Artificial Intelligence Advisor (Independent Contractor)

Artificial Intelligence Advisor (Independent Contractor)

We are seeking an experienced Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert to join Invest Ottawa’s talented team of advisors. This AI Advisor will provide tech startups in our IO Venture Path programs with coaching, mentorship, and recommendations on AI strategies and tools that help them achieve business outcomes and impact. This includes guidance and support for activities that:

• Assist companies in developing an AI strategy aligned with their stage, goals, industry, and available resources. This includes conducting assessments, defining AI objectives, and creating a strategic roadmap.
• Help companies identify appropriate AI solutions based on their data and use cases. Analyze data infrastructure, conduct feasibility studies, and recommend suitable AI tools.
• Support both technical and non-technical executive leaders in initiating and leading internal and client-facing AI projects. Provide mentorship, project management and change management insights.
• Educate and empower non-technical team members of startups to effectively leverage AI in their work, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Our Companies

IO Venture Path companies are growing their teams, their revenue and their markets. This role will work with firms at various stages, from each of our programs:

• IO Ignition: 10-week bootcamp designed for early-stage (often pre-revenue) companies.
• IO Flex: Low-touch program, designed for early-stage companies who are pipeline for our growth/scale stage programs.
• IO Accelerator: High-touch program, designed for growth-stage (early traction - $2M revenue) companies.
• IO ScaleUp: High-touch program, designed for scaling-stage ($2M - $100M revenue) companies.

Our clients are at various stages of growing their teams, revenue and markets. Relative to their growth, they are seeking advisory support on how to leverage AI to maintain competitiveness in the market and enhance internal efficiency.

Our Advisors

Our Advisors are independent contractors. They are available between 10-15 hours per month and paid the standard advisor rate of $150/hour. Please note that these hours are not guaranteed and will depend on client demand each month, which will enable you to participate in meetings with Invest Ottawa team members, and to attend key events.

Reporting to Invest Ottawa’s Director, Venture Programs, the AI Advisor will support clients by:

• Providing direct one-on-one advisory to founders and other team members on the development and implementation of successful AI strategies, including how to identify suitable AI opportunities, develop an AI strategy, and manage the AI lifecycle from development to deployment to optimization.
• Participating in peer groups or delivering best practice workshops.
• Reporting on client feedback and trends to help develop new programs and services.
• Logging hours spent advising companies and documenting meeting notes in Microsoft Dynamics.
• Facilitating introductions or connections between our client companies and our other Advisors, services and sponsors when appropriate for the company’s benefit.
• Provide support for the implementation of AI solutions within Invest Ottawa. Assist in the design, development, deployment, and integration of AI tools and systems.

We would love to hear from you if you possess most of the following:

• Have previously held a senior AI leadership position or have been an AI Consultant within the technology sector.
• Have been an integral part of at least 5 AI rollouts over your career, ideally in a technology leadership role.
• Hold a university degree in Computer Science, AI, Data Science, or a related field, or have a minimum of seven years of AI leadership experience.
• Are familiar with the startup life cycle and ideally have direct experience as a founder, early employee with a startup, or venture investor, and have an established network in the AI community.
• Have demonstrated skills in identifying AI opportunities, developing AI strategies, and managing the AI lifecycle from development to deployment.
• Can quickly assess companies’ challenges and provide appropriate, on the spot guidance.
• Have strong emotional intelligence with an ability to build trusting relationships, and strong communication skills (especially as a great listener)
• Have a strong proficiency with team collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom
• Are predominantly located in the Ottawa region
• Have demonstrated experience as a leader, advisor and/or mentor and can provide references

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards, we know that diversity, equity, inclusion and creating an environment of belonging are critical success factors for globally competitive organizations and are required to drive sustainable wealth creation and prosperity across our region. We strive to create inclusive systems and cultures and infuse diversity into our programs, operations and governance. As an equal opportunity employer that doesn’t simply accept difference but celebrates, support and thrives because of it, we invite all qualified candidates to apply, and especially encourage applications from those who identify as members of underrepresented groups.

We are committed to strengthening equity in our local entrepreneurial landscape and as such, we are strongly encouraging applications from qualified applicants from the following groups: women, Black, Indigenous and/or people of colour (BIPOC), people with disabilities, and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards are determined to provide a barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you require accommodation during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact hr@investottawa.ca to request specialized accommodation. Do know, all information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

At Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards, we are focused on doing better and committed to leading by example because it’s what’s best for us, our culture and our community.

We’re looking forward to hearing from you.