Program Manager, DIANA

Program Manager DIANA

COVE

Dartmouth NS

COVE is a global technology partner advancing high-impact solutions from seabed to space. COVE transforms innovation into market-ready technologies through testing commercialization support market expertise and access to critical infrastructure. Leveraging its networks and mission-driven platform COVE connects investors innovators industry and the research community to drive cutting-edge capabilities for commercial and defence applications.

Based in Canada and operating internationally COVE supports the full lifecycle of maritime and multi-domain technologies from research and development to manufacturing integration and export linking Canadian innovation to global markets. COVE has built a globally recognized innovation platform with an ecosystem of more than 700 organizations spanning startups multinational firms researchers Indigenous partners and public sector collaborators.

Through its programs facilities and partnerships COVE enables real-world testing and validation strengthens supply chains and accelerates technology adoption in complex operating environments. With strong connections across the North Atlantic the United States and the Arctic and as part of international networks including NATOs Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) COVE plays a key role in advancing technologies that support economic growth environmental sustainability and global security.

As COVE experiences rapid expansion it is actively seeking to expand its team to further bolster its transformational influence as a global technology partner in advancing high-impact solutions. COVE recognizes that its journey toward this goal hinges on the strength of its team a group of individuals who collaborate innovate and continually strive for excellence. Join COVE as it embarks on this exciting journey of discovery and advancement.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Director Market Acceleration the Program Manager DIANA is responsible for the strategic planning execution performance and continuous evolution of COVEs NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). The role ensures COVE delivers world-class accelerator programming that strengthens the global innovation ecosystem accelerates the commercialization of dual-use technologies supports the growth of high-potential companies and achieves the objectives of strategic stakeholders.

What Youll Do:

The role is responsible for delivering a world-class accelerator experience while coordinating activities across regional teams accelerator sites test centres mentors investors defence end users government partners and internal teams. This position requires a highly organized and collaborative leader who excels at managing complex multi-stakeholder initiatives building trusted relationships and helping high-potential dual-use technology companies accelerate commercialization defence capability adoption investment readiness and international growth.

Accelerator Program Management

• Lead the planning delivery continuous improvement and evaluation of COVEs NATO DIANA accelerator program.
• Serve as the trusted point of contact for participating companies and represent COVE across the NATO DIANA ecosystem and broader NATO Alliance.
• Develop adapt and execute accelerator programming to ensure high-impact outcomes and best-in-class participant experiences.
• Develop annual program plans implementation schedules resource requirements and delivery frameworks.
• Build and strengthen strategic relationships with NATO DIANA test centres defence stakeholders investors mentors and innovation partners.
• Lead end-to-end program delivery including the recruitment and coordination of experts evaluators mentors and speakers.
• Collect analyze and report on program performance metrics and deliverables to drive continuous improvement.
  

Participant Success and Commercialization

• Champion participant success by understanding founder needs and supporting their entrepreneurial journey.
• Lead cohort onboarding and orientation.
• Connect companies with mentors investors industry partners government supports and testing opportunities.
• Monitor company progress coordinate regular check-ins and support commercialization and defence market readiness.
  

Partnership & Ecosystem Development

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships across industry government academia investors NATO and innovation ecosystem partners.
• Strengthen Canadas dual-use innovation community by organizing engagement opportunities and supporting startup cohorts.
• Identify and leverage networks resources and opportunities to accelerate company growth and scale.
  

Other Accountabilities

• Develop and manage program budgets expenditures and forecasts.
• Ensure compliance with COVE policies procedures and operational standards.
• Contribute to the success and growth of COVE through additional responsibilities and strategic initiatives as required.
• Travel nationally and internationally as required.
  

What You Bring:

• Bachelors degree in Business Engineering Science Public Policy Defence Studies or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 57 years of experience managing complex innovation defence commercialization or accelerator programs.
• Confident public speaker and facilitator with the executive presence to lead high-profile events moderate discussions engage diverse audiences and represent COVE across the NATO DIANA Alliance.
• Experience within the defence and/or dual-use technology sectors with knowledge of the Canadian defence ecosystem and acquisition practices.
• Familiarity with NATO DND CAF and allied defence organizations.
• Experience supporting technology startups scale-ups or innovation-driven SMEs.
• Understanding of innovation ecosystems accelerator programming and technology commercialization pathways.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships and collaborate effectively with industry government investors researchers and entrepreneurs.
• Strong business acumen strategic thinking sound judgment and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written verbal presentation and facilitation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including advanced skills in PowerPoint Excel and Word.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Government of Canada security clearance.
  

Additional Assets:

• Previous accelerator management experience.
• Ability to speak a second language.
  

Working at COVE

At our core we are a team driven by our passion for empowering marine tech innovators serving as unwavering advocates for every visionary who walks through our doors. Integrity creativity and diversity are not just values to us - they are the bedrock of our identity. We thrive within an integrated team environment where collective efforts culminate in tangible results. Embracing diversity in our workforce is paramount for fostering genuine collaboration and fulfilling the impactful responsibilities we hold within our community. We cultivate a workplace culture that celebrates individual differences ensuring that each persons unique talents and strengths are fully recognized appreciated and utilized. Operating within a hybrid and flexible work environment allows us to optimize the collective potential of our highly collaborative team enabling us to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to learn and make an impact by working for a dynamic growing company on meaningful projects that find solutions to real-life problems.
• Comprehensive paid time off including vacation personal sick time and additional days for family illness or medical appointments.
• Hybrid work model with flexibility to work remotely 1 day/week.
• Team wide bonding activities and casual work environment.
• Tech focused office location convenient via transit and bike paths.
• Employee wellbeing including full medical & dental benefits and a health spending account.
• Group RRSP matching program & Income Insurance Plans.
• Maternity & parental leave top-up allowance
• Learning and growth opportunities.
• Employee referral program.
• Competitive salary.

Talent Pool

As part of our ongoing recruitment efforts we continually identify candidates who demonstrate the skills experience and potential to contribute to our organization. By submitting your application you will be considered for current and future opportunities that match your qualifications and interests.

Should your profile align with our current or future needs a member of our recruitment team may reach out to you to discuss potential opportunities and to further assess your fit for specific roles within our organization.

Dont meet every single requirement At COVE we are dedicated to building a diverse inclusive and authentic workplace so if you are excited about this role but your past experience does not align with every single qualification in the job description we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

We are committed to ensuring accommodations are made available to persons with disabilities during the recruitment assessment and selection processes and will provide reasonable accommodation upon request.

We offer an excellent working environment where life balance is valued. Our people and their commitment to quality work is what drives our success. You can find out more information about COVE at . Salary for this position will be commensurate with experience note that relocation costs are not supported.

To be considered for this position please apply online by clicking Apply. The deadline for submission is July 17 2026 at 5pm (Atlantic). We thank all candidates for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Required Experience:

Manager