📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Ecosystem Partnerships Manager (US)
🔹 Company: Starknet Foundation
🔹 Location: Remote US
🔹 Job Type: Full-time employee
🔹 Category: Nonprofit, Software Development
🔹 Date Posted: July 2, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Connecting Starknet’s most promising builders with capital and support
- Designing and executing programs to support early-stage teams
- Serving as a key connector between founders, developers, and Starknet’s broader network
- Building and maintaining relationships with VCs, angel investors, and early-stage funds
- Representing Starknet at high-impact events, hackathons, and conferences
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong network in the crypto VC space and familiarity with Bitcoin and Ethereum L2. The ideal candidate will have experience in early-stage founder support and exceptional communication skills.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Design and execute programs to support early-stage teams, including grant structuring, capital introductions, and accelerator engagement
✅ Serve as a key connector between founders, developers, and Starknet’s broader network of VCs, accelerators, incubators, and ecosystem partners
✅ Guide devs and founders on their journey to sustainability, offering advice and introductions across technical, product, and business domains
✅ Build and maintain relationships with VCs, angel investors, and early-stage funds, with a focus on catalyzing the Starknet builder ecosystem
✅ Own and optimize the developer-to-startup lifecycle: from hackathon participation to company formation and scaling
✅ Help create an enabling ecosystem by improving grant workflows, founder support, and funding pathways
✅ Represent Starknet at high-impact events, hackathons, and conferences, and amplify the Starknet story to relevant communities in the US and beyond
ASSUMPTION: The role may require occasional travel to attend events and conferences, and some flexibility in working hours to accommodate different time zones.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience
Experience: 5-10 years of experience in early-stage founder support, ecosystem building, or developer relations within the crypto VC landscape
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in early-stage founder support, ecosystem building, or developer relations
- Deep relationships across the crypto VC and early-stage builder landscape in the US
- Familiarity with Bitcoin and the Ethereum L2 space, and enthusiasm for helping it grow
- Strong ability to identify high-potential projects and help them navigate capital and growth resources
- Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills
- Strategic mindset with strong execution chops
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in governance, public goods, or protocol ecosystems
- Based in the US
ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor's degree is preferred, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (AI-estimated, based on role, experience level, and location)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Flexible work hours and remote work options
- Generous PTO and holiday schedule
- Professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with some flexibility for event attendance and time zone accommodation
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. The benefits listed are based on typical nonprofit benefits packages.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: The Starknet Foundation operates in the nonprofit and software development sectors, focusing on blockchain technology and decentralized applications.
Company Size: The Starknet Foundation has 11-50 employees, providing a mid-sized organization structure with opportunities for impact and growth.
Founded: The Starknet Foundation was established to oversee the growth and development of Starknet, a fast, scalable, and fully-verifiable tech platform.
Company Description:
- The Starknet Foundation supports developers and founders building impactful apps that solve real-world problems on Starknet.
- The Foundation oversees a broad range of educational, grant, and startup programs and partnerships to support developers and founders.
- The Starknet Foundation is committed to scaling Ethereum and Bitcoin without compromising security or decentralization.
Company Specialties:
- Ecosystem building and support for early-stage projects
- Grant programs and funding pathways
- Developer relations and community engagement
- Event representation and networking
Company Website: https://foundation.starknet.org/
ASSUMPTION: The Starknet Foundation is a growing organization with a clear mission and a strong focus on supporting the development of decentralized applications.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for an experienced professional with 5-10 years of experience in early-stage founder support, ecosystem building, or developer relations within the crypto VC landscape.
Reporting Structure: The Ecosystem Partnerships Manager will report directly to the leadership team at the Starknet Foundation and collaborate closely with various departments, including the developer relations, grant programs, and community engagement teams.
Work Arrangement: This role is remote-friendly, with a focus on results and flexibility. Some travel may be required for events and conferences.
Growth Opportunities:
- Expanding the network of VCs, angel investors, and early-stage funds supporting Starknet projects
- Developing and implementing new programs to support early-stage teams
- Building and strengthening relationships with ecosystem partners
- Gaining experience in the nonprofit sector and the blockchain industry
ASSUMPTION: The Starknet Foundation offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the blockchain and nonprofit sectors.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote work is preferred, with occasional travel for events and conferences
Office Location(s): Remote US
Geographic Context:
- The United States has a well-established crypto VC landscape and early-stage builder community
- The remote work arrangement allows for flexibility and work-life balance
- The Starknet Foundation's mission and values align with a diverse and inclusive work environment
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with some flexibility for event attendance and time zone accommodation
ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement and flexible work schedule provide a good work-life balance for the ideal candidate.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the hiring manager
- In-depth interview with the leadership team
- Final interview with the CEO or a board member
Key Assessment Areas:
- Candidates' understanding of the crypto VC landscape and early-stage builder ecosystem
- Candidates' ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders
- Candidates' strategic mindset and execution skills
- Candidates' communication skills and cultural fit with the Starknet Foundation
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience in early-stage founder support, ecosystem building, or developer relations
- Demonstrate a strong network within the crypto VC landscape and early-stage builder community
- Showcase familiarity with Bitcoin and the Ethereum L2 space, and enthusiasm for helping it grow
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your strategic mindset, communication skills, and cultural fit
ATS Keywords: Ecosystem Building, Relationship Building, Communication Skills, Strategic Mindset, Execution Skills, Founder Support, Capital Introduction, Grant Structuring, Accelerator Engagement, Developer Relations, Technical Guidance, Product Guidance, Business Guidance, Networking, Event Representation, Community Engagement
ASSUMPTION: The Starknet Foundation uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, and including relevant keywords in your resume can improve your chances of being seen by the hiring team.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Email platforms (e.g., Gmail, Outlook)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- CRM software (e.g., HubSpot, Salesforce)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be comfortable using various tools and technologies to manage their work and collaborate with the team.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards and being transparent in all actions
- Innovation: Embracing creativity and continuous learning to drive progress
- Collaboration: Working together to achieve common goals and support one another's success
- Decentralization: Empowering individuals and communities to make decisions and take action
Work Style:
- Results-driven: Focusing on outcomes and delivering value
- Adaptable: Embracing change and finding solutions in dynamic environments
- Collaborative: Working effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders
- Inclusive: Fostering a welcoming and respectful work environment
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong network within the crypto VC landscape and early-stage builder community?
- Are you comfortable working remotely and managing your time effectively?
- Do you share the Starknet Foundation's commitment to integrity, innovation, collaboration, and decentralization?
ASSUMPTION: The Starknet Foundation values a diverse and inclusive work environment, and candidates who share the organization's values and work style will be a good fit for the team.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Navigating the dynamic and rapidly evolving crypto VC landscape
- Balancing the needs of early-stage projects with the resources available from VCs, angel investors, and early-stage funds
- Managing the expectations and priorities of various stakeholders, including founders, developers, VCs, and the Starknet Foundation
- Occasional travel for events and conferences, which may disrupt work-life balance
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be adaptable, resilient, and able to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the crypto VC landscape and early-stage builder ecosystem.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional venture capital roles, this position focuses on supporting early-stage projects rather than investing in them
- Compared to other ecosystem building roles, this position has a strong focus on grant structuring, capital introductions, and accelerator engagement
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into leadership positions within the Starknet Foundation or other nonprofit organizations focused on blockchain technology
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique within the crypto VC landscape and early-stage builder ecosystem, and candidates should be aware of the specific requirements and expectations of the position.
📝 Sample Projects
- Designing and implementing a new grant program to support early-stage Starknet projects
- Building and maintaining relationships with VCs, angel investors, and early-stage funds to catalyze the Starknet builder ecosystem
- Representing the Starknet Foundation at high-impact events, hackathons, and conferences to amplify the Starknet story
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience working on similar projects and be able to demonstrate their ability to deliver results in a dynamic and evolving environment.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does the Starknet Foundation support early-stage projects, and what resources are available to them?
- What is the leadership team's vision for the future of the Starknet Foundation, and how does this role contribute to that vision?
- How does the Starknet Foundation foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, and what opportunities are there for professional growth and development?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured?
- How does the Starknet Foundation balance the needs of early-stage projects with the resources available from VCs, angel investors, and early-stage funds?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates the candidate's interest in the role and commitment to the Starknet Foundation's mission.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in early-stage founder support, ecosystem building, or developer relations
- Prepare examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, and your strategic mindset and execution skills
- Follow up with the hiring team one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
