Associate Underwriter

About Starfish Specialty Insurance Starfish Specialty Insurance is a managing general agent (MGA) focused on building long-term partnerships with insurance carriers and retail brokers. We combine program management expertise, innovative technology, and a practical approach to insurance to deliver solutions for niche markets. We’re a growing company, which means things move quickly, priorities can change, and there isn’t always a playbook for every situation. That’s part of what makes working here interesting. About the Role We’re looking for an Associate Underwriter to join our Real Estate Investor (REI) team , supporting two growing insurance products serving real estate investors and property owners. This is a hands‑on role that combines underwriting, policy servicing, broker interaction, and program operations . You’ll work closely with the REI team to keep business moving, help evaluate risks, and make sure our brokers and policyholders receive a high level of service. This isn’t a role where we expect you to simply follow a checklist. As you learn the programs and demonstrate good judgment, you’ll have the opportunity to make routine underwriting decisions within established guidelines and take ownership of increasingly complex work. The position reports directly to the REI Program Manager and is fully remote . What You’ll Do Support the underwriting of new and renewal business for our REI programs, following established program guidelines and underwriting standards. Review submissions, identify issues or missing information, and work with brokers to move business toward a decision. Handle routine policy servicing, including endorsements, cancellations, and billing questions. Handle routine underwriting referrals and **escalate** more complex risks or situations when appropriate. Assist with surplus lines filings and related compliance requirements, ensuring required documentation is completed accurately and timely. Maintain accurate, complete underwriting and policy documentation. Assist with policy audits and resolve discrepancies or other issues that arise. Communicate directly with brokers and other partners to obtain information, answer questions, and resolve routine issues. Look for ways to make processes better, faster, and easier for our team and broker partners. Take on additional responsibilities as you develop and as the needs of the programs evolve. What We’re Looking For 2+ years of insurance experience preferred , although we’re open to candidates with less experience who demonstrate strong insurance fundamentals, initiative, and the ability to learn quickly. Experience with property insurance is a strong plus. Surplus lines experience is a strong plus. Some exposure to underwriting, underwriting support, policy servicing, or commercial insurance operations. Someone who is comfortable making decisions within guidelines and knows when something needs to be escalated. A self‑starter who doesn’t need to be told what to do next. If you see something that needs attention, we want you to take ownership of it. Comfortable working in an environment where the answer isn’t always black and white. We value people who can operate in the gray, use good judgment, and find practical solutions. Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work through an issue rather than simply passing it along. Comfortable interacting directly with brokers and building productive working relationships. Willingness to learn new systems, processes, and technology. A desire to grow. As the REI programs continue to expand, there will be opportunities to take on more responsibility and grow into an expanded underwriting role. Why Starfish? We’re building something – and that means the people who join us have an opportunity to have a real impact. We’re not a massive organization where you own one small piece of a process. You’ll work closely with the people running the programs, see how decisions are made, and have the opportunity to help shape how we operate as we grow. If you’re someone who likes to stay busy, figure things out, take ownership, and have a voice in how things are done, we’d like to hear from you. #J-18808-Ljbffr