Talent & Organizational Development Advisor

Description:

MaRS Discovery District, one of the world’s largest urban innovation hubs, is seeking a Talent & Organizational Development Advisor to support high-potential startups in scaling their teams, optimizing HR strategies, and building strong company cultures. This role requires expertise in recruitment, talent acquisition, workforce planning, organizational design, performance management, and leadership coaching within the startup ecosystem.

As a strategic advisor, you will work closely with executive teams to address talent needs and offer tailored guidance in areas such as hiring, DEI initiatives, compensation, and scaling culture. You will leverage your expertise and network to connect startups with top talent, industry experts, and investors.

This is an independent contractor opportunity with the flexibility to shape the future of innovative startups.

Key Responsibilities:

🔹 Talent Strategy & Workforce Planning:

• Develop scalable talent strategies aligned with business goals.
• Guide startups on organizational design, workforce development, and HR best practices.
• Provide hands-on support in hiring for key roles, especially in technical, executive, and niche positions.

📈 Recruitment & Employer Branding:

• Assist startups in sourcing strategies, job descriptions, and candidate evaluations.
• Help leadership teams build an attractive employer brand and employee value proposition.
• Provide insights into hiring trends, talent pipelines, and market benchmarking.

🌍 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI):

• Implement inclusive hiring practices and workplace strategies.
• Support startups in creating diverse and equitable work environments.

⚖ Compensation & Performance Management:

• Guide startups in compensation structures, equity plans, and benefits benchmarking.
• Establish performance management frameworks to improve retention and career growth.

🎯 Leadership Coaching & HR Guidance:

• Advise CEOs and HR leaders on leadership development, employee engagement, and succession planning.
• Provide tools and insights on onboarding processes, compliance, and HR policies.

🤝 Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with the MaRS team to deliver high-quality programs.
• Assess client needs, track progress, and provide strategic input for talent development initiatives.
• Utilize the MaRS CRM to document activities and support program management.

Minimum Requirements:

✔ Proven experience in a Head of People, HR Leadership, or Talent Strategy role within early to mid-stage startups.
✔ Expertise in recruitment, workforce planning, compensation, and organizational design.
✔ Ability to balance high-level strategy with hands-on execution in a fast-paced startup environment.
✔ Strong understanding of equity structures, performance management, and leadership development.
✔ Experience in advising startups preparing for Series A funding and scaling from $5M to $20M revenue.
✔ Knowledge of DEI best practices and experience integrating them into talent strategies.
✔ Experience working with startups in healthtech, cleantech, or applied AI is highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications:

✅ Experience as a mentor, coach, or consultant supporting early-stage businesses.
✅ Familiarity with the language of industry, finance, government, and academia.
✅ Passion for building and scaling businesses with a mission-driven focus.

Why Join MaRS?

🌟 Impact-Driven Work: Support high-growth startups in tackling global challenges.
📈 Expand Your Network: Work with founders, investors, and industry leaders in the innovation ecosystem.
💡 Flexible Contractor Role: Enjoy independence while making a strategic impact.
🚀 Be Part of Canada’s Leading Innovation Hub!