Director, Distribution

Branch is on a mission to make insurance more accessible, so more people can be covered. We innovate using data, tech, and automation to simplify insurance from start to finish—we eliminated inaccurate quotes in favor of real prices, created a better way to bundle, and cut unnecessary costs in the traditional insurance process. Then we pass those savings along to our members. Basically, we’re doing insurance the way it was meant to be.

But we didn’t just create the insurance we’ve always wanted, we also created the company we’ve always wanted to work for. As we redefine insurance, we also want to redefine what it means to work in insurance. Find out for yourself.

Branch has a preference for candidates in Ohio, but is open to candidates located in AL, AZ, CT, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS. MO, NE, NV, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, and WI. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Branch is remote first, with most Branchers choosing to work from home. Our headquarters are located in Columbus, Ohio, where we come together from time to time to build relationships and connect with each other in real life. We also have office space in Columbia and Concordia, Missouri as well as Forreston, Illinois. Once a year, the entire company gathers for “BranchFest”, a highlight of the year for many Branchers.

About the role

The Director, Distribution will lead Ember’s distribution strategy and execution across our mutual partners. This role is responsible for building, strengthening, and scaling distribution approaches that respect the values of the mutual model while driving sustainable growth.

This is a senior, externally facing role that blends strategy, relationship ownership, and execution. You will work closely with mutual leadership teams, internal product and underwriting partners, and the broader Branch ecosystem to ensure distribution strategies are practical, compliant, and aligned with each mutual’s long-term goals.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in insurance distribution, a strong understanding of mutual carriers, and the ability to operate as both a strategic advisor and hands-on leader.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and evolve Ember’s distribution strategy across partner mutuals, balancing growth objectives with the values of independence, stewardship, and community.

• Serve as a primary distribution partner to mutual leadership teams, building trusted, long-term relationships grounded in transparency and credibility.

• Assess existing distribution models for partner mutuals and identify opportunities to strengthen performance, efficiency, and reach without disrupting what works.

• Collaborate closely with underwriting, product, claims, and compliance partners to ensure distribution strategies are operationally sound and regulatory-aligned.

• Translate distribution insights into clear recommendations and action plans tailored to each mutual’s market, capabilities, and appetite.

• Support the onboarding of new mutual partners by helping define distribution priorities, success metrics, and early wins.

• Act as a thought partner internally, bringing mutual-specific distribution perspectives into broader Ember and Branch strategy discussions.

• Monitor performance, trends, and partner feedback to continuously refine Ember’s approach to distribution support.

• Represent Ember externally with professionalism and credibility, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted partner to mutual carriers.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

• 8+ years of experience in insurance distribution, carrier partnerships, insurance sales or related leadership roles.

• Direct experience working with or within mutual insurance organizations strongly preferred.

• Strong understanding of agency distribution models, market dynamics, and regulatory considerations.

• Proven ability to influence and advise senior leaders, both internally and externally.

• Comfort operating in ambiguity and building structure where one does not yet exist.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complexity into clear, actionable guidance.

• A collaborative mindset and respect for the mutual model and its role in local communities.

• Enterprise Perspective: Leads across multiple functions or departments; shapes long-term business strategy.

• Executive Presence: Guides other leaders and represents the business to senior stakeholders and the board.

• Org Design & Evolution: Builds high-performing teams and org structures that scale.

• Culture Carrier: Shapes leadership expectations, team norms, and employee experience.

• Multi-Year Impact: Accountable for performance, culture, and growth over 1–2+ year horizons.

Why join us at Branch?

We’re all about getting back to getting each other’s back - that means Branchers, too. So we provide benefits that let you work and live to your fullest.

• Above-market salary - Branch is a data-driven company, so we do the math on salaries, too. If you get an offer from Branch, you can expect compensation that hits above the mark.

• Pay equity and transparency - Our pay isn’t just market-driven, it’s equitable. We let experience and performance drive your success, never your gender, race, orientation, or beliefs.

• Remote-first (with perks) - Work from where you’re most comfortable. We’ll take care of your work from home set-up and monthly internet. We also have a Columbus headquarters if you’d like to join us in an office.

• Flexible YouTime - We don’t just let you control your own time off. We actually encourage you to use it. After your first year at Branch, we’ll give you $1000 toward your next vacation.

• Employee stock options - You’re not just an employee. If you’re full-time, you’re also a part-owner. You’ll have stock options so you can invest in the company you’re helping to grow.

• Medical, vision, dental - Get all the coverage you need for a healthy, happy life.

• 401k and contribution matching - Invest in your future. Branch helps you get to retirement on time with a portion of your contributions matched each month.

What to expect

In light of recent hiring scams across the United States, here’s what the process will look like with Branch (so you know it’s us):

• Please apply to open positions directly through our site. If you don’t see it here, then it shouldn’t exist on another job board. If you’re ever unsure about the legitimacy of a Branch job posting found on another site, please check the listings here to verify.

• If you're selected to move onto the next phase of the hiring process, a member of our Branch talent team will reach out to you directly from the email domain @ourbranch.com to guide you through our process.

• The process will include a number of interviews, which will all happen either over the phone or on video calls.

• We will never ask for personal payment or require you to purchase equipment during our interview process. Always be sure to protect your personal information.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

At Branch, we are deeply committed to community. Branch is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants and/or employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.