We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, inclusive culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You’ll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There’s no one like you and that’s why there’s nowhere like RSM.

RSM’s Environment, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) Advisory Services practice partners with organizations across industries to help them meet their sustainability, climate, and ESG priorities through a practical, data‑driven, and business‑focused approach. We support clients in assessing their ESG maturity, designing and operationalizing ESG strategies, and integrating sustainability into decision-making, risk management, and long-term value creation.

As a Sustainability Advisory Director, you will play a key leadership role in expanding our ESG practice across North America. This includes driving business development, building and managing a high‑performing consulting team, developing thought leadership, and delivering impactful sustainability and AI‑enabled ESG solutions for clients.

Responsibilities:

Practice Leadership & Growth

• Lead business development efforts, including originating new opportunities, cultivating executive‑level client relationships, and closing engagements.
• Build, scale, and manage a growing sustainability advisory team, including hiring, coaching, and developing talent.
• Develop new ESG + AI service offerings that integrate data analytics, automation, and emerging technologies into sustainability programs.
• Serve as a key leader in shaping RSM’s broader ESG strategy and go‑to‑market approach, including how AI will influence future ESG reporting and operations.
• Partner across RSM service lines (AI, digital, risk, assurance, tax) to identify cross‑selling opportunities and integrate ESG with broader firm capabilities.

Client Delivery & Technical Expertise

• Oversee and direct ESG projects, ensuring high‑quality deliverables that align with client objectives.
• Advise clients on integrating AI tools and automation into ESG measurement, reporting, forecasting, and scenario analysis.
• Lead the development of ESG strategies, climate‑related risk assessments, materiality assessments, sustainability reports, decarbonization plans, and governance frameworks.
• Guide clients on responsible AI use related to sustainability (e.g., data privacy, bias mitigation, model transparency, AI governance).
• Use advanced analytics and AI‑enabled insights to help clients quantify sustainability impacts and improve operational decision-making.
• Ensure adherence to RSM methodologies while driving continuous improvement of tools, templates, and technology‑enabled solutions.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Present findings and recommendations to client leadership teams and boards.
• Facilitate workshops and cross-functional discussions on ESG, climate risk, and the implications of AI on sustainability programs.
• Build trusted, long‑term relationships with clients and act as their primary advisor throughout their ESG and AI‑transformation journeys.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Engineering, Business, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in sustainability, climate advisory, ESG consulting, or a related field
• Proven track record in business development, including revenue generation and successful proposal development
• Experience growing or leading a consulting practice or team, preferably within professional services
• Deep knowledge of ESG frameworks and standards (e.g., SASB, GRI, TCFD, IFRS S1/S2).
• Strong technical background in GHG accounting, LCA, SBTi, decarbonization pathways, and CDP reporting
• Experience using AI and analytics tools to support ESG data aggregation, reporting, forecasting, or scenario modeling
• Familiarity with responsible AI principles related to governance, transparency, and ethical use of technology in ESG programs
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to non‑technical audiences

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certifications in sustainability or AI-related topics (e.g., GHG Protocol certifications, ISSP-SA, LEED, Responsible AI or data ethics certifications)
• Prior experience implementing AI‑enabled platforms used for ESG data management or reporting
• Experience advising clients on regulatory developments related to ESG and AI

At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people. We offer flexibility in your schedule, empowering you to balance life’s demands, while also maintaining your ability to serve clients. Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmcanada.com/careers/life-at-rsm/rewards-and-benefits.html.

RSM does not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment based on race; colour; creed; sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances; sex (including pregnancy or disabilities related to nursing); gender (including gender identity and/or gender expression); sexual orientation; national origin; ancestry; familial or marital status; age; physical or mental disability; citizenship; political affiliation; medical condition (including family and medical leave); domestic violence victim status; past, current or prospective service in the Canadian uniformed service; Canadian Military/Veteran status; pre-disposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected under applicable provincial employment legislation.

Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process and/or employment/partnership. RSM is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or otherwise participate in the recruiting process, please call us at 800-274-3978 or send us an email at careers@rsmus.com.

At RSM, an employee’s pay at any point in their career is intended to reflect their experiences, performance, and skills for their current role. The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to, education, skills, work experience, certifications, location, etc. As such, pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Compensation Range: $130,000 - $221,000

Individuals selected for this role will be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on firm and individual performance.