Senior Political Risk Underwriter Jobs in California

This is your opportunity to join AXIS Capital - a trusted global provider of specialty lines insurance and reinsurance.  We stand apart for our outstanding client service, intelligent risk taking and superior risk adjusted returns for our shareholders. We also proudly maintain an entrepreneurial, disciplined and ethical corporate culture.  As a member of AXIS, you join a team that is among the best in the industry.

At AXIS, we believe that we are only as strong as our people. We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming culture where employees of all backgrounds and from all walks of life feel comfortable and empowered to be themselves. This means that we bring our whole selves to work.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic, including age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any basis prohibited by the laws that govern its operations.

Senior Underwriter (AVP) - FI Complex Risk - Management Liability

AXIS is seeking a high-performing Senior Underwriter (AVP) to join the Financial Institutions Complex Risk team within our Retail Management Liability platform. This is a market-facing underwriting role focused on complex Financial Institutions both public and private, offering the opportunity to work on sophisticated, multi-line placements within a highly collaborative, retail distribution model.

Role Overview

The Underwriter will be responsible for underwriting and managing a portfolio of new and renewal Financial Institutions Management Liability business while actively originating opportunities through broker relationships.

Target Accounts include

• Investment Advisors with Private Fund exposure and >$1B in AUM
• Banks with >$10B in assets or publicly traded entities
• Insurance Companies (ICPL) with >$500M+ GWP or publicly traded
• REITs and real estate investment structures
• Alternative lenders and specialty finance firms
• Fidelity risks for employers that are publicly traded or have >500 employees
• EPL risks for firms that are public or have >1,000 employees
• Fiduciary risks for firms with >$1B in plan assets

This role requires strong technical underwriting expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex risk exposures across public and private company marketplace. The position offers meaningful visibility across both broker relationships and internal stakeholders.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will bring strong experience underwriting or broking complex Financial Institutions Management Liability risks within a leading commercial insurance carrier or brokerage platform.

They should have a proven track record of building and managing relationships with retail brokers, using those partnerships to originate, retain, and grow profitable business across complex FI public and private company accounts. Experience across D&O, E&O, EPL, Fiduciary, Crime, or broader Financial Lines is expected.

Furthermore, the candidate should possess a comprehensive understanding of underwriting fundamentals, policy structures, and multi-line solution design. Experience handling Financial Institutions risks is value added.

In addition to technical strength, the individual should demonstrate strong executive presence, with the ability to communicate effectively, influence outcomes, and build lasting relationships that support long-term strategic growth, while operating collaboratively within a team and independently managing a portfolio.

Work Profile

This role is based in Los Angeles or San Francisco and operates on a hybrid schedule, subject to business needs and travel.

Key Responsibilities

Distribution & Market Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with retail brokers to drive new business production
• Execute a disciplined broker engagement strategy, including in-person meetings and market travel
• Stay current on trends and emerging risks within the FI public company and Management Liability landscape

Portfolio Management & Production

• Manage a portfolio of new and renewal business, ensuring profitability and alignment with underwriting guidelines
• Retain existing accounts while selectively pursuing new business opportunities
• Support cross-selling of AXIS Management Liability and broader Financial Lines products

Underwriting Execution

• Analyze, evaluate, and underwrite complex Financial Institutions Management Liability risks, including public company exposures
• Structure terms, conditions, limits, and pricing within delegated underwriting authority
• Maintain adherence to underwriting guidelines, best practices, and service standards

Operational Excellence

• Meet divisional service standards, including quote turnaround time, policy issuance, and documentation
• Maintain accurate underwriting files and ensure compliance with internal processes

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Strong broker relationships within the U.S. retail market
• 7+ Experience underwriting Management Liability Complex Risk (D&O, EPL, Fiduciary, or related Financial Lines)
• Track record of managing and growing a profitable underwriting portfolio
• Bachelor's degree

Core Capabilities

• Strong analytical and risk evaluation skills
• Ability to structure complex Management Liability Solutions
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
• Effective relationship management with brokers and internal partners
• Ability to manage competing priorities and perform in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work both independently and within a team

What we offer

For this position, we currently expect to offer a base salary in the range of $170,000 to $215,000 Your salary offer will be based on an assessment of a variety of factors including your specific experience and work location. In addition, you will be offered competitive target incentive compensation, with awards based on overall corporate performance and your individual performance. You will also be eligible for a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes medical plans for you and your family, health and wellness programs, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, and much more.

Where this role is based in the United States of America, this role is[Exempt/Non-Exempt]for FLSA purposes.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.