Senior Policy Advisor

The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor. We have one permanent positions available to start immediately.

About RECO

As Ontario’s regulator of more than 110,000 real estate agents and brokerages (often referred to as registrants), RECO administers and enforces the law that regulates trading in real estate in Ontario and enhances consumer confidence in the real estate services sector. RECO’s commitment to pursuing trust in every transaction means consumers can navigate the real estate market with confidence. 

A modern regulator with approximately 170 employees, RECO is a collegial and dynamic environment where strategic agility, curiosity and empathy are valued.

Hybrid work environment

RECO has a ‘hybrid’ environment, which typically includes a minimum attendance in the office of two days per week, with some teams/positions requiring more frequent in-office attendance. 

RECO’s commitment to diversity and inclusion: They aren’t just words to us!

RECO is committed to promoting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment that includes awareness, education, and engagement-building opportunities for all employees.

The role

Under the direction of the Director, Regulatory Transformation, the Senior Policy Advisor leads complex policy research, analysis, and development activities that support RECO’s regulatory mandate under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA).

The Senior Policy Advisor provides expert policy advice and strategic analysis to support regulatory programs, legislative interpretation, and policy development initiatives that enhance consumer protection and professionalism within Ontario’s real estate sector.

Position responsibilities

Planning

• Lead planning and scoping of complex policy research and analysis initiatives aligned with regulatory priorities.
• Contribute to the development of policy work plans, consultation strategies, and regulatory policy initiatives.
• Identify policy issues, risks, and emerging trends that may impact RECO’s regulatory framework.
• Support the Manager, Regulatory Policy in developing policy priorities aligned with organizational and regulatory objectives.

Policy Development & Execution

• Lead research, environmental scans, and jurisdictional analysis related to legislative, regulatory, and policy issues.
• Develop policy options, regulatory frameworks, and recommendations for leadership consideration.
• Draft briefing notes, discussion papers, regulatory proposals, consultation materials, and executive reports.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative regulatory data, environmental intelligence, and sector insights to inform evidence-based policy recommendations. Support legislative and regulatory interpretation related to TRESA and related regulatory instruments.
• Lead or support cross-departmental initiatives that require policy expertise.
• Ensure policy documentation aligns with governance, regulatory compliance, and documentation standards.
• Contribute policy analysis that supports the evolution of RECO’s regulatory framework toward more risk-informed, evidence-based regulatory oversight.
• Collaborate with teams across the regulatory lifecycle, including policy, compliance, enforcement, registration, and legal, to ensure regulatory policies are practical, operationally aligned, and support effective regulatory delivery.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead stakeholder consultation and engagement activities related to regulatory policy initiatives.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders including government partners, industry representatives, and other regulators.
• Facilitate policy discussions, consultations, and working groups.
• Provide policy interpretation and advice in response to stakeholder inquiries or emerging sector issues.

Self Management

• Participate in performance management activities including goal setting and development planning.
• Maintain current knowledge of regulatory, legislative, and policy developments impacting the real estate sector.
• Demonstrate professional judgment, resilience, and collaboration in a regulatory environment.
• Provide policy expertise to support regulatory initiatives or special projects.
• Act as a resource or mentor to policy analysts supporting policy initiatives.
• Provide back-up support to colleagues when

Qualifications and experience

• Post-secondary education in public policy, public administration, law, business administration, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 5–8+ years of policy development, regulatory, government, or public policy experience.
• Strong knowledge of policy analysis frameworks, research methodologies, and regulatory policy development.
• Demonstrated experience conducting environmental scans, jurisdictional analysis, and policy impact assessments.
• Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory frameworks, ideally within a regulated profession or public regulatory environment.
• Excellent written communication skills with experience preparing briefing notes, policy papers, consultation documents, and executive materials.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to synthesize complex information and present balanced policy options.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and operate effectively in a transparent, publicly accountable environment.
• Knowledge of project management best practices and risk management principles and methods
• Experience within a regulated profession or regulatory body is considered an asset

Core competencies

• Analytical thinking and problem resolution
• Integrity, ethics and regulatory stewardship
• Stakeholder relationship management and influence

Working at RECO means contributing to an organization that supports a fair, transparent, and consumer-focused real estate marketplace.

• Purpose-driven work: Your contributions help protect consumers and strengthen one of Ontario’s largest and most important sectors.
• A modern, evolving regulator: We are innovating how we regulate and engage with the real estate sector, and your ideas and expertise will help shape the future.
• Professional growth: We invest in employee development, ongoing learning, and cross-functional exposure.
• Hybrid flexibility: Our hybrid model supports balance, flexibility, and wellbeing.
• Inclusive culture: You’ll work with people who care deeply about doing what’s right and delivering high-quality public service.

If you’re passionate about meaningful work, eager to grow, and want to make a tangible impact on an industry that touches every Ontarian, RECO is the place to do it.

Apply today and help shape the future of real estate in Ontario.