Head of the RBC Climate Action Institute at RBC

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Work Type: Full-Time

Salary: Not disclosed

About RBC

RBC is one of Canada's largest financial institutions, serving clients across banking, wealth management, capital markets, and other financial services.

Through the RBC Climate Action Institute, the bank is building a platform focused on advancing practical thinking around climate change, the energy transition, and Canada's pathway to a more sustainable and competitive economy.

This is where finance, policy, business, and climate strategy meet.

The Opportunity

The Head of the RBC Climate Action Institute will lead RBC's flagship platform for advancing real-economy thinking on climate change and the energy transition.

Reporting to the SVP, Office of the CEO, you will shape national climate dialogue, inform policy discussions, develop influential research, and bring together leaders across business, government, academia, and innovation.

This is not a conventional sustainability role.

It is a senior thought leadership and public affairs position focused on turning climate intelligence into practical action.

What You'll Do

Strategic Leadership

Set the strategic direction for the RBC Climate Action Institute

Align the Institute's mission with RBC's broader climate and energy transition commitments

Identify emerging climate and economic issues that require deeper research, collaboration, or public engagement

Position the Institute as a credible voice on Canada's transition to net zero

Research & Thought Leadership

Lead the development of high-impact research and insights on the energy transition

Explore issues including clean technology, transition finance, regulatory change, and sectoral decarbonization

Translate complex climate and economic developments into practical insights for business and policymakers

Build an evidence base that supports Canada's transition to a sustainable, competitive, and inclusive economy

Cross-Sector Convening

Bring together business leaders, policymakers, academics, innovators, and other stakeholders

Create platforms for dialogue and collaboration around Canada's climate and energy transition

Build partnerships that unlock new thinking and practical pathways toward net zero

Strengthen connections across business, government, and communities

Signature Climate Initiatives

Oversee major Institute initiatives designed to demonstrate practical climate solutions

Support initiatives such as the Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agrifood and the Climate Smart Buildings Alliance

Identify opportunities to develop and scale solutions across high-impact sectors

Public Engagement & Representation

Represent RBC's climate thought leadership at public forums, summits, and industry events

Engage with media and external stakeholders on climate, energy, and economic transformation

Communicate complex issues clearly and credibly to senior and public audiences

Help shape national dialogue around Canada's transition

Internal Collaboration

Work across RBC's climate strategy, business, economics, sustainability, thought leadership, and industry teams

Connect the Institute's research and initiatives with broader RBC priorities

Elevate the Institute's impact and reach across the organization and externally

Team Leadership

Lead and develop a high-performing team

Build a culture of intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and public purpose

Coach team members and create an environment that supports high-quality research and execution

Requirements

Core Qualifications

10+ years of experience in energy transition, climate policy, public affairs, sustainability, or related fields

Proven track record leading complex cross-sector initiatives with measurable impact

Deep knowledge of Canada's climate policy landscape, industrial sectors, and transition pathways

Experience translating complex climate issues into practical strategic direction

Thought Leadership & Communication

Exceptional writing and communication skills

Strong public speaking and media capabilities

Ability to shape opinion and drive informed dialogue

Comfort operating as a public-facing thought leader on climate and economic transformation

Strategic Leadership

Strong ability to balance long-term thought leadership with practical execution

Experience working across organizations, sectors, and stakeholder groups

Ability to identify opportunities, build partnerships, and mobilize action

Nice-to-Have Experience

Experience in business and climate strategy

Background in financial services, government, research, or related organizations

Knowledge of economics, energy systems, environmental policy, or innovation strategy

Benefits & Perks

Comprehensive total rewards program

Competitive compensation and flexible benefits

Potential bonuses, commissions, and stock where applicable

Leadership coaching and development opportunities

Flexible work/life balance options

World-class financial services training

Opportunities to work on high-impact climate and economic issues

Collaborative and high-performing work environment

Why This Role Matters

Canada's net-zero transition will not be delivered by climate policy alone.

It will require businesses, governments, financial institutions, researchers, and communities to understand where the economy is heading and what practical action looks like.

The RBC Climate Action Institute sits directly in that conversation.

This role gives one senior leader the mandate to connect research with policy, business with climate strategy, and dialogue with action.

The objective is bigger than producing reports.

It is helping shape how Canada thinks about and executes the transition.

Apply

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