Manager, AI Talent Initiatives

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vector Institute is seeking a Manager, AI Talent Initiatives, Specialized Talent to lead and enhance efforts in identifying and engaging top AI talent through specialized recruitment programming. Reporting to the Director, AI Talent Initiatives & Analytics, this role will build and oversee initiatives that focus on providing tangible and impactful recruitment support for Vector's affiliated employers. This role will also manage some employer relationships as they relate to talent support within Vector's industry sponsors and Vector's affiliated small- to-medium-sized employers (SMEs) participating in Vector's FastLane Program.

These initiatives will centre around researcher-industry connections, senior-level AI talent, and specialized AI skills relevant to specific domains. The Manager will work closely with industry, institutions, and other stakeholders to develop targeted initiatives that strengthen Ontario's AI workforce.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development and Team Leadership

• In collaboration with the Director, AI Talent Initiatives & Analytics, design and implement specialized AI talent programs and processes that focus on specialized talent acquisition, including senior AI talent, researchers, and specialized AI skills for industry partners;
• Lead senior search initiatives that aim to connect senior-level AI talent with Vector's affiliated employers;
• Develop and execute alumni engagement and talent sourcing strategies for experienced AI professionals;
• In conjunction with the Director, AI Talent Initiatives & Analytics, develop and oversee key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting, driving continuous improvement in specialized AI recruitment efforts;
• In conjunction with the Data Analyst, ensure that customer relationship management and other software is enabled to measure key performance metrics and enable success;
• 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; and,
• Ensure strong demonstration of return on investment and impact to Vector's affiliated employers through the tracking and reporting of success metrics.

Relationship Management

• Act as the primary Vector contact for talent-related programming with affiliated small- to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) participating in Vector's FastLane Program;
• Provide guidance to affiliated SMEs on Vector's programs related to talent;
• Collaborate with the SMEs and Vector's Marketing/Communications teams to increase employer awareness and usage of Vector's talent offerings;
• Maintain employer-related data in Salesforce CRM, enhancing data-driven reporting capabilities; and,
• Contribute to enterprise relationship management, supporting the Director, AI Talent Initiatives & Analytics in specific talent initiatives with enterprise-level industry sponsors.

Targeted Recruitment Activities

• Execute targeted recruitment initiatives to connect specialized AI talent with Vector's industry sponsors and Vector's affiliated small- to-medium-sized employers (SMEs) participating in Vector's FastLane Program;
• Provide guidance to the Talent Specialist regarding recruitment for difficult to hire roles, when needed;
• Lead by setting a positive example, and demonstrating recruitment best practices; and,
• Oversee specialized talent programming, such as AI domain-specific recruitment events and researcher-industry networking opportunities, working closely with other parts of the organization.

The Vector Digital Talent Hub

• 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 platform's effectiveness in connecting AI talent with industry opportunities;
• Partner with marketing and communications teams to amplify the reach and visibility of the Talent Hub; and,
• Other duties as assigned.

KEY SUCCESS MEASURES

• Specialized AI talent programs and processes are effectively designed and implemented, 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 and talent sourcing strategies for experienced AI professionals result in increased engagement and talent acquisition;
• 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

• 5-7 years of progressive experience in technical recruitment, leadership, relationship management, or talent programming in the fields of AI, STEM, or related fields. Experience specifically with research-oriented talent, senior-level talent, or AI specific talent is a strong plus;
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing and mentoring others;
• Professional experience building and maintaining external relationships, particularly with employers and small- to-medium-sized enterprises;
• An undergraduate degree in a related field such as business administration, communications, a STEM field, or other related field;
• 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 the technical talent market;
• Strong project management skills with the ability to execute high-impact initiatives;
• High level of proficiency with GSuite 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.

At the Vector Institute, we are committed to driving excellence and leadership in Canada's knowledge, creation, and use of AI to foster economic growth and improve the lives of Canadians. We strive for greater inclusion in the programs and culture that we build by welcoming and encouraging applications from all qualified candidates. This includes, but is not limited, to applicants who are Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, racialized persons/visible minorities, women, and people with disabilities.

If you require an accommodation at any point throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact hr@vectorinstitute.ai and we will happily work with you to meet your needs.