This Innovation Studio is delivered by Hatch Blue in close collaboration with Oceans Advance. While the Community Manager is employed by and reports to Hatch Blue, the role works in close partnership with the Oceans Advance team and other regional collaborators to convene stakeholders, strengthen local industry connections, and ensure the program is deeply embedded in the Atlantic Canada ecosystem.

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About Hatch Blue

Hatch Blue is a knowledge-based firm focused on sustainable aquaculture and alternative seafood. It comprises three business units: investment management, consulting, and startup programs. Its 35+ team members work across five offices in Europe, North America and Asia. To date, Hatch Blue has made 70+ investments, venture-built two companies, run seven accelerator programs, directed 16 innovation studios, and delivered dozens of specialised consulting projects to global clients.

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About Oceans Advance

Oceans Advance represents the ocean industry cluster for Newfoundland and Labrador, working to grow a globally competitive, sustainable ocean economy in the region. It connects industry, startups, researchers, government, and investors to accelerate innovation, and commercialization, across the ocean sector.

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The Position

Hatch Blue, in collaboration with Oceans Advance, is launching an Aquaculture Innovation Studio focused on the Atlantic Canada region. Building on Hatch Blue’s experience delivering global innovation studios and accelerator programs, this program is designed to support startups, connecting them with capital, mentors, and industry partners. Our goal is to accelerate Atlantic Canada’s position as a globally competitive hub for sustainable aquaculture and ocean innovation.

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We are looking for a dynamic Community Manager to lead this initiative on the ground. As Community Manager – Atlantic Canada, you will be the local face of Hatch Blue and the Innovation Studio, responsible for building and nurturing a strong regional ecosystem, driving startup applications, and supporting founders before, during, and after the program.

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This is a hands-on role for someone who loves connecting people, building networks, and helping entrepreneurs succeed.

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Key Responsibilities

Ecosystem Building & Outreach

• Develop and lead a strategic outreach program across local, national, and regional levels to identify relevant ventures in aquaculture.
• Build strong, long-term relationships with key ecosystem players, in coordination with Oceans Advance’s existing networks across industry, research, and government.
• Foster a community of program participants and support their continued growth and visibility through regular one-on-one check-ins, setting milestones and KPIs to drive success.
• Represent Hatch Blue and the program at regional conferences, events, and site visits.
• Track company progress and maintain engagement with Hatch’s global mentor and investor network.

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Program Delivery & Events

• Support recruitment and selection of startups.
• Support the design and execution of innovation studio activities on the ground, in collaboration with Hatch’s global team and Oceans Advance.
• Provide post-program support to alumni, helping them grow and scale their ventures.

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Marketing & Communications

• Collaborate with Hatch’s communications team to raise awareness of the program and its impact.
• Support content creation in collaboration with designers and media partners as needed.

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Administration & Reporting

• Maintain records of engagement and stakeholder relationships.
• Prepare regular progress updates and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate with local service providers for logistics, printing, design, and venue arrangements.

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Ideal Profile

• At least 5+ years experience in community management, startup ecosystems, aquaculture, blue economy, or related sectors.
• Proven ability to grow networks and build lasting partnerships.
• Self-starter with a track record of independently driving projects and community initiatives.
• Strong project management and event coordination skills.
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating with a global team.
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills; confident representing Hatch Blue at events and in media.
• Passion for ocean sustainability, aquaculture innovation, and supporting entrepreneurs.
• Knowledge of Atlantic Canada’s aquaculture ecosystem and relevant networks.

The Offer

• This is a fixed 2-year contract position, with the intention to extend based on program continuation and funding.
• Competitive compensation aligned with experience and local benchmarks.
• Opportunity to shape the growth of Atlantic Canada’s aquaculture innovation sector.
• Be part of a small, fast-moving team making real change in food systems.
• The role requires regular travel across the region and occasional international travel.

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Job info and how to apply:

• Location: Flexible within Atlantic Canada
• Application Deadline: February 9th, 2026
• Start Date: March 16th, 2026
• To apply, submit an application here - https://forms.gle/1DGPKhpLhR3TW54o6

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Hatch Blue is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. We encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds and regions to apply, even if you don’t meet every requirement.

Application Form Link

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PLEASE USE GOOGLE FORM ABOVE TO APPLY AND NOT THE FORM BELOW.

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