About Innovate BC
Innovate BC helps turn bold ideas into real-world impact. As a Crown agency, we serve as a trusted advisor and partner for British Columbia’s innovation ecosystem. Our diverse programs and initiatives advance opportunities for made-in-B.C. innovations, giving companies, industries, and communities the resources they need to grow and prosper. Innovate BC operates as a hybrid working environment, and is based in Vancouver, B.C.
About the Role
The Program Manager is a key member of Innovate BC’s Ecosystem and Partnerships team, reporting to the Director of Partnerships. The role manages capacity-building programs from design through delivery, evaluation and reporting, ensuring alignment with Innovate BC’s priorities, funding agreements and performance targets.
The Program Manager oversees delivery partners, contracts, budgets, timelines and performance measurement. They use program data, participant feedback and ecosystem intelligence to improve programming, demonstrate results and connect B.C. ventures with relevant partners and supports.
A major focus of this six-month assignment will be delivering Road to Web Summit Vancouver and other partner-led capacity-building initiatives. The ideal candidate is highly organized, collaborative and results-oriented, with strong program management, relationship-building and analytical skills. They are naturally curious, enjoy connecting with people, and can translate conversations, data and ecosystem intelligence into practical programs, partnerships and recommendations.
Compensation: $76,000-$90,000 per year
Reporting to: Director, Partnerships
Location: Vancouver, BC
Work Arrangement: Hybrid role with a requirement to work in-office at least two days per week
Employment Type: Six-month contract, Full-time
Note: This competition may also be used to identify candidates for similar temporary or permanent opportunities that become available, based on candidates’ skills, experience and alignment with organizational needs.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
Program Design & Delivery
- Lead the design, delivery and evaluation of capacity-building programs for early-, growth- and scale-stage B.C. ventures.
- Conduct research and consultations to identify company needs, ecosystem gaps and opportunities for collaboration.
- Establish program objectives, eligibility criteria, delivery plans, milestones and performance measures.
- Manage the program lifecycle, including partner selection and onboarding, contracting, milestone monitoring, issue resolution and closeout.
- Serve as the primary contact for delivery partners and funding recipients, ensuring programs meet contractual requirements, timelines, budgets and performance targets.
- Lead assigned Road to Web Summit Vancouver initiatives.
- Use program data, participant feedback and ecosystem intelligence to improve program delivery and client experience.
- Coordinate with internal teams on programming, communications, data and stakeholder engagement.
- Guide junior staff, contractors and service providers supporting program delivery.
- Contribute to departmental planning, priority-setting and progress reporting.
Partnership and Ecosystem Engagement
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with ventures, accelerators, industry associations, investors, corporations, post-secondary institutions, Indigenous organizations, regional partners and government agencies.
- Engage regularly with ecosystem partners to identify emerging needs, gaps, trends and opportunities, and translate these insights into programs, partnerships and referrals.
- Convene consultations and working sessions that encourage collaboration and coordination among partners.
- Support inclusive program reach across B.C., including regional, Indigenous-led and equity-deserving ventures and organizations.
- Represent Innovate BC at relevant meetings and events.
- Identify partnership, co-funding and government funding opportunities that could extend program reach and impact.
Financial, Contract and Compliance Management
- Manage program budgets, forecasts, expenditures and financial reporting in collaboration with Finance.
- Monitor program efficiency, including funding leveraged and cost per venture supported.
- Review partner deliverables, reports, claims and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness and contractual compliance.
- Identify and resolve program delivery, financial, contractual and data issues with partners and internal teams.
Performance Measurement and Reporting
- Coordinate program data collection and analysis with the Program Analyst and Innovate BC’s Data team.
- Track program outputs, outcomes and performance indicators, including company progression and participant experience.
- Prepare dashboards, impact reports and briefing materials for executives, government and external stakeholders.
- Translate data and stakeholder feedback into practical recommendations for program improvement.
- Maintain accurate and complete program information in Innovate BC’s CRM and reporting systems.
- Work with Marketing and Communications to identify success stories and communicate program results.
- The duties and responsibilities described above are not intended to be a complete reflection of the full scope of the role and may be expanded/modified as required based on the organization’s needs.
What You Will Need
- Post-secondary education in business or public administration, project management, economic development, data analytics or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least five years of program or project management experience, preferably in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship or economic development.
- Experience managing multiple projects, contracts, budgets, timelines and external service providers.
- Experience designing programs, establishing performance measures and using data and feedback to improve results.
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills, with the confidence and curiosity to initiate conversations, develop new connections and work effectively across industry, government and community organizations
- Strong analytical and synthesis skills, including the ability to draw insights from data, research and stakeholder conversations and translate them into practical recommendations.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and deliver results within short timelines.
- Proficiency with CRM systems, Microsoft Excel and digital collaboration tools
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of B.C.’s innovation ecosystem and the needs of technology-enabled companies.
- Experience managing government- or non-profit-funded programs, including compliance and reporting.
- Experience engaging regional, Indigenous or equity-deserving organizations and communities.
- Experience with Power BI, Tableau or similar data-visualization tools.
- Project management or process-improvement certification, such as PMP or Lean Six Sigma.
What We Offer
- Hybrid work environment
- Onsite fitness facilities, and bike storage available at Vancouver office
- Learning and development opportunities
- Access to events and conferences
Occasional travel within British Columbia and attendance at ecosystem events outside regular working hours may be required.
This job description may change at the discretion of Innovate BC.
How to Apply
If this opportunity to work with an impactful, inclusive, and collaborative team feels like the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply by clicking the “Apply Now” button and submitting your application.
If you encounter any issues while submitting your application, please contact [email protected] for assistance.
Application Deadline: The deadline for applications is August 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Innovate BC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and proudly maintains an organizational culture of inclusion, respect and understanding. In our work to create a thriving and more diverse innovation ecosystem within British Columbia, we know that our efforts only benefit from the vibrant diversity of backgrounds, identities, and characteristics that are reflected across our team and partners. All qualified applicants, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, are strongly encouraged to apply. As part of our effort to provide a barrier free recruitment process, should you require accommodations in the process, please let us know by contacting [email protected].
Collection NoticeYour personal information will be collected for the purpose of managing employment-related activities, including recruitment, onboarding, payroll and benefits enrolment, and performance management. If you have any questions about the collection of this personal information, please contact: Radwa Saad, Head of Organizational Resilience, [email protected] This information is being collected by Innovate BC under the authority of section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), which permits the collection of personal information that relates directly to and is necessary for an operating program or activity of the public body.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $76,000.00-$90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Vancouver, BC V6E 1G3
