and a strategic mindset to identify mutually beneficial opportunities. Regular communication, setting clear expectations, and leveraging data-driven insights are effective ways to overcome these challenges and foster long-term growth with agency partners.

What is the difference between Agency Development vs Insurance Agent?

AspectAgency DevelopmentInsurance Agent
CredentialsTypically requires licensing, sales, and management certificationsRequires insurance licensing and certifications specific to insurance products
Work EnvironmentFocuses on recruiting, training, and supporting agents within an agencyEngages directly with clients to sell insurance policies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by insurance companies and agencies to develop their sales forceUsed by individual insurance professionals to serve clients
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare roles related to agency growth and managementPeople look for sales roles or client-facing insurance positions

Agency Development involves building and supporting a network of insurance agents, focusing on recruitment, training, and agency growth. Insurance Agents primarily sell insurance policies directly to clients. While both roles require licensing, Agency Development emphasizes management and strategic growth, whereas Insurance Agents focus on sales and client service.

What is agency development?

Agency Development refers to the process of building, growing, and optimizing an agency’s structure, capabilities, and client relationships. This role often involves creating strategies for business growth, improving operational efficiency, developing talent, and expanding service offerings. Professionals in agency development work to identify new business opportunities, maintain and enhance client satisfaction, and ensure the agency remains competitive in the market. It is a key function in advertising, marketing, and digital agencies aiming for long-term success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in agency development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Agency Development, you need a solid background in business development, relationship management, and market analysis, often supported by a degree in business or marketing. Familiarity with CRM platforms, digital marketing tools, and data analytics systems is typically required. Strong negotiation, communication, and strategic thinking skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are crucial for building successful partnerships, driving agency growth, and achieving long-term business objectives.
Infographic showing various Agency Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,224 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Contract Surety Manager

Berkley

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 hours ago


Job description

Company Details
Berkley Surety is a highly professional, service-oriented surety underwriting management company, providing a full spectrum of bonds for contract, environmental, and commercial surety accounts through multiple distribution channels in both the United States and Canada. We write on behalf of W. R. Berkley Corporation member company Berkley Insurance Company, which has an A.M. Best rating of A+ (Superior). We pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our agents. We highly value the insight and expertise our agency partners bring to the table which helps us provide timely and predictable surety solutions.
Company URL: www.berkleysurety.com
Responsibilities
Manage, produce and underwrite new and renewal business from assigned agents/brokers in the primary line of business. Consistently achieve budgeted financial results (premium volume, loss ratio, premium collections and expense management including commissions) through new business acquisition, retention of business, and effective price management as a result of executing personal and branch objectives. Actively participate in the planning and expense management process. Interact and collaborate with a team of Line of Business colleagues and other critical internal/external business associates. Position involves both outside and inside business development and includes direct responsibility for agency development and management within a book of business.
  • Independently underwrites, assesses and manages assigned portfolio of accounts in a particular line or lines of business and can effectively underwrite both performance and non-performance bonds.
  • Understands and executes personal and branch objectives and strategies in an effort to produce budgeted results.
  • Effectively develops and leverages agency/client relationships through a high level of visibility with agents, brokers and clients in support of business objectives.
  • Plans and executes effective regular travel to develop and enhance new and existing producer and account relationships; Visits new and existing accounts; prepares and shares meeting agendas, obtains follow up documentation, evaluates the accounts and submits timely detailed submission memos for appropriate credit approval.
  • Effectively communicates the mission and objectives of the Company in account meetings with confidence, clear communication, good listening skills, professionalism and empathy with the goal to be a trusted adviser and valued partner to all parties. Maintains and manages workflow, including effective communications, with agency representatives in assigned territory, meeting all company standards and expectations. Communicates acceptance or rejection of new and existing accounts while working towards establishing and enhancing the Company's brand.
  • Accountable for accurate underwriting documentation/information in account management systems and adherence to documentation standards and ensures accuracy and integrity of all information contained in account files, and keeps them up to date.
  • Participates in the premium budget and expense process for the profit center.
  • Actively keeps management apprised of issues of importance to the Branch and to the Company.
  • May assist or be directly responsible in the development, mentoring/coaching or supervision of Executive Underwriters, Sr. Underwriters, Underwriters, Associate Underwriters or Underwriting Trainees, as appropriate.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education Requirement
  • Minimum 4-year degree or related industry experience
  • Business/Finance/Accounting Majors preferred, but not required
  • 10+ years of Surety industry or related experience required
  • Banking or Credit Analysis background is a plus

Qualifications: Include necessary skills/experience and core competencies required
  • Demonstrates the ability to read, analyze, discuss and interpret financial statements, bond forms, contract documents, and government regulations and reach appropriate risk assessment conclusions.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to write clear and effective reports and business correspondence so that others will clearly understand the content and the intent.
  • Ability to provide well developed recommendations in support of new and existing accounts, as well as client bond needs.
  • Strong analytical and decision-making skills. Ability to solve practical problems and appropriately deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to effectively interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
  • Must be able to organize and effectively handle medium to complex volumes of information.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment
  • Self-motivation and an out-going orientation with strong customer focus

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Additional Company Details
We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting agencies or firms.
The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full time regular employees including:
• Base Salary Range: $110k-$150k
• Eligible to participate in annual discretionary bonus
• Benefits include: Health, dental, vision, dental, life, disability, wellness, paid time off, 401(k) and profit-sharing plans
The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment.
Sponsorship Details
Sponsorship not Offered for this Role