Senior Manager, Early Stage Programs

INVEST OTTAWA – VENTURE DEVELOPMENT

Reporting to the Director, Venture Programs, the Senior Manager, Early-Stage Programs will be responsible for the strategic direction and operational excellence of Invest Ottawa’s Early-Stage programs, including Startup Fundamentals, IO Ignition, IO Flex, IO Traction and priority sector programming.

This role ensures continuity, quality delivery, measurable impact, and strong founder experience across the early-stage pipeline, while supporting alignment with the broader IO Venture Path.

• Corporate Pay Band E: $88,000-$132,000
• Hiring Salary Range: $88,000-$100,000
• Reason for opening: Maternity Leave 14 Month Term
• This position will be required to work onsite at Bayview Yards, minimum 10 days a month.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

Strategic & Program Leadership

• Lead the strategic direction and operational delivery of Early-Stage Programs (Startup Fundamentals, IO Ignition, IO Flex).

• Oversee development and execution of priority sector programming (including Digital Health, Clean Tech, Defence, Smart Mobility and emerging verticals).

• Establish quarterly and annual program goals in collaboration with the Director; monitor performance and adjust strategies as needed.

• Develop and execute plans to strengthen the early-stage pipeline and improve conversion into downstream Venture Path programs.

Founder Experience & Ecosystem Engagement

• Oversee the end-to-end client journey, ensuring seamless onboarding, engagement, transition, and offboarding.

• Represent Invest Ottawa within the ecosystem at relevant events.

• Cultivate and manage relationships with key sector stakeholders, advisors, and ecosystem partners.

• Lead monthly Early-Stage Advisor meetings to align on client progress, program delivery, and strategic priorities.

Performance, Metrics & Continuous Improvement

• Own program KPIs and ensure accurate CRM tracking and reporting.

• Develop and implement evaluation frameworks to assess program effectiveness and founder outcomes.

• Provide insights and recommendations to Venture leadership based on performance data.

• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement process improvements.

Financial & Operational Management

• Support budget management for Early-Stage Programs, including forecasting and operating plan adjustments.

• Ensure compliance with funding requirements and support reporting obligations.

• Make recommendations regarding advisory capacity needs and participate in advisor recruitment.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop direct reports, fostering a high-performing, collaborative team culture.

• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and clear accountability structures.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with the broader Venture team other IO departments to achieve shared objectives.

Other

• Contribute to cross-departmental initiatives and strategic planning efforts.

• Other duties as assigned by the Director.

WHAT YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED/ GAINED THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER:

• 7+ years of leadership experience in program management, startups, or operations.

• Strong understanding of the technology landscape and the challenges faced by early-stage founders.

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including performance management and coaching.

• Experience overseeing budgets, forecasting, and reporting.

• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into execution and measurable impact.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively across various levels of leadership.

• Analytical and strategic thinker, using data to inform decisions and drive results.

• Proficiency with CRM systems and performance reporting tools.

Do you have some of these skills but maybe not all? We still encourage you to apply as we would love to review your unique application and learn more about you!

At Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards, we know that diversity, inclusion and a sense of belongingness are critical success factors for globally competitive organizations and are required to drive sustainable wealth creation and prosperity across our region. We prioritize the creation of an inclusive culture and infuse diversity into our programs, operations and governance. As an equal opportunity employer that doesn’t simply accept difference but celebrates, support and thrives because of it, we invite all qualified candidates to apply, and especially encourage those who identify as members of underrepresented groups.

Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards are determined to provide a barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you require accommodation during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact hr@investottawa.ca to request specialized accommodation. Do know, all information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

At Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards, we are focused on doing better and committed to leading by example because it’s what’s best for us, our culture and our community.

We may use an AI‑enabled assistant to take notes during our recruitment process to help our team stay present and engaged during interviews. The tool does not screen, assess, or select applicants, and all hiring decisions are made by people. We welcome inquiries about AI use and/or requests for accommodations at any stage of the hiring process. Personal information (including recordings, transcripts, and summaries) is safeguarded in line with our privacy policy and applicable Ontario privacy legislation.