Head, RBC Climate Action Institute

Job Description

What is the opportunity?

The Head of the RBC Climate Action Institute will lead RBC’s flagship platform to advance real-economy thinking on climate change and the energy transition. Reporting to the SVP, Office of the CEO, this senior leader will shape national dialogue, inform policy, and mobilize action to support Canada’s net-zero ambition—through rigorous research, influential partnerships, and bold convening.

The Institute plays a unique role at the intersection of business, government, and community—demonstrating RBC’s leadership on climate and advancing credible, solutions-oriented insights to accelerate Canada’s transition to a more sustainable, competitive, and inclusive economy.

What will you do?

• Set the strategic direction for the Institute, aligning its mission with RBC’s broader climate and energy transition commitments.
• Demonstrate RBC’s leadership on climate through the development of high-impact research and insights on the energy transition, including clean technology, transition finance, regulatory shifts, and sectoral decarbonization.
• Convene and lead business leaders, policymakers, academics, and innovators to unlock new thinking and forge pragmatic pathways to net-zero.
• Oversee signature initiatives—such as the Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agrifood and the Climate Smart Buildings Alliance—that demonstrate practical, scalable climate solutions.
• Engage in key public forums, summits, and media to represent RBC’s thought leadership on climate, energy, and economic transformation.
• Collaborate across RBC’s climate strategy, business, economics, sustainability, thought leadership, and industry teams to elevate the Institute’s impact and reach.
• Lead a high-performing team, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and public purpose.

What do you need to succeed?

Must-have

• 10+ years in energy transition, climate policy, public affairs, sustainability, or related domains.
• Proven track record of leading complex, cross-sectoral initiatives with measurable impact.
• Exceptional communicator, writer, and public thinker—comfortable shaping opinion and driving dialogue.
• Deep knowledge of Canada’s climate policy landscape, industrial sectors, and transition pathways.
• Strategic leader with the ability to balance thought leadership with practical execution.

Nice-to-have

• Experience with business and climate strategy or within financial services, government, or research organizations.
• Background in economics, energy systems, environmental policy, or innovation strategy.

What’s in it for you?

We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual.

• A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits, competitive compensation, commissions, and stock where applicable
• Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities
• Ability to make a difference and lasting impact
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team
• A world-class training program in financial services
• Flexible work/life balance options
• Opportunities to do challenging work

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