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What The Market Looks Like
We've tracked 7 executive-level AI strategy postings across Canada in the last six months, with the strongest concentration in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. Technology, financial services, and professional services firms are the primary hirers. Fractional Chief AI Officer roles typically engage at $250–$350 per hour, scaled by scope and industry. The strongest candidates bring hands-on experience translating AI ambitions into measurable business outcomes, deep familiarity with enterprise AI adoption patterns, and the ability to operate as a trusted strategic advisor without requiring full-time operational overhead.
Job Responsibilities
- Develop and refine the organization's AI strategy, roadmap, and investment thesis aligned with business priorities
- Lead assessment of current AI capabilities, skills gaps, and technology infrastructure; recommend architecture and tooling decisions
- Partner with C-suite and board leadership to shape governance frameworks, risk mitigation, and ethical AI guardrails
- Build and mentor the internal AI team; define roles, hiring criteria, and capability-building initiatives
- Own pilot programs and proof-of-concept initiatives; track outcomes and communicate ROI to stakeholders
- Monitor market trends, competitive AI adoption, and emerging tools; advise on strategic positioning and talent acquisition
- Serve as internal and external thought leader; represent the organization's AI vision to partners, investors, and the market
Candidate Requirements
- 10+ years in technology, business transformation, or AI/ML leadership roles; at least 5 years at director-level or above
- Hands-on experience shipping AI initiatives - from strategy through production deployment - and measuring business impact
- Demonstrated ability to operate as a strategic advisor and board-level communicator; comfort with ambiguity and emerging technology
- Deep fluency in current AI/ML capabilities, limitations, and enterprise adoption patterns; working knowledge of LLMs and generative AI
- Track record building and scaling technical teams; strong mentoring and talent development skills
- Experience in enterprise risk, governance, and ethical AI frameworks - or demonstrated ability to learn them quickly in context
