Director Remote Economic Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

For more than 170 years, The Hanover has been committed to delivering on our promises and being there when it matters the most. We live our values every day, demonstrating we CARE through our values, Sustainability initiatives and inclusive corporate culture.
The Hanover is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and experienced Underwriting Director to join our dynamic Commercial Surety team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a high-performing organization that values innovation, technical expertise, and teamwork. As Underwriting Director, you will help drive underwriting excellence, portfolio performance, and technical rigor from the Home Office, partnering closely with regional teams, senior leadership, and stakeholders across the enterprise.
The way we work continues to evolve. This role offers flexible work arrangements and may be hybrid or fully remote, with the ability to travel as needed to support agency engagement, market development, and key meetings. The position may be based in Itasca, IL; Somerset, NJ; Bloomington, MN; Howell, MI; Dallas, TX; Seattle, WA; Worcester, MA; Windsor, CT, or other US locations with the ability to travel as needed.
At The Hanover, our culture is grounded in our Care Values-we care about our people, our customers, and the communities we serve. We foster an inclusive, supportive environment where experienced professionals are empowered to make decisions, share ideas, and grow their careers while working together toward shared goals.
The Hanover is a diverse and inclusive organization committed to attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. We believe diverse perspectives and experiences strengthen our teams, our performance, and the relationships we build every day.
Position Overview:
The Underwriting Director, Commercial Surety drives and supports underwriting excellence for designated areas or assigned territories with greater autonomy, managing account and portfolio underwriting, developing strategies, and providing technical expertise and support to local teams and leadership.
We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
POSITION OVERVIEW: This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on underwriting performance and strategy within a growing Commercial Surety business. You will collaborate with experienced underwriting leaders, influence key business outcomes, and help shape the future of Hanover Surety.
At The Hanover, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where professionals can do their best work. We recognize the demands of today's fast-paced world and support flexibility through modern work arrangements. This position may be performed at a hybrid or fully remote capacity, based near any Hanover office, with occasional business travel as needed.
THIS IS A FULL-TIME, EXEMPT ROLE.
IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL:

• Drive and support underwriting excellence across Commercial Surety
• Manage account-level and portfolio underwriting activities with a high degree of autonomy
• Develop, implement, and execute underwriting strategies in collaboration with senior leadership
• Serve as a technical authority and trusted advisor to underwriting teams and business leaders
• Lead underwriting initiatives and projects aligned with business growth, profitability, and risk management objectives
• Monitor portfolio performance, identify trends, and take appropriate underwriting actions
• Participate in underwriting, compliance, and internal audits as needed
• Identify and address economic, regulatory, and legal issues impacting underwriting results
• Collaborate with Product, Risk Management, Actuarial, Legal, and Claims partners to support underwriting quality and innovation
• Mentor and develop underwriters by providing coaching, guidance, and technical support
• Contribute to the development and delivery of underwriting tools, resources, and training programs

Technical & Professional Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of Commercial Surety underwriting principles, practices, and risk assessment
• Strong understanding of portfolio management, performance monitoring, and underwriting controls
• Awareness of market trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory requirements
• Ability to evaluate complex risks and apply sound underwriting judgment
• Experience leveraging underwriting systems, data, and analytics to drive decision-making

WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY:

• 10+ years of underwriting experience in Commercial Surety
• Demonstrated success in leading underwriting strategy, portfolio oversight, or underwriting excellence initiatives
• Proven leadership and mentoring experience, with the ability to influence without direct authority
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and execution skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across functions
• Advanced proficiency with underwriting tools, systems, and analytical platforms

Measures of Success

• Consistent delivery of underwriting excellence and adherence to underwriting standards
• Strong portfolio performance aligned with profitability and growth objectives
• Effective execution of underwriting strategies and initiatives
• High-quality technical guidance provided to underwriting teams and leadership
• Positive impact on underwriting capability, engagement, and talent development

CAREER DEVELOPMENT:
It's not just a job, it's a career, and we are here to support you every step of the way. We want you to be successful and fulfilled. Through on-the-job experiences, personalized coaching and our robust learning and development programs, we encourage you - at every level - to grow and develop.
BENEFITS:
We offer comprehensive benefits to help you be healthy, build financial security, and balance work and home life. At The Hanover, you'll enjoy what you do and have the support you need to succeed.
Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401K with a company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• PTO
• Company paid holidays
• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Awareness Day in support of IDE
• On-site medical/wellness center (Worcester only)
• Click here for the full list of Benefits

EEO statement:
The Hanover values diversity in the workplace and among our customers. The company provides equal opportunity for employment and promotion to all qualified employees and applicants on the basis of experience, training, education, and ability to do the available work without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, ancestry or any other status protected by law.
Furthermore, The Hanover Insurance Group is committed to providing an equal opportunity workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment based on national origin, race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information or any other status protected by law."
As an equal opportunity employer, Hanover does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities who wish to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, or to perform essential job functions, should contact us at:HRServices@hanover.com and include the link of the job posting in which you are interested.
Privacy Policy:
To view our privacy policy and online privacy statement, click here.
Applicants who are California residents: To see the types of information we may collect from applicants and employees and how we use it, please click here
Compensation:
The target hiring range for this role may vary based on geographic location and other factors, including merit or performance, demonstrated proficiency, skills for the role, education, travel requirements, and experience. Additional compensation may include an annual bonus (which could take the form of a general bonus, sales incentive, or short-term incentive), long-term incentive or spot recognition awards. The posted range reflects our ability to hire at different position titles and levels depending on background and experience.