Berkley

AVP, Executive Underwriter, Fine Art & Collections

Berkley$150K — $200K *
Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • 10+ years of underwriting experience, preferably in fine art or specialty insurance
  • Experience underwriting monoline fine art risks for private collectors or institutions
  • Strong technical underwriting skills in risk assessment and portfolio management
  • Ability to make confident decisions balancing risk and growth
  • Experience working directly with brokers and distribution partners
  • Consultative approach with exceptional communication skills
  • Collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for learning

Responsibilities

  • Underwrite and manage complex fine art and high-value asset risks
  • Review and approve new business, renewals, and endorsements
  • Assess risk management reports and recommend creative solutions
  • Partner closely with brokers to convert opportunities into profitable business
  • Manage and grow a diverse book of business across various institutions
  • Serve as an underwriting expert and relationship manager
  • Collaborate with teams to enhance client and broker experience
  • Travel to meet clients and brokers, fostering relationships
  • Contribute to underwriting strategy and process improvement initiatives

Benefits

  • Culture of innovation and support
  • Internal mobility opportunities
  • Visibility to senior leaders
  • Comprehensive wellness benefits and programs
  • Employer funded health savings account
  • Paid parental leave
  • Tuition assistance and professional continuing education
Full Job Description
Responsibilities

Protect some of the world's most significant fine art collections and cultural institutions. This role combines sophisticated underwriting, portfolio management, and broker relationship development across private collections, museums, galleries, high-net-worth clients, and other specialty assets.

As an AVP/Executive Underwriter, Fine Art & Collections, you'll play a pivotal role in evaluating, selecting, and growing profitable business across some of the most unique and valuable assets in the world. This is a highly visible role that blends technical underwriting expertise, broker relationship management, and strategic business development. This is more than a traditional underwriting role. You'll have the opportunity to work on highly specialized risks that require thoughtful analysis and creative solutions while building meaningful relationships across the broker & art community. You'll be empowered to influence underwriting strategy, contribute to business growth, and work alongside industry experts who are passionate about protecting some of the world's most valuable collections and assets.

What you can expect:
  • Culture of innovation, teamwork, supportive colleagues and leaders willing to invest in talent
  • Internal mobility opportunities
  • Visibility to senior leaders and partnership with cross functional teams
  • Opportunity to impact change
  • Benefits - competitive compensation, paid time off, comprehensive wellness benefits and programs, employer funded health savings account, profit sharing, 401k, paid parental leave, employee stock purchase plan, tuition assistance and professional continuing education

We'll count on you to:
  • Underwrite and manage complex fine art and high-value asset risks, including private collections, museums, galleries/dealers, exhibitions, corporate collections, auction houses, etc.
  • Review and approve new business, renewals, and endorsements within underwriting authority while maintaining strong underwriting discipline and profitability.
  • Assess risk management reports and recommend creative solutions that align client needs with sound risk selection.
  • Partner closely with brokers and agents to provide consultative underwriting guidance and help convert opportunities into profitable business.
  • Manage and grow a diverse book of business spanning everything from private collections to some of the largest museums and fine art institutions in the market.
  • Serve as both an underwriting expert and relationship manager, building trusted partnerships with brokers while driving business growth.
  • Collaborate closely with Distribution, Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service teams to create a seamless client and broker experience.
  • Travel to meet with brokers and clients across the United States, strengthening relationships and developing new opportunities.
  • Contribute to underwriting strategy, portfolio management, and process improvement initiatives that support long-term growth and innovation.
  • Exercise thoughtful risk allocation and decision-making skills to balance growth objectives with underwriting profitability.
  • This is an opportunity to become a thought leader in art risk and asset management.


Qualifications

What makes you successful:

We're seeking an underwriter who thrives on intellectual challenge, relationship building, and the opportunity to work with highly specialized risks.

What you need to have:
  • Bachelors degree or equivalent experience
  • 10+ years of underwriting experience, preferably within fine art, valuable articles, high net worth personal lines, or other specialty insurance segments.
  • Experience underwriting monoline fine art risks, particularly serving private collectors, museums, galleries, or similar institutions, is highly desirable.
  • Strong technical underwriting skills with demonstrated expertise in risk assessment, selection, pricing, and portfolio management.
  • The ability to make confident underwriting decisions while balancing risk appetite and growth opportunities.
  • Experience working directly with brokers and distribution partners. Candidates who began their careers in underwriting and later moved into a broker-facing role are encouraged to apply.
  • A consultative and relationship-driven approach, with the ability to engage effectively with sophisticated brokers and clients who are increasingly risk-aware and technically savvy.
  • Strong business acumen and a strategic mindset. We welcome candidates with experience in both transactional and strategic underwriting environments.
  • Exceptional communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of an organization.
  • Natural curiosity, sound judgment, and a passion for learning.
  • A collaborative, entrepreneurial spirit and the desire to help shape a growing specialty business.
  • Ability to travel


Additional Company Details

We do not accept any unsolicited resumes from external recruiting agencies or firms.

The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full time regular employees which for this role include:
• Base Salary Range: $150,000-$200,000
• Eligible to participate in annual discretionary bonus.
• Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 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

About Berkley

Berkley is a packaging company that develops innovative solutions to help our customers sell more product and be on the edge. Berkley offers the cost advantages and creative control of an in house/on site agency without the risk and hassle of oversight. Berkley develops turnkey retail environments – including design, manufacturing and installation services.

Berkley Careers

Joining Berkley presents a prime opportunity to be part of a team renowned for its leadership in the industry, fostering innovation and growth. Berkley, a company committed to professional excellence and diversity, offers a range of job opportunities that cater to various skills and career aspirations.

Explore Job Opportunities

Berkley is actively hiring, seeking individuals who are passionate, driven, and ready to contribute to a dynamic team environment. With a variety of positions available, Berkley provides a platform for professionals at every stage of their career, from entry-level to senior leadership roles.

Internship Programs

Kickstart a career with Berkley through comprehensive internship programs designed to provide hands-on experience in a real-world setting. Internships at Berkley are a gateway to full-time employment, offering invaluable industry exposure and networking opportunities.

Professional Growth and Development

Berkley is dedicated to the continuous professional development of its team members. The company supports career advancement through leadership training programs, workshops, and seminars that enhance skills and foster innovation.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Berkley, diversity is celebrated and actively promoted through various initiatives and diversity training programs. The company believes that a diverse workforce is key to driving creativity and innovation.

Benefits and Culture

Employees at Berkley enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. The company culture emphasizes teamwork, respect, and integrity, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

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