Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Manager, Specialized AI Talent Initiatives, leads and enhances efforts in connecting Vector’s pool of top AI talent with industry. Reporting to the Director, AI Talent Initiatives & Analytics, the Manager, Specialized AI Talent Initiatives, builds and oversees initiatives that bridge the gap between Vector’s affiliated employers and Vector’s world-class AI talent, including managing some employer relationships within Vector’s industry sponsors and Vector’s programs targeted at SMEs.
These initiatives centre around researcher-industry connections, senior-level AI talent, and specialized AI skills relevant to specific domains. The Manager, Specialized AI Talent Initiatives, will work closely with industry partners, academic institutions, and internal stakeholders to develop targeted initiatives that strengthen Canada’s AI workforce.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
In conjunction with the Director, AI Talent Initiatives & Analytics, design and execute specialized AI talent programs and processes that focus on connecting Vector’s community of AI talent with Vector’s industry partners, particularly researchers and more senior-level AI talent;
Lead senior search initiatives, which aim to connect senior-level AI talent with Vector’s affiliated employers;
Develop and execute alumni engagement strategies to deepen connections with experienced AI professionals affiliated with Vector;
In conjunction with the Director, AI Talent Initiatives & Analytics, develop and oversee key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting, driving continuous improvement in specialized AI programs;
Manage and mentor the Talent Specialist, ensuring alignment with the overall AI talent strategy and expected performance;
Assist in the scoping and development of new talent initiatives, based on employer demand and feedback;
Ensure strong demonstration of return on investment and impact to Vector’s affiliated employers through the tracking and reporting of engagement and success metrics;
Act as the primary Vector contact for talent-related programming with affiliated small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that participate in Vector’s programs targeted at SMEs, providing guidance on Vector’s talent programs and offerings;
Collaborate with the SMEs and Vector’s Marketing and Communications teams to increase employer awareness and usage of Vector’s talent offerings, including amplifying the reach and visibility of the Digital Talent Hub;
Maintain employer-related data in Salesforce CRM, enhancing data-driven reporting capabilities;
Oversee specialized talent programming, such as AI domain-specific talent events and researcher-industry networking opportunities, working closely with other parts of the organization;
In conjunction with the Coordinator, Research Operations and Academic Partnerships, oversee the day-to-day operations of the Vector Digital Talent Hub, ensuring it serves as a robust platform for AI job seekers and employers;
Develop targeted engagement strategies to enhance user activity and optimize the Vector Digital Talent Hub’s effectiveness in connecting AI talent with industry opportunities; and,
Other related duties as assigned from time to time.
KEY SUCCESS MEASURES
Specialized AI talent programs and processes are effectively designed and executed, with a focus on senior AI talent, researchers, and specialized AI skills for industry partners;
Senior search initiatives successfully connect senior-level AI talent with Vector’s affiliated employers;
Alumni engagement for experienced AI professionals results in increased engagement with Vector programming;
The Vector Digital Talent Hub is well-managed, with high user activity and effectiveness in connecting AI talent with industry opportunities; and,
Employer satisfaction is demonstrated through strong return on investment and impact, as measured by tracking and reporting success metrics.
PROFILE OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

An undergraduate degree in a related field such as business administration, communications, a STEM field, or other related field;
5-7 years of progressive experience in program management, leadership, relationship management, or talent programming in the fields of AI, STEM, or related fields;
Experience specifically in a research institute or mission-driven organization is considered an asset;
3+ years of leadership experience managing and mentoring others;
Professional experience building and maintaining external relationships, particularly with employers and small-and medium-sized enterprises;
Exceptional communication, diplomacy skills, organizational skills, and ability to collaborate with a diverse range of perspectives across a broad range of sectors;
Strong understanding of AI concepts and developments;
Strong project management skills with the ability to execute high-impact initiatives;
High level of proficiency with Google Suite or the Microsoft Suite of applications;
Proficiency with CRM tools (Salesforce experience is an asset); and,
Highly organized, with strong time management and multitasking skills, and motivation to work in a fast-paced environment with different stakeholders, including professional staff, students and alumni, as well as academics.

TOTAL REWARDS: The expected salary for this position will be $80,500 – $98,576 per year, plus benefits if applicable. The final salary offer will reflect the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications, in alignment with the Vector Institute’s Compensation Policy and may differ from above.

The Vector Institute’s Total Rewards approach extends beyond traditional compensation and benefits. Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of supports that recognize and value employees, including vacation time, floater days, GRRSP, a Health Spending Account, a Summer Hours program, and flexible work arrangements.

POSITION STATUS: This posting is for an existing vacancy.

USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: Vector may use both internal and external third party AI-based tools to assist in the screening of applications for this posting. Any data collected will be used solely for recruitment purposes and handled in accordance with Vector’s External Privacy Policy and Use of AI-Based Tools in Recruitment and Selection Policy.

INCLUSION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT: Vector believes AI powers possibility by advancing cutting-edge research and translating it into real-world impact through collaboration with research, industry, and government. Vector is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture that reflects its values.
The Vector Institute welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, including those who are Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, racialized persons/visible minorities, women, and people with disabilities.
If you require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment or selection process, please contact [email protected]. The Vector Institute team will be happy to work with you to ensure your experience is as inclusive and accessible as possible.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: Check out the Vector Institute’s Careers Page to explore open opportunities at Vector and Follow Vector on X, LinkedIn, and Bluesky to stay connected with the latest developments in Ontario’s AI ecosystem and the Vector Institute.

Required languages: English

Education level: An undergraduate degree in a related field such as business administration, communications, a STEM field, or other related field;

Required skills: 5-7 years of progressive experience in program management, leadership, relationship management, or talent programming in the fields of AI, STEM, or related fields; Experience specifically in a research institute or mission-driven organization is considered an asset; 3+ years of leadership experience managing and mentoring others; Professional experience building and maintaining external relationships, particularly with employers and small-and medium-sized enterprises; Exceptional communication, diplomacy skills, organizational skills, and ability to collaborate with a diverse range of perspectives across a broad range of sectors; Strong understanding of AI concepts and developments; Strong project management skills with the ability to execute high-impact initiatives; High level of proficiency with Google Suite or the Microsoft Suite of applications; Proficiency with CRM tools (Salesforce experience is an asset); and, Highly organized, with strong time management and multitasking skills, and motivation to work in a fast-paced environment with different stakeholders, including professional staff, students and alumni, as well as academics.

Closest intersection: College Street and University Avenue