Business Development Trainee - 2026 Graduate Development Program

National Interstate is a member of Great American Insurance Group. As one of the leading commercial transportation insurers in the nation, we offer risk financing solutions in all 50 states tailored to meet the needs of a wide variety of transportation classes. Our offerings include traditional insurance and innovative alternative risk transfer (ART) programs, including more than a dozen group captive programs catering to niche wheels markets. We are proud to be a multiple Northcoast 99 winner and Cleveland Plain Dealer Top Workplace in Northeast Ohio. It is because of our talented and dedicated team that we are able to live out our company values of integrity, transparency, fairness, accountability, empowerment and collaboration with each transaction we make. If you are ready to join an engaging and driven team such as ours, we would love to hear from you!

At Great American, we value and recognize the benefits derived when people with different backgrounds and experiences work together to achieve business results. Our goal is to create a workplace where all employees feel included, empowered, and enabled to perform at their best.

Since 1989, National Interstate has specialized in serving the insurance needs of the wheels-based transportation industry. Our steadfast focus on developing niche expertise in product design, loss control and claim services has made National Interstate one of the most respected names in commercial transportation insurance today. (https://natl.com/)

National Interstate and Vanliner’s Graduate Development Program, Ignition 

Ignition, National Interstate’s Graduate Development Program, is a month-long cohort that equips recent graduates with a comprehensive understanding of our business through a blend of instructor-led, self-paced, and hands-on training. Participants gain a strong understanding of our business model, value proposition, and how individual roles impact the organization while becoming immersed in our company culture. Through expert-led sessions, this program explores cross-functional areas, develops key professional skills, and strengthens relationships through team-building and social activities.

The program is taking place in June 2026. The role will be expected to work in the Richfield, Ohio office.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Develops skill and knowledge in conducting market research and networking to identify trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape.
• Learns to create and execute marketing campaigns across various channels, including digital, print, and social media.
• Participates in engaging with existing and prospective new customers to build relationships to achieve the division’s targeted profit goals.
• Assists in creating compelling marketing content, including blog posts, social media updates, newsletters, and promotional materials.
• Learns to monitor and analyze the performance of marketing activities and campaigns, including tracking statistics on prospect lists, hit ratios, business retention and new business production.
• May assist in supporting underwriting in fact gathering, underwriting, and pricing of renewals.
• May assist in preparing reports to analyze and develop existing business profile/mix and the quality and quantity of new business.
• Develops skills to promote additional coverage/programs to existing accounts and achieve premium development and retention/persistency goals.
• May assist with coordinating/transferring books of business and ongoing contract management. 
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Job Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field or equivalent experience.

Scope of Job/Qualifications: Typically participates in a formal training program for 6 months to a year. Performs work under close supervision and technical direction. Developing understanding of marketing principles and practices. Works on assignments of low technical complexity. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Gaining proficiency in marketing software and tools, such as CRM systems, email marketing platforms, and social media management tools. Demonstrates foundational analytical skills and attention to detail. Position may require day and overnight travel (10-20%) to visit agents, brokers, or clients. Position may learn to prospect and solicit new agents or clients; typically, has no or limited underwriting authority. Uses communication skills to build excellent customer relationships and to provide opportunities for marketing products and services.

Company:

Benefits:

Compensation varies by role, position level, and location. Individual pay is influenced by skills, education, training, certifications, experience, and the role's scope and complexity, along with business needs.

We offer a competitive Total Rewards package, including medical, dental, and vision plans starting on day one, PTO, paid holidays, commuter benefits, an employee stock purchase plan, education reimbursement, paid parental leave/adoption assistance, and a 401(k) plan with company match. These benefits are available to eligible full-time and part-time employees.

Your recruiter can provide more details about our total rewards and specific compensation ranges during the hiring process.