Life & Retirement Advocate I

Horace Mann is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Life & Retirement Advocate I to join our Life & Retirement Operations team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in building a career in financial services while developing knowledge of Life and Retirement products, operations, regulatory requirements, and industry practices. In this role, you’ll process Life & Retirement transactions, support our field sales team and clients, and learn the systems and processes that help deliver an efficient and high-quality customer experience. You’ll work as part of a collaborative, flexible team where accuracy, continuous learning, and exceptional service are essential to success. This is a hybrid role for the Springfield, IL office. Key Responsibilities Life & Retirement Operations Perform assigned Life & Retirement Core and Auxiliary transactions while maintaining established quality and service standards. Develop proficiency in assigned Core business functions and Auxiliary functions, progressing knowledge and capabilities as experience grows. Work as part of a flexible work group to maximize workflow efficiency, productivity, and service delivery. Manage assigned work and provide timely updates to maintain transparency around service-level expectations. Customer & Field Support Communicate consistently and professionally with clients and the field sales team, providing clear and concise information. Deliver responsive service while maintaining accuracy and professionalism in every interaction. Collaborate with peers and internal business partners to address priorities and support effective resolution of operational needs. Systems & Technology Learn and effectively utilize administrative systems, document repositories, workflows, and web-based applications supporting Life & Retirement Operations. Develop working knowledge of systems and tools including CK4, EXL-LifePro, Resonant, Mainframe, SAW, VIP Doc View, VIP Work Queue, Web Transactions, Page Center Reporting, Microsoft Office, Hyland OnBase, and Relius Administration. Compliance & Quality Develop an understanding of and adhere to applicable FINRA, SEC, IRS, Department of Insurance, internal SOP, tax, and filed-rule requirements. Balance multiple priorities while maintaining quality, accuracy, and compliance with established service-level agreements. Build foundational knowledge of retirement products, industry practices, and regulatory requirements. Continuous Learning & Improvement Actively participate in training, team collaboration, and professional development opportunities. Identify and share opportunities to improve processes, workflows, and the customer experience. Continue developing Life & Retirement product and industry knowledge to support career growth. Qualifications & Experience H.S Diploma or GED equivalent, required. Bachelor’s degree in a business, finance, or related field preferred, or comparable business-related education and experience preferred. Interest in developing knowledge of Life Insurance, Retirement products, and financial services operations. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Excellent attention to detail, organization, and time-management abilities. Ability to learn multiple systems, processes, and regulatory requirements. Ability to multitask, prioritize work, and collaborate effectively in a team environment. Strong commitment to accuracy, quality, and customer service. Additional Information Normal office environment. Hybrid working arrangement. Pay Range : $18.80 - $25.43/hr Salary is commensurate to experience, location, etc. Horace Mann was founded in 1945 by two Springfield, Illinois, teachers who saw a need for quality, affordable auto insurance for teachers. Since then, we’ve broadened our mission to helping all educators protect what they have today and prepare for a successful tomorrow. And with our broadened mission has come corporate growth: We serve more than 4,100 school districts nationwide, we’r…