Program Manager

Iore

Program Manager overseeing the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic at COVE. Responsible for strategic planning, execution, and partnership development in the innovation ecosystem.

Posted 7/5/2026full-timeDartmouth • 🇨🇦 CanadaMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Reporting to the Director, Market Acceleration, the Program Manager | DIANA is responsible for the strategic planning, execution, performance, and continuous evolution of COVE's NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).
Ensure 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.
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.
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.
Champion participant success by understanding founder needs and supporting their entrepreneurial journey.
Develop and maintain strategic relationships across industry, government, academia, investors, NATO, and innovation ecosystem partners.
Develop and manage program budgets, expenditures, and forecasts.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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.
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.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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.

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Project ManagementStrategic PlanningPerformance Metrics AnalysisBudget ManagementInnovation Ecosystem Understanding

Soft Skills

CollaborationFacilitationStrategic ThinkingJudgmentRelationship Building

Certifications

Government of Canada Security Clearance Eligibility