Lead, AI Apprenticeship in Ottawa, Ontario at Canadian National Institute for the Blind

Position Title: Lead, AI Apprenticeship

Location: Any CNIB Office in Ontario

Reports To: Manager II, Outreach, Assistive Tech and Venture Pool

I. Scope and Summary of Primary Responsibilities

The Lead, AI Apprenticeship will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of CNIB’s Come to Work AI Apprenticeship Pilot Program. This role is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the program, including recruitment and screening of applicants; design and delivery of the AI-focused curriculum; deployment of apprentices into CNIB business units; and ongoing oversight and support for both apprentices and supervisors.

The Lead, AI Apprenticeship will ensure the program is designed and delivered in alignment with CNIB’s strategic priorities, accessibility standards, and commitment to inclusion.

II. Essential Functions

The position entails, but is not limited to the following general responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of CNIB's AI Apprenticeship Pilot Program, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, project timelines, and funding requirements.
• Design and coordinate an accessible AI-focused curriculum that develops participants' technical knowledge, workplace readiness, and practical application of AI tools.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal business units to support successful participant placements.
• Engage and collaborate with external partners, such as post-secondary institutions, AI experts, accessibility professionals, and other stakeholders, to strengthen program delivery and expand learning opportunities.
• Recruit, screen, onboard, and support apprentices throughout the program, fostering an engaging and inclusive learning experience.
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and performance support to apprentices while acting as a resource for supervisors hosting apprenticeship placements.
• Monitor program progress, collect and analyze participant and stakeholder feedback, and implement continuous improvements to enhance program quality and participant outcomes.
• Lead the execution and achievement of key performance indicators that are associated to internal and funder metrics.
• Submit any requested reporting for funders on time to the direct supervisor for approval.
• Track interactions, program campaigns, and outcomes in the Client Relationship Management (CRM) database and portals in a timely manner.
• Promote and model CNIB's commitment to accessibility, inclusion, innovation, and equitable employment opportunities throughout all aspects of program design and delivery.
• Other duties as assigned including special projects.

III. Qualifications

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Strong leadership and program coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong Microsoft Office 365 skills and ability to work on virtual platforms like Microsoft Teams or Zoom.
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence concepts, digital accessibility, and inclusive program design.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

Experience and Education

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in project management, business administration, computer science, education, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience leading or coordinating projects, preferably in education, workforce development, or technology-focused programs.
• Experience with recruitment, curriculum development, and/or apprenticeship program coordination is an asset.
• Familiarity with CNIB’s mission and the barriers faced by individuals who are blind, partially sighted, or Deafblind is considered an asset.

Work Environment

• Contract position,
• Hybrid
• Requires ability to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.

CNIB is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process.