Senior Manager, Ecosystem Growth

About the role

In this role, you will manage a team focused on fostering the growth of the Stellar ecosystem, overseeing various programs that support builders and financial institutions. You will be responsible for setting strategic goals and ensuring alignment with the broader objectives of the Stellar Development Foundation.

Success in this position will depend on your ability to engage with the community, manage the builder funnel from selection to funding, and use data-driven insights to measure and improve program effectiveness. Your experience in blockchain and ecosystem development will be crucial as you collaborate with multiple departments to enhance Stellar's real-world impact.

The salary for this role ranges from $160,000 to $230,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Skills that matter here

• ecosystem growth: This role requires extensive experience in ecosystem growth, particularly in managing teams and funding initiatives.
• blockchain knowledge: A solid understanding of blockchain technology and its applications is necessary to effectively engage with technical founders.
• data analysis: You will need to define metrics and utilize data to guide decision-making and program adjustments.
• team management: Experience in building and leading strong teams is essential for setting expectations and managing performance.
• communication: Clear communication with executives and the community is critical for representing the organization and its initiatives.
• operational discipline: You will design processes that can scale efficiently while adapting to the needs of a lean organization.

Who this role suits

• A candidate who thrives in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment and can define their own path.
• Someone with a strong background in managing teams and programs, especially within the blockchain or startup sectors.
• An individual who is data-driven and comfortable making tough decisions based on evidence.
• A professional with excellent communication skills, able to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

From the employer

• Manage and develop a team of senior program managers and community managers: set clear goals, give direct feedback, and help each person grow and own their work end to end.
• Set the team's strategy, goals, and metrics, and run its planning and reporting rhythm so the work is visible and aligned with the rest of SDF.
• Own the full builder funnel, from finding founders through selection, funding, launch, and growth, with the Stellar Community Fund at its core.
• Oversee programs that help funded teams reach users and customers, such as accelerator-style go-to-market help, mentorship, liquidity awards for new financial protocols, and security audit funding for smart contract projects.
• Partner with Business Development, Developer Relations, Marketing, Legal, and Finance so funding reaches the markets where Stellar is most useful.
• Define and report the measures that show whether the portfolio is working: launch rates, retention at 3, 6, and 12 months, follow-on funding, on-chain activity, and real user adoption.
• Use AI tools and automation to scale review, tracking, and reporting without growing headcount at the same rate.
• Keep the Stellar builder community informed and engaged as programs change, and represent SDF at Meridian, hackathons, and industry events.

• 8+ years of experience in ecosystem growth, venture or accelerator programs, grant programs, or startup and developer programs, including 3+ years managing people.
• A track record of building and developing strong teams: hiring, coaching, setting expectations, and managing performance.
• Experience running a funding, investment, or accelerator program at scale, including selecting teams, doing diligence, and managing a portfolio after the award.
• Working knowledge of blockchain and crypto (smart contracts, wallets, DeFi, and on- and off-ramps) at a level that earns credibility with technical founders.
• Sound judgment about early-stage teams and products: you can spot early signs of traction and make hard calls about where to put resources and when to stop.
• Comfort with data: you define metrics, build or direct dashboards, and change course when the evidence says to.
• Operational discipline: you design processes that hold up at high volume and retire the ones that no longer help.
• Clear written and spoken communication with executives, founders, and a public community.
• Comfort with ambiguity. SDF is a lean organization, and this role involves defining the path as much as following it.

• Competitive pay with a base salary range for this position of $160,000 - $230,000 depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
• Lumen-denominated grants along with the following perks and benefits:
• Competitive health, dental & vision coverage with most plans covered at 100% for the employee + any dependents.
• Flexible time off + 15 company holidays including a company-wide holiday break.
• Generous paid parental leave for all parents, plus paid pregnancy disability leave for birthing parents.
• Gym reimbursement ($80 per month).
• Life & ADD (up to $50K).
• Short & Long term disability.
• 401K with 4% match.
• Health & Dependent Care FSA Accounts.
• Commuter benefits with $250/month employer contribution.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with monthly employer contribution.
• Family building benefits through Kindbody.
• Wellbeing benefits (One Medical, Rightway, Headspace).
• L&D budget of $1,500/year.
• Daily lunch and snacks in office.
• Company retreats.