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.

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 robust connections across the North Atlantic, the United States, and the Arctic, and as part of international networks including NATO's 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.

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. 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 COVE's 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. Collect, analyze, and report on program performance metrics and deliverables to drive continuous improvement.

Connect companies with mentors, investors, industry partners, government supports, and testing opportunities.

Strengthen

Canada's 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. Develop and manage program budgets, expenditures, and forecasts.

Ensure compliance with COVE policies, procedures, and operational standards. Travel nationally and internationally as required. Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Science, Public Policy, Defence Studies, or equivalent experience.

Minimum 5–7 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. Understanding of innovation ecosystems, accelerator programming,



and technology commercialization pathways.

Strong business acumen, strategic thinking, sound judgment, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 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. 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. Embracing diversity in our workforce is paramount for fostering genuine collaboration and fulfilling the impactful responsibilities we hold within our community. 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.

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.

Maternity & parental leave top-up allowance Learning and growth opportunities. 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. 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. #

📌 Program Manager Fully Remote H/F (Dartmouth)
🏢 COVE
📍 Dartmouth