Director, Policy

The Toronto Region Board of Trade (the Board) is seeking a forward-looking Director of Policy to join our dynamic policy team to advance and enable the Board’s ambitious policy and advocacy agenda. This position will support and work collaboratively internally and externally to develop practical policy solutions and the implementation of place-based initiatives that catalyze action to address key business pain points holding back investment, growth and jobs.** **A comprehensive understanding of energy and climate sectors is preferred; with the capability to seamlessly transition from policy development to project based delivery as appropriate. This role will also support the implementation of Toronto Region Board of Trade’s Strategy 2027, the Board’s new five-year strategic plan—which includes transforming its efforts to galvanize regional economic development, advance competitiveness, enhance business growth, and improve productivity.

**Role Description**:

- Policy development, activation, and advocacy on behalf of Toronto Region’s business community.
- Convenes thought leaders, business leaders, regional partners and experts to inform policy initiatives, identify gaps and determine Board actions that will have an impact on the business community, the broader public sector and senior decision-makers.
- Works closely with departments across the organization to identify opportunities to catalyze our policy positions and harness the Board’s convening power.
- Supports the execution of policy specific events, including Roundtables and Policy Summits.
- Works collaboratively to set policy priorities, develop policies and implementation plans to activate policy initiatives including advocacy, partnerships, and coalitions.
- Actively collaborate with members, partners, and other stakeholders to support the Board’s continued engagement with like-minded organizations including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, other big city Chambers and Boards of Trade, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and Chambers and Boards of Trade in and near the Toronto Region.

**Your experience includes**:

- Degree in economics, political science, business administration, public administration or related area.
- 8-10 years in government, a lobbying organization, an agency or a policy organization.
- Interest in and knowledge of public policy at all three levels of government.
- Experience working with government offices and their respective agencies is an asset.
- Direct experience working on energy and climate files is preferable.
- Familiarity with the various policy voices in the Toronto Region.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in print and in presentations. High standard for written work. Writing samples may be required.
- Ability to handle a heavy workload and several complex files at the same time.
- Ability to work in a cooperative fashion with policy colleagues and those in other areas of the organization including Events, Marketing, Communications, Public Affairs and Sponsorship & Membership.
- Ability to work in a collaborative spirit with the business community and in a constructive spirit with the various levels of government.
- Ability to meet tight and unexpected deadlines and join projects in the late stages to ensure their successful execution. Able to understand policy issues, assess them and develop feasible solutions.
- Ability to respond to changing priorities and meet constant deadlines.

**You’re often described as**:

- Highly organized and deadline-driven
- A self-starter with the ability to work independently
- Collaborative with colleagues from all levels and departments
- Agile and open to changing directions, adopting new practices or learning something new
- A strong communicator and socially-savvy
- Empathetic and aware of interpersonal dynamics
- A strong multitasker with the ability to navigate competing deadlines
- A creative problem solver

**About the Toronto Region Board of Trade**

At Toronto Region Board of Trade, you work closely with a collaborative, results-driven team of city builders. You will be centre stage on the issues that matter to the region. Working at Toronto Region Board of Trade gives you an opportunity to work with thought leaders, while collaborating with our dynamic, diverse membership.

Our culture is grounded in core values that include:

- Accountability - We are accountable to our Members, stakeholders and each other.
- Collaboration - We are our strongest when we work together.
- Connections - We engage and build communities.