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Director, Sustainable Investing

Fiera Capital • Canada • Added on Aug 21, 2026
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As the Director of Sustainable Investing, you will take full ownership of the ESG strategy for the firm’s Canadian real estate portfolio. This involves integrating environmental and social considerations into the entire asset lifecycle, from initial investment underwriting to long-term property management. You will serve as the primary architect for data management systems that track performance and the lead voice for sustainability communications with institutional investors.

This role is pivotal because it translates high-level climate commitments into tangible real estate outcomes, focusing on decarbonization pathways and climate resilience across physical assets. By bridging the gap between financial returns and environmental impact, you ensure that capital flows toward sustainable development and indigenous community engagement. It is a high-visibility position that directly influences how a major asset manager addresses the urgent transition to a low-carbon economy.

This suits someone who possesses a deep background in real estate asset management and the technical confidence to influence investment committees and external consultants alike.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The Director is responsible for driving the Sustainable Investing strategy specifically for Fiera Real Estate in Canada. This includes overseeing the entire ESG data lifecycle, from collection and analysis to monitoring fund-level performance, ensuring that data quality improves over time to meet rigorous reporting standards. Beyond data, the role involves embedding ESG factors into investment decision-making and underwriting processes. You will lead the development of decarbonization pathways, improve climate resilience for physical assets, and manage interactions with Indigenous communities to ensure social responsibility is integrated into the portfolio’s governance.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates can expect deep exposure to international reporting frameworks such as GRESB, PRI, and CSDS. Navigating these complex standards provides a masterclass in global compliance and transparency requirements for institutional asset management. Additionally, the role offers a unique chance to learn about transitional finance and real estate decarbonization technologies. You will likely gain expertise in building certifications like BOMA and CRREM, while developing the nuanced skills required to facilitate Indigenous community engagement within a corporate investment framework.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate brings at least 5 to 10 years of experience, blending a strong real estate background with a technical understanding of sustainability. A Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred, alongside a track record of using quantitative analysis to set and monitor measurable ESG targets. Soft skills are just as critical; the firm looks for a collaborative change agent who can influence stakeholders without direct authority. You should be comfortable presenting to sophisticated investors and possess the organizational rigor to manage multi-jurisdictional regulatory compliance.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between technical ESG data and commercial real estate value. Your application should highlight specific instances where you have used ESG metrics to influence an investment committee or improved a portfolio’s performance through sustainability initiatives. Research Fiera Capital’s existing Sustainable Investing reports and be prepared to discuss how you would advance their current decarbonization goals. Showing a clear understanding of the Canadian regulatory landscape, including provincial and municipal climate legislation, will also differentiate you from more generalist candidates.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The focus is heavily weighted toward environmental performance within the real estate sector, specifically net-zero disclosure and energy efficiency benchmarking. You will spend significant time on physical climate risk and resilience, ensuring assets are protected against long-term environmental shifts. On the social side, there is a distinct emphasis on Indigenous community relations and First Nation interactions. This suggests the role will go beyond typical 'green' initiatives to address the complex social license to operate within the Canadian real estate development context.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One primary challenge will be data integrity and collection across a diverse portfolio of properties. Improving the accuracy of reporting while coordinating with various third-party managers and vendors requires persistence and sophisticated data management processes. Another challenge lies in the influence-based nature of the role. You must convince investment and asset management teams to prioritize ESG considerations alongside financial returns, which can involve overcoming traditional mindsets or navigating competing priorities during the underwriting process.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with reviewing ESG data sets for an upcoming GRESB submission, followed by a meeting with the Global Investment Office to align on firm-wide sustainability goals. You could spend the afternoon drafting a narrative for a prospective investor pitch or advising an asset manager on building certifications. Interspersed with these tasks are governance activities, such as coordinating the Canadian ESG Committee or preparing training materials for internal teams. The role is a mix of high-level strategic planning and hands-on technical reporting.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

As the firm continues its global expansion, this role offers a path toward executive sustainability leadership within the asset management industry. The high level of visibility with senior management and global investment offices provides a platform for professional recognition. You may also have the opportunity to lead innovative pilot projects in decarbonization or social impact, positioning yourself as a thought leader in the Canadian sustainable investing space. The firm’s commitment to employee growth makes lateral or upward moves within the Global Investment Office a possibility.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Internal stakeholders include the Global Investment Office, Fund Managers, and the Asset Management teams who execute strategies on the ground. You will also work closely with the ESG Committee to drive organizational governance. External interactions are equally vital, involving institutional investors, sustainability consultants, and industry peers. You will also serve as a key liaison with Indigenous communities and regulatory bodies to ensure the portfolio meets both social expectations and legal requirements.

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