Position Description

The Toronto Region Board of Trade (the Board) is hiring a Director of Policy to join our dynamic policy team and help advance the Board’s ambitious policy and advocacy agenda. The Director will be responsible for leading the Board's work on housing and land use including oversight of the Housing and Land Use Workstream and related work as part of the Business Council of Toronto (https://bot.com/The-Business-Council-of-Toronto). This role is part of a collaborative team focused on tackling key pain points and challenges faced by businesses in the Toronto region. The role entails leading the development of practical policy solutions, and project execution. These efforts contribute to the broader goal of driving economic growth, competitiveness and prosperity across the Region. The ideal candidate is comfortable switching between high-level strategy development, driving impactful policy solutions and detailed project implementation work. A background in housing and land use, urban planning or a related field is required.

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 expert roundtables and policy symposiums.
• Works collaboratively to set policy priorities, develop policies and implementation plans to activate policy initiatives including advocacy, partnerships, and coalitions.
• Actively collaborates with members, partners, and other stakeholders to support the Board’s continued engagement with like-minded organizations and the broader business community.

Your experience includes:

• Degree in economics or geography, political science, business administration, urban planning or related area.
• 5+ in government, industry, a lobbying organization, an agency and/or a policy organization.
• Interest in and knowledge of public policy at all three levels of government.
• Direct experience working on housing and land use policy, land use planning or economic development files.
• 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 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.

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
• A strong multitasker with the ability to navigate competing deadlines
• A creative problem solver

Make Toronto Stronger — With TRBOT
Your Career. Your Impact

Working at TRBOT means being part of something bigger and making a difference. Here’s what you’ll get:

• Own and lead your policy file through events, public engagement and industry projects
• A mission-driven team shaping the economic future of the region
• Competitive compensation, benefits and time off
• Hybrid schedule that support your work-life balance
• Career growth through mentorship, training, and professional networks
• Free access to TRBOT events, workshops & city-shaping initiatives

Our downtown office isn’t just a place to work — it’s a place to thrive:

• Skyline and lake views + modern, flexible workspaces
• Workspaces designed for quiet focus or vibrant collaboration
• Steps from Union Station (with free shuttle service)
• Convenient access to Waterfront trails, parks & fitness options
• Quiet rooms & a cozy library lounge for recharge
• Bike-friendly with secure storage, showers & lockers

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.

Learn more about the exciting work the Board is doing at bot.com.

We look forward to hearing from interested candidates. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Board welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.