Director, Distribution

Overview

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.

Branch has a preference for candidates in Ohio, but is open to candidates located in AL, AZ, CT, FL, GA, , 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 “Branch Fest”, 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.

• 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.

• 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…