Artificial Intelligence Mentor

Artificial Intelligence Specialist Mentor
– Contractor or Consultant 

Accelerator Centre (AC) requires an experienced subject matter expert in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to expand its roster of talented specialist mentors for our award-winning entrepreneurship programming.  

As a specialist mentor, the Artificial Intelligence Specialist, will work with our high-potential entrepreneurs providing expert level guidance and advice on AI systems and technologies – either for innovation development, or providing expertise on how AI can be integrated in our companies’ business operations. Providing mentorship aligned with our milestone-based curriculum, you’ll have the opportunity to influence the next generation of Canadian tech companies. Some areas where AI might help include; improved decision-making, increased efficiency, enhanced customer service, competitive advantage, and/or predictive maintenance.  

This role will be engaged as a third-party consultant and will be compensated hourly based on client demand; we anticipate the initial time required to be approximately 5-10 hours per week, but the hours will vary from week to week. This variation provides for a flexible schedule. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Providing guidance on creating, developing, and implementing AI systems and technologies to meet the companies’ innovation or operational goals 

• Leveraging the power of machine learning and other AI technologies to solve complex problems, automate tasks, and create more intelligent systems and applications 

• Meeting with clients individually, or as part of a group of mentors, or group of clients 

• Consulting with the AC Programs team to ensure client needs are met 

• Tracking client progress and updating notes within the AC’s CRM, including updating client notes, time tracking, and regular communication with AC staff and fellow mentors 

• Participate in monthly mentor team meetings and other AC meetings as required  

Must Have Requirements: 

• Post-secondary degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, Statistics, Robotics, or a related field or experience  

• Experience in developing AI models and algorithms 

• Strong knowledge of machine learning techniques and algorithms, including deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision 

• Must be able to identify new opportunities for innovation and apply creative solutions to solve complex problems 

• Continuous learning to evaluate new AI technologies  

• Deep understanding of compliance with data privacy and security regulations 

• Experience with programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++,  

• big data technologies such as Hadoop and data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI 

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills 

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills 

• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure or Google Cloud

• Must be able to mentor during the operating hours of 9-5pm EST, but flexibility in hours would be appreciated in order to accommodate multiple time zones 

Ideal Candidates: 

• Experience as an entrepreneur, small business owner, start-up founder (worked in, or founder of), or in a start-up within a corporation  

• Experience with AI/ML tools like TensorFlow or Pytorch 

• Experience with training and deployment of AI/ML in a product or service 

• Flexibility around virtual mentoring sessions, and in-person sessions (Waterloo Region) 

• A demonstrated thought leader 

If a community member would prefer to volunteer their time to provide this expertise to our high-potential start-ups, we would also be happy to accept this model. 

Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion  

The Accelerator Centre is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse community that is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. A full range of perspectives, experiences, and passions are key to creating the inclusive, entrepreneurial environment that is necessary to help our clients build and scale globally competitive companies. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion means the elimination of discrimination and exclusion, in all its forms, at all levels of our organization and in our programming. 

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including those from historically marginalized and underrepresented groups. We will provide any requested accommodation to enable candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require assistance, please contact [email protected] noting the job title in the subject line of the email.