Drive growth. Fuel innovation. Shape the future of Nova Scotia.
Invest Nova Scotia empowers businesses of all sizes to leverage our province’s natural advantages and deliver world-class solutions for Canada and global markets. Through our focus on three key areas of economic growth: venture capital, scale-up and export, and investment attraction, we’re helping Nova Scotia become an economic success story. Together, we turn local potential into lasting prosperity.
As a provincial crown corporation reporting to the Department of Growth and Development, our team is as innovative and energetic as the clients we serve. We are a client and people-centric organization, and we care deeply about the work we do, guided by our values and our passion to help the companies we work with grow and succeed.
Job Opportunity: Investment Principal (Permanent)
As an Investment Principal, you’ll play a key role on our Venture Capital team, identifying and evaluating early-stage companies with strong potential for commercial success and long-term sustainability. You’ll lead investments, manage portfolio relationships, and support founders and management teams as they navigate growth, scale, and market entry.
This role is well suited to someone who understands how early-stage companies are built—whether through venture capital, startup operations, innovation-focused roles, or close work with founders and entrepreneurial teams—and who can balance strong analysis with practical, relationship-driven judgment. We are particularly interested in candidates with defence/dual-use technology experience.
What You’ll Do
- Scout, evaluate, and champion high-potential early-stage companies.
- Lead the full investment process—from first meeting to closing the deal.
- Support founders with strategy, hiring, fundraising, and scaling challenges.
- Work closely with portfolio companies and take board seats when appropriate.
- Build strong relationships across the local and national VC/startup ecosystem.
- Contribute to successful exits and long-term portfolio value.
- Mentor junior team members and help strengthen a collaborative, founder-focused investment culture.
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or Science, with at least seven (7) years of relevant experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience), gained through roles in venture capital, startups, innovation, technology, or closely related environments.
- Strong judgment in evaluating early-stage opportunities and leading transactions.
- Experience with early-stage company growth—product, market discovery, customer traction, or team scaling.
- Knowledge of high-growth tech or deep-tech sectors; familiarity with defence/dual-use technologies is an asset.
- Comfort working in fast-moving, high-ambiguity environments.
- Strong analytical skills and financial fluency (CFA or graduate degree is a plus but not required).
- Ability to quickly build trust with founders, investors, and ecosystem partners.
- Experience mentoring or leading junior team members.
What We Offer
We offer a people-focused rewards package designed to support your wellbeing and work/life balance- including a flexible work model and leave for family care. Our defined benefit pension plan, robust Blue Cross health and dental coverage, and Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provide comprehensive support for you and your family. You’ll also have access to professional development opportunities, mentorship, and the chance to work with innovative, emerging companies in Nova Scotia. All to help you build a fulfilling career while maintaining a balanced life.
Explore more at: investnovascotia.ca
We Value Diversity
Invest Nova Scotia is committed to embracing diversity and fostering a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from Black and African Nova Scotians, Indigenous Peoples, racialized individuals, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, immigrants, veterans, persons living with disabilities, and women. If you identify as part of one of these groups, we encourage you to self-identify in your cover letter or resume.
If you require accommodation at any point during the hiring process, please let us know.
This is a hybrid role based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Closing Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026
Competition #: 25-INS-08
Please send your resume and cover letter as a single PDF via e-mail to careers@investnovascotia.ca, including the competition number in the subject line. In your cover letter, be sure to explain how your experience and skills align with this role.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Final candidates will undergo pre-employment screening as part of the hiring process.