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 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.

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 COVE's 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 You ll 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 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.

* 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,…