Director, Housing Policy Lead - Thought Leadership & Housing COE

Job Summary

Job Description

What is the opportunity?

RBC Economics and Thought Leadership aims to build a prosperous and innovative future by harnessing ideas, insights, and data to help RBC clients and communities understand the forces shaping the world around us.

Our team of researchers deliver economic analyses, comprehensive reports and conversations with world-leading thinkers that inspire and empower informed decisions in an evolving world including:

• In-depth research reports on geopolitics & trade, disruptive technology (AI adoption, clean tech), human capital (skills, education, demographics), climate action, and economic growth
• An ongoing series of conversations with leading thinkers about reimagining Canada's economy

The Housing Policy Lead Research will be responsible for delivering forward-thinking content and managing cross-sector engagement in connection with major policy conversations, ensuring that our research and insights are informed by public policy groups, key levels of government, non-governmental organizations, academic networks, and industry leaders and associations. The role requires in-depth subject matter expertise in housing markets and policies.

What will you do?

• Lead Housing Center of Excellence across RBC Enterprise
• Publish data-driven research, policy insights, and other reports and publications on housing affordability issues as part of RBC Thought Leadership team.
• Stay abreast of trends and regulations through ongoing research as well as engagement with industry groups, governments, clients, and other key stakeholders.
• Organize and run events, including roundtables, workshops, and conferences, with a cross-section of stakeholders and leaders in housing sector to work towards high-impact solutions.
• Provide regular insights and commentary on housing issues and policy to RBC employees in housing-relevant business lines in support of strategic priorities.
• Work with internal partners as part of the enterprise-wide RBC Housing Affordability Program, including leading a work stream dedicated to research and thought leadership.
• Manage relationships and partnerships with external stakeholders, including clients, think tanks, industry associations, academic institutions, government departments, and more.
• Serve as a thought leader and commentator on housing policy matters at conferences, seminars, and industry events.

What do you need to succeed?

Must-have

• ~10 years of experience in housing research, housing policy, economic analysis, or related areas and in-depth understanding of housing markets, policies, and regulations across Canada.
• Exceptional research and writing abilities, as well as aptitude with data analysis.
• Strong experience building and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders and partners.
• Ability to work across multiple internal teams and seek alignment across key priorities.
• Highly adaptable with the ability to prioritize competing requests in a fast-paced environment with a get-it-done mentality.
• High degree of comfort with ambiguity; demonstrate willingness to embrace change; demonstrate diplomacy, professionalism, and a positive attitude.
• Ability to meet consistently high standards of quality while handling a variety of projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to confidently provide strategic insights to senior leaders and possess the ability to educate and influence others on communications best practices.

Nice-to-have

• Undergraduate degree/post-graduate certificate or equivalent public policy, economics, or urban planning.
• Experience working in government.
• Digital and social media savvy, with a strong grasp on the evolving digital media landscape.

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
• Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team
• Opportunities to do challenging work
• Flexible work/life balance options

Job Skills
Budgeting, Business Analytics, Business Process Design, Conflict Management, Effectiveness Measurement, Group Problem Solving, Industry Knowledge, Interpersonal Relationships, Oral Communications, Research and Development Operations

Additional Job Details

Address:

ROYAL BANK PLAZA, 200 BAY ST:TORONTO

City:

TORONTO

Country:

Canada

Work hours/week:

37.5

Employment Type:

Full time

Platform:

OFFICE OF THE CEO

Job Type:

Regular

Pay Type:

Salaried

Posted Date:

2025-04-23

Application Deadline:

2025-05-10
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment

At RBC, we believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all.

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Expand your limits and create a new future together at RBC. Find out how we use our passion and drive to enhance the well-being of our clients and communities at jobs.rbc.com.