Join us in shaping Canada’s sustainable energy future

The Pembina Institute is seeking a Director, Buildings based out of any one of our offices (Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa). Come lead our Buildings team as we construct the case for retrofitting buildings to be affordable and safe.  

Who we are

At the Pembina Institute, it’s all hands on deck and it has been for the last 40 years.

Our 50+ person team, distributed across the country, are passionate and dedicated, but we don't sweat the small stuff. We’re too busy tackling one of the most important issues of our time: Canada’s clean energy transition.

In that transition, we don’t leave anyone behind and believe each member of our team plays a critical role in achieving our goals. We ensure equity but promote individuality. We lead with curiosity — challenging our own ideas and limiting beliefs, being open to diversity of thought and opinion. We use evidence-based thinking to inform our recommendations to decision-makers and understand that to make long-lasting changes, we need to take a practical approach when collaborating with others.

Our commitment to responsible development, and our “tough, but fair” approach, using research, consulting and convening, gives us credibility with decision makers whose actions today are setting the direction for the planet. Are you ready to join us?

Meet the team

Decarbonizing Canada's homes and buildings is the only form of climate action that reduces emissions while also directly protecting Canadians from extreme weather. In the Pembina Institute’s Buildings program, we develop and advocate for policies that make Canada's homes and buildings — our third-largest source of emissions — healthier, safer, more resilient to extreme weather, and affordable to heat and cool. Using the multi-family residential building type to represent the sector, the Buildings team works closely with internal and external partners to identify and build support for policy and program solutions. Our work takes a wholistic approach, considering building owners, the retrofit industry, utilities and financial service providers as well as governments, workers and communities and its residents.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Senior Director, Communities and Decarbonization, the Director, Buildings provides strategic and hands-on leadership to advance the evolving priorities of the Pembina Institute’s Buildings program and manages the development and implementation of the program’s goals. The director oversees the day-to-day work of team members to ensure key deliverables are met, while also taking responsibility for budgeting, supporting fundraising efforts, government relations and stakeholder engagement, and serves as the public face of the program through external media communications.

Your key responsibilities

• Lead human resources responsibilities, including recruitment, training, mentorship, and performance alignment with program goals.
• Support strategic planning and project coordination to ensure the Buildings program initiatives align with Pembina Institute overall strategy.
• Oversee project execution, resource allocation, and team support to deliver high-quality materials and stakeholder engagement.
• Work with internal partners to set fundraising targets, develop proposals, and manage funder relationships.
• Support Communications in developing and implementing comprehensive plans to enhance program visibility and impact.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external partners, including government, industry, and community leaders.
• Participate in media and public engagements, representing the program at key events.
• Manage the program’s budget, collaborating with Finance on resource allocation and optimization.
• Coordinate with internal teams to align program efforts with cross functional initiatives and the Institute’s overall strategic goals.

What we’re looking for

A persuasive advocate, you excel at building relationships, enhancing the program’s reputation, and fostering long-term connections. With deep knowledge of building science and its relationship to climate and energy challenges, you think strategically, identifying and implementing effective approaches to achieve both short- and long-term goals. You are a skilled communicator with the ability to convey complex climate and energy policy issues in clear, accessible language across multiple channels. Adaptable and solutions-oriented, you navigate change with confidence while balancing innovation and structured processes.

A results-driven leader, you inspire and motivate teams through emotional intelligence and sound judgment. Your strong project and change management skills enable you to effectively organize tasks, meet deadlines, and allocate resources efficiently. Your commitment to sustainability and social change is reflected in your education, professional work, and volunteer experience.

What you bring

• Post-secondary education in sciences, economics, law, public policy, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent work experience with demonstrated knowledge of building science.
• Ten or more years of experience in industry, government, or non-governmental sectors focused on energy and environmental issues.
• Three or more years of experience managing people or leading a team.
• Proven ability to develop and manage departmental budgets.
• Experience in fundraising and securing financial support for an organization.
• Expertise in energy and environmental policy advocacy, regulatory reform, and environmental protection in the energy sector as it related to buildings.
• Strong track record of working in multi-stakeholder settings and balancing diverse interests.
• Direct experience in developing or implementing environmental policies and regulations.
• Skills in public speaking, media engagement, and serving as a spokesperson.
• Experience in meeting facilitation, group processes, and chairing discussions.

The hiring range for the position is $94,664 to $112,994 annually based on a 37.5-hour work week, with a maximum range of $131,325. Within this range, individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, related experience, education and/or training, and internal equity.

We know that to meet our ambitious goals, our people are the core. We also know that one size does not fit all, therefore we offer employees a flexible office and home schedule that allows individuals to find an optimal balance. Our employees receive a generous paid time-off package starting with four weeks of vacation, time to cover health and wellness, professional development and offices closed annually from December 25 to January 1. In addition, we offer RRSP matching, parenthood top-ups, extended health and dental benefits, and yearly development funds.

Note: the incentive programs have certain eligibility requirements and may be subject to employment type.