Contractor - AI Expert

Contractors are expected to work remote using their personal devices but must be able to accommodate EST working hours. Why Contract at Next Street? As a contractor, you will play a critical role in supporting the project team and ensuring the successful execution of projects. At Next Street, we are invested in supporting individuals, like yourself, that are joining us in our mission by committing ourselves to the following: Clear and Timely Communication - we will provide detailed and specific information about project expectations, timelines, and deliverables so that you understand your role and responsibilities. Access to Resources - we operate in a unique space and will offer you the resources, such as tools, software, or training, you need to perform your work. Timely Payments - we understand that late or inconsistent payments can create financial strain for you so we will do our best to ensure prompt and accurate payment for services rendered. Clear Contracting Agreements - all our Contractors have clear agreements in place that outlines the scope of work, payment terms and other essential details. Join us and you will get to work on projects that solve some of the most complex economic and community development challenges in the country. We are seeking an AI expert who can participate in a new signature program that our client is offering as part of its small business educational program that will help a cohort of businesses learn how they can use AI to grow and transform their business. This role will include serving as facilitators and mentors throughout the 12-week program from mid-September through mid-December. This is the core of the engagement: guiding participants from concept to implementation within their own businesses. Ideally, you will have specific expertise in integrating AI into financial workflows including tools such as QuickBooks and Zero Sheets. This program is a pilot, which we plan to repeat multiple times in 2027. We would be interested in having you participate in future iterations as well. This is a chance to share your expertise and contribute to the growth of AI adoption among small businesses. If you have a passion for teaching and a deep understanding of AI applications, we would love to hear from you! Responsibilities will include: Participant Facilitation Facilitate weekly small-group cohort sessions for your assigned track Support with facilitation guide development as necessary Review and provide structured feedback on participant assignments and deliverables Participant Support Hold designated office hours to address participant questions and implementation challenges Provide timely feedback on workflow designs, testing outcomes, and implementation plans Support participants in troubleshooting and refining their AI-enabled workflows Program Collaboration Attend weekly facilitator coordination meetings with the Verizon and program teams Collaborate with fellow SMEs and program staff to ensure consistency and quality across cohorts Participate in onboarding and facilitator preparation activities prior to program launch Contribute to the continuous improvement of curriculum and participant experience throughout delivery Program Evaluation & Closeout Monitor participant progress and engagement within your cohort Share observations and recommendations on participant outcomes with the program team Support final participant presentations and the program showcase Complete required progress updates or reporting as requested Provide structured feedback on program effectiveness to inform future enhancements Deliverables Weekly facilitation of assigned small-group sessions Office hours participation and 1:1 participant support Coaching, feedback, and guidance provided to assigned participants Attendance at facilitator meetings and program events Completion of required progress updates and reporting Participation in the final participant showcase and program closeout Additional Commitments Participant Celebration Ceremony All SMEs are expected to attend the Verizon AI Signature Program Participant Celebration, a ceremony honoring program graduates and recognizing their accomplishments. This event will be held in January 2027. Additional details, including date, time, and format, will be shared with SMEs in advance. The contractor role is expected to begin on August 15th, 2026 and continue through January 31st, 2026 with an estimated commitment of approximately ~10 hours per week from September 14th through December 15th as well as 8-10 additional hours for onboarding and offboarding in August and January. Next Street maintains an equitable and transparent compensation philosophy, offering a starting hourly rate of $150, commensurate with experience and consistent across all locations. This is a 1099 contractor position; therefore, contractors are responsible for providing appropriate documentation for payment processing and are not eligible for Next Street – sponsored benefits or incentives. Next Street is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Note: This job description outlines the key responsibilities and qualifications expected of a general contractor. However, specific duties and requirements may vary depending on the nature and scope of the project.