Director, Skills Policy Lead, RBC Thought Leadership

As Skills Policy Lead, you will lead research and policy engagement around post-secondary education, workforce development, and the future of skills in Canada. You’ll help shape public dialogue, inform decision-makers, and collaborate with stakeholders across Canada to ensure Canada is ready for the skills demands of tomorrow.

What is the opportunity?

As Skills Policy Lead, you will lead research and policy engagement around post-secondary education, workforce development, and the future of skills in Canada. You’ll help shape public dialogue, inform decision-makers, and collaborate with stakeholders across Canada to ensure Canada is ready for the skills demands of tomorrow.

What will you do?

• Lead research, analysis, and insights on post-secondary education, skills and labour force issues and opportunities
• Shape strategic policy positions on the future of work, skills, and talent development in Canada
• Engage governments, employers, educators, and other partners to drive systems change
• Develop timely, data-rich briefings and content to inform public and private sector leaders.
• Participate national forums, conferences, and roundtables on workforce and education
• Monitor global and domestic trends shaping the skills economy and identify key implications.
• Work strategically with key internal RBC partners and collaborate with cross functional teams

What do you need to succeed?

Must-have

• 10+ years of experience in education policy, skills strategy, workforce development, or related fields.
• Deep understanding of the Canadian PSE system, labour market trends, and innovation policy.
• Proven ability to influence policy through research, communications, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong collaboration skills and experience leading cross-functional or multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience with executive audiences.

Nice-to-have

• Graduate degree or certificate in public policy, education, economics, or organizational development.
• Experience working in government, think tanks, higher education, or national associations.
• Strong grasp of data tools, research methodologies, and applied economic or social analysis.
• Ability to manage complex projects, meet high-quality standards, and deliver under tight deadlines.

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

Adaptability, Commercial Acumen, Creative Visioning, Decision Making, Long Term Planning, Managerial Courage, Organizational Leadership, Organizational Savvy and Politics, Strategic Thinking

Additional Job Details

ROYAL BANK PLAZA, 200 BAY ST:TORONTOTORONTOCanada37.5Full timeOFFICE OF THE CEORegularSalaried2025-04-082025-04-26

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.