Job Title: Lead Business Counsellor – Northern Ontario
Location: Based in Northern Ontario
Contract Type: Full-Time, Independent Contractor Position
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Salary: $62,356.47/year, inclusive of HST
About PARO: Founded in 1995, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise (PARO) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization and Ontario’s largest Women’s Enterprise Centre. For over 30 years, PARO has been a recognized leader in advancing women’s economic empowerment. We are committed to increasing the economic independence and self-sufficiency of women and their families. Through award-winning, cutting-edge programs, access to capital, mentorship, and collaborative networks, PARO supports women entrepreneurs to start, grow, and scale sustainable businesses.
Project Overview: The PARO LaunchPad is our next-generation flagship initiative designed to empower women-owned Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)—especially those from equity-denied groups—to scale, adopt technology (including AI), access capital, and expand into new markets. This project is structured around three core pillars:
ElevateHER (Market Expansion),
InnovateHER (Technology & AI Adoption), and
FinanceHER (Investment Readiness & Capital Access)
Core Purpose: To motivate, mobilize, and lead the Northern team of Business Counsellors and Business Growth Advisors. This role is responsible for contributing towards the fostering of an environment of innovation, and supporting women entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario to scale their businesses through technology, capital, and export readiness.
Scope of Work / Contractor Responsibilities: As an independent contractor, the Lead Business Counsellor will be responsible for both the strategic supervision of the Northern team and direct contribution to the delivery of the PARO LaunchPad project. Key duties include:
· Team Supervision & Mobilization: Actively lead, inspire, and mobilize the Northern team to meet project milestones; foster a high-energy, and collaborative team culture.
· Program Delivery & Innovation: Support women-owned SMEs in adopting emerging technologies (AI, automation, digitization) while delivering high-level one-to-one business counseling and supporting BIZCamp training programs.
· Strategic Growth & Market Access:
- Financial Facilitation: Support women-owned SMEs to access diverse capital resources, including scale up funding, microfinance, and strategic loan partnerships.
- Global & Interprovincial Readiness: Contribute to strategic initiatives to identify export opportunities and facilitate participation in trade missions and industry-specific missions.
- Partnership Development: Build and sustain ecosystem partnerships to enhance the organization's regional impact.
- Collaborative Models: Support the growth of Prosper peer circle network and collaborative ecosystems for entrepreneurs.
· Operational Excellence: Monitor and report on key economic performance indicators ensuring all project milestones and client data are accurately tracked in the CRM.
Qualifications:
· Location: Must be located in and have a deep understanding of Northern Ontario communities.
· Business Experience: Proven track record of experience in business management, entrepreneurship, or high-level business consulting.
· Tech Expertise: Strong experience in the technology sector, specifically regarding technology adoption, AI strategies, or digital transformation.
· Leadership: Demonstrated ability to mobilize team members, manage multi-stage project timelines, and deliver results.
· Communication: Exceptional ability to provide expert advice, mentorship, and represent the organization at strategic meetings.
Core Competencies:
· Team Mobilization & Motivation
· Strategic Thinking & Innovation
· High-level Communication & Mentorship
· Cultural Competency & Inclusion
Application Requirements: Resumes including cover letter, 3 professional references, and authorization to contact to “HR Manager” at [email protected].
PARO welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
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Pay: $62,356.47 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4L3
