Assistant director Jobs in Calgary, AB

Join us in shaping Canada’s sustainable energy future The Pembina Institute is seeking a Director to join our Electricity team based out of any of our five offices, with a preference for Toronto or Ottawa.

Come provide strategic leadership to advance the evolving priorities of the Pembina Institute’s electricity policy program.

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 The Electricity team works closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the Pembina Institute maximizes its impact in decarbonizing Canada’s electricity sector.

The team develops reports, analyzes market trends, and researches policy positions on the local, national and global economic impacts of the energy transition and energy policy.

The opportunity Reporting to Senior Director, Industrial Decarbonization, the Director, Electricity provides strategic and operational leadership for the program, overseeing day-to-day team operations while ensuring key priorities and outcomes are met.

The Director is accountable for program budgeting, supports fundraising in partnership with the Strategic Partnerships team, leads government relations and stakeholder engagement, and serves as a public spokesperson to advance the program’s impact and alignment with organizational objectives.

Your key responsibilities Lead all people‑management responsibilities for the program, including recruitment, performance management, professional development, mentorship, and succession planning, ensuring alignment with program goals and KPIs.

Partner with the Senior Director on strategic planning and project coordination to design initiatives, set priorities, and ensure alignment with program and organizational strategies.

Oversee program delivery and team resources, providing direction and support to ensure the timely production of high‑quality outputs (e.g., reports, briefings, presentations, webinars, blogs, and fundraising materials).

Ensure the effective use and continuous improvement of tools, systems, processes, and information management practices in line with organizational requirements.

Collaborate with the Strategic Partnerships team to set fundraising targets and lead fundraising activities, including opportunity identification, proposal development, funder reporting, and relationship management.

Work with Communications to develop and implement integrated communications plans that advance program priorities, strengthen messaging, and enhance the program’s visibility and impact.

Lead external stakeholder engagement strategies in collaboration with Communications, cultivating and maintaining relationships with government, industry, Indigenous leaders, academics, NGOs, and other key partners.

Represent the program publicly through media, conferences, meetings, and stakeholder engagements, or delegate representation as appropriate.

Manage the program’s annual budget in collaboration with Finance, making strategic resource allocation decisions to optimize team effectiveness and achieve program outcomes.

What we’re looking for You are a clear, persuasive communicator who can translate complex climate and energy policy issues into plain‑language messages for diverse audiences.

You bring strong understanding of both the technical and strategic dimensions of the work and apply that insight to advance short‑ and long‑term goals.

You are a trusted advocate and relationship‑builder, leading with emotional intelligence and confidence through change, ambiguity, and complexity.

Highly organized and results‑oriented, you take initiative, manage priorities effectively, and work independently, grounded in a demonstrated commitment to sustainability and social change.

What you bring Post‑secondary education in sciences, economics, law, public policy, engineering, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Ten or more years of professional experience in industry, government, or the non‑profit sector working on energy and environmental issues.

At least three years of experience leading teams or directly managing people.

Demonstrated experience building, managing, and overseeing departmental or program budgets.

Proven experience with fundraising, including proposal development and funder engagement.

Extensive experience in energy and/or environmental policy advocacy and regulatory reform.

Direct experience developing or implementing provincial and/or federal environmental policy and regulation.

Strong experience working at multi‑stakeholder tables and navigating diverse interests to achieve outcomes.

Demonstrated capability in public speaking, media engagement, facilitation, and chairing meetings or group processes.

Strong familiarity with Canadian provincial and federal policy and political contexts, with knowledge of not‑for‑profit sector best practices considered an asset.

Compensation and benefits The hiring range for the position is $96,500 to $115,250 annually based on a 37.5-hour work week , with a range maximum of $134,000.

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 these 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, parental leave top-ups, extended health and dental benefits, and yearly professional development funds.

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

To apply Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m.

MT on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

The Pembina Institute is committed to an inclusive and accessible hiring process that values diversity and respect.

We aim to create a work environment where everyone can contribute their best and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

If you require an accommodation during the hiring process, please email careers@pembina.org and we will work to meet your needs while ensuring equal opportunity.

Applications at Pembina are reviewed by our hiring team with each recruitment process following similar steps.

These typically including a screening call, interview, short assessment or samples of work and a reference check.

Candidates selected to advance through the recruitment process will be contacted directly through our applicant tracking system.

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