Head of Strategic Partnerships

Company DescriptionFirst Acceptance Insurance Company (FAIC) specializes in underwriting and servicing insurance policies and related products distributed through Independent Agents. With over 50 years of experience, FAIC is dedicated to building long-term relationships with customers, including those requiring more flexible payment options or managing challenging insurance histories. The company prioritizes excellent customer service, offering comprehensive support from addressing policy inquiries to efficient claims resolution. FAIC is committed to bringing financial protection and peace of mind to communities nationwide.The Head of Strategic Partnerships is responsible for developing, managing, and expanding high-impact partnerships that drive profitable growth for First Acceptance’s insurance business. This role combines strategic vision, business development, and relationship management to identify new distribution opportunities, enhance existing partnerships, and position the company as a unique offering in the nonstandard auto market. You will collaborate closely with product, underwriting, claims, marketing, finance, and technology teams to deliver partnership solutions that improve customer acquisition, retention, and experience.RESPONSIBILITIESStrategic LeadershipDevelop and execute the company’s partnership strategy to support revenue, growth, and profitability goals.Identify and evaluate potential distribution and affinity partners, including MGAs, brokers, digital agencies, Insurtech’s, nontraditional channels (e.g., gig platforms, auto dealers, lenders), as well as complementary services partnerships throughout the insurance vertical, such as MGUs, TPAs, etc.Build and manage a structured pipeline of partnership opportunities aligned with corporate strategy and underwriting appetite. Partnership Development & ManagementNegotiate partnership agreements, ensuring alignment on commercial terms, performance metrics, and compliance standards.Manage key existing relationships to optimize performance, deepen engagement, and expand collaboration scope.Serve as the primary point of contact for strategic partners, ensuring smooth communication and issue resolution. Cross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with underwriting, claims, actuarial, and product teams to design partnership-specific programs or distribution models.Collaborate with product and analytics teams to track and report partnership performance and ROI.Partner with IT and operations to ensure partner integrations (API, data feeds, quoting systems) meet technical and service expectations. Market & Competitive IntelligenceMonitor market trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes in the nonstandard auto segment.Provide insights to inform executive strategy and help the company adapt to evolving distribution landscapes. JOB REQUIREMENTSEducation & ExperienceBachelor’s degree required; MBA or related advanced degree preferred.8+ years of progressive experience in business development, strategic partnerships, or distribution leadership within P&C insurance — nonstandard auto experience strongly preferred.Proven success in building, negotiating, and managing partnerships with agencies, MGAs, or Insurtech’s.Strong understanding of the nonstandard auto insurance market, including regulatory environment, pricing models, and customer acquisition channels. Skills & CompetenciesExcellent negotiation, influencing, communication, and relationship management skills.Strategic thinker with the ability to translate insights into executable partnership strategies.Strong analytical and financial acumen; able to assess partnership profitability (ROI modeling) and performance metrics.Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias toward action and results in a fast-paced, evolving environment.High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.Requires regular travel 30 - 50% of the work weekMust have an acceptable driving record Technical SkillsAdvanced Excel and financial modeling skills with the ability to evaluate partnership profitability and build business casesFamiliarity with policy administration, quoting/rating, and agency management systemsWorking knowledge of BI/reporting tools and data analysisUnderstanding of API integrations and partner technology onboardingKnowledge of insurance distribution compliance and regulatory requirements Professional Development & Industry LeadershipActively representing the company at insurance industry conferences, partner events, and association forums to cultivate relationships and drive new business opportunities; regular attendance is an expectation of the role.Maintain ongoing continuing education to stay current on regulatory requirements, market trends, and distribution innovations.What Success Looks Like·       New revenue-generating partnerships launched and scaled·       Improved customer acquisition and distribution efficiency·       Measurable increases in partner profitability and retention·       Strong cross-functional alignment and execution·       Enhanced market presence within the nonstandard auto segment PHYSICAL DEMANDS:The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform manual tasks, including using hands to finger and handle controls. Tasks may also require the ability to talk or hear. The employee will frequently sit, bend, and reach with hands and arms, and is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Other abilities include possessing the capacity to learn, concentrate, think, and read. Often, employees communicate and interact with others while working. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The listed requirements are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related duties requested by anyone authorized to give instructions or assignments. Travel RequiredYes. 30 -50% of travel is anticipated