Associate Account Manager

OVERVIEW

Associate Account Manager - Employee Benefits (Preferred Accounts)

Location: Hybrid - Deerfield or Downer's Grove IL

At Alera Group, our Employee Benefits team helps organizations design and manage competitive, compliant, and forward-thinking benefits strategies. We're seeking an Associate Account Manager - Employee Benefits (Preferred Accounts) to join our team in a role intentionally designed as a developmental bridge between Benefits Coordinator and Account Manager.

This position is ideal for a high-performing Benefits Coordinator ready to take on greater client ownership, increased accountability, and deeper exposure to managing a book of business end-to-end. You'll partner closely with an Account Manager supporting larger, more complex accounts - including alternative funding arrangements such as level-funded and self-funded plans - while building readiness to independently manage your own book of business over time.
About Alera Group
Founded in 2017, Alera Group has grown to become the 14th largest broker of U.S. business. We are passionate about our clients' success in Employee Benefits, Property & Casualty Insurance, and Financal Services. With offices nationwide, our collaborative approach allows us to deliver national strength with local service
Why Alera Group

• Make an Impact: Help organizations build benefits strategies that support employees' health, financial wellbeing, and long-term engagement.
  
• Grow With Us: We invest in mentorship, skill development, and structured career pathways.
  
• The Collaborative Way: Accountability, partnership, and shared success guide how we work.
  
• National Strength. Local Heart: Resources and expertise at scale - with relationships that feel personal.
  

RESPONSIBILITIES

What You'll Do / Your Impact
Client Service & Account Ownership

• Serve as a primary client contact for assigned accounts, delivering responsive and professional service
  
• Support larger, complex accounts while independently managing designated smaller accounts
  
• Lead Open Enrollment meetings and resolve complex service issues related to eligibility, billing, claims, and enrollment
  

Renewals & Strategic Support

• Partner with the Account Manager on renewal and marketing strategy for complex accounts
  
• Take increasing ownership of renewal preparation and execution for smaller accounts
  
• Prepare proposals, presentations, and client deliverables
  

Workflow & Execution Leadership

• Direct day-to-day workflow of Benefits Coordinator(s) and serve as escalation point
  
• Ensure deadlines, compliance requirements, and service milestones are met with accuracy and discipline
  
• Maintain organized documentation and uphold agency processes
  

QUALIFICATIONS

What You Bring
Required

• Minimum 3 years of experience in employee benefits administration, brokerage, or carrier environments
  
• Demonstrated success as a Benefits Coordinator or similar role with increasing responsibility
  
• Active Life & Health Insurance License (or ability to obtain within required timeframe)
  
• Strong knowledge of medical, dental, vision, and ancillary benefits
  
• Confidence presenting in client-facing and employee meeting settings
  

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  
• Experience supporting larger or more complex client relationships
  
• Familiarity with alternative funding arrangements (level-funded, self-funded, etc.)
  
• Experience with agency management systems, HRIS platforms, or CRM tools
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Compensation:
Salary range: $65,000 - $75,000 per year
Eligible for performance-based bonus

Work Model:

This role is Hybrid.

Benefits:
Alera Group offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage, 401(k), generous paid time off, and more.
Professional Development - Alera Group Academy
Growth is intentional here. Through Alera Group Academy, you'll have access to structured developm