Partnerships Manager - DeFi

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Partnerships Manager - DeFi

🔹 Company: Interop Labs

🔹 Location: Remote (United States)

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Blockchain Services

🔹 Date Posted: May 30, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (2-5 years)

🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing and scaling Axelar’s relationships with leading Layer 1s, Layer 2s, and appchain ecosystems
• Deepening engagement with blockchain foundations, ecosystem funds, and growth teams
• Coordinating co-marketing campaigns, hackathon sponsorships, and ecosystem incentive programs
• Acting as the primary liaison for inbound partner needs and requests

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of blockchain ecosystems and exceptional interpersonal skills to build and maintain successful partnerships.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Manage and nurture active relationships with blockchain foundations, ecosystem teams, and growth leads

✅ Support the BD lead in identifying high-priority partner chains and coordinating outreach, onboarding, and technical scoping

✅ Coordinate co-marketing campaigns, hackathon sponsorships, ecosystem incentive programs, and product launches in collaboration with partners

✅ Track key partner milestones and ensure timely execution of joint initiatives

✅ Act as the primary liaison for inbound partner needs and requests, triaging with product, engineering, and marketing teams

✅ Maintain a CRM of partner activity, relationship status, and engagement metrics

✅ Represent Axelar at blockchain-specific events and community touchpoints

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization and the ability to manage multiple partner tracks simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 3-5 years of experience in partnerships, account management, or ecosystem development in Web3, fintech, or enterprise tech

Required Skills:

• Familiarity with major blockchain ecosystems and their organizational structures
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and a genuine interest in building long-term, trust-based relationships
• Highly organized with a strong ability to manage multiple partner tracks simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Self-starter with a collaborative mindset and an eagerness to learn in a fast-paced, decentralized environment

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience working with blockchain foundations or ecosystem funds
• Exposure to cross-chain protocols, smart contract platforms, or Web3 infrastructure tools
• Comfort navigating DAO governance and community engagement channels

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, a background in blockchain or cryptocurrency is likely beneficial for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 USD per year (based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels)

Benefits:

• Unlimited time off throughout the year to rest and recharge
• Competitive compensation with stock options, experiencing growth from the initial phase

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible scheduling

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels in the United States.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Interop Labs operates in the Blockchain Services industry, focusing on building interoperability technology for Web3.

Company Size: Interop Labs is a small company with 11-50 employees, offering a collaborative and autonomous work environment.

Founded: Interop Labs was founded in 2021, making it a relatively new player in the blockchain space.

Company Description:

• Interop Labs builds interoperability technology, with a focus on enabling seamless communication and data exchange between different blockchain networks.
• The company is the initial developer of Axelar network, a programmable Web3 interoperability platform designed to scale the next generation of internet applications to billions of users.
• Interop Labs aims to drive the advancement of internet technology as a whole by addressing the crucial challenge of interoperability between blockchains.

Company Specialties:

• Blockchain interoperability
• Cryptography
• Web3 infrastructure

Company Website: https://www.interoplabs.io/

ASSUMPTION: Interop Labs' focus on interoperability and its relatively small size may present unique opportunities for growth and impact for the right candidate.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for mid-career professionals with 2-5 years of experience in partnerships, account management, or ecosystem development within Web3 or fintech.

Reporting Structure: The Partnerships Manager will report directly to the Business Development Lead and work closely with internal teams, including product, engineering, and marketing.

Work Arrangement: This is a remote-friendly role, allowing for flexible work arrangements and the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse global team.

Growth Opportunities:

• As Interop Labs grows, there may be opportunities for the Partnerships Manager to take on additional responsibilities or move into leadership roles.
• Working closely with internal teams and external partners may provide opportunities to learn and develop new skills.

ASSUMPTION: Given Interop Labs' focus on innovation and growth, this role may present unique opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote-friendly, with no physical office requirement

Office Location(s): N/A (remote work only)

Geographic Context:

• Interop Labs is a remote-first company, allowing employees to work from anywhere with a reliable internet connection.
• While the company is based in the United States, it has a global team and encourages diversity and inclusion.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible scheduling, allowing for a healthy work-life balance

ASSUMPTION: The remote-friendly nature of this role may provide candidates with greater flexibility and work-life balance, while also offering the opportunity to work with a diverse global team.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
• Technical assessment or case study (if applicable)
• Final round interview with key stakeholders
• Offer extension and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Understanding of blockchain ecosystems and their organizational structures
• Relationship-building skills and ability to manage multiple partner tracks simultaneously
• Communication skills and ability to represent Axelar's value to diverse audiences
• Problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex partner needs and requests

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience in partnerships, account management, or ecosystem development within Web3 or fintech.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of blockchain ecosystems and their organizational structures.
• Showcase your ability to build and maintain long-term, trust-based relationships.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your relevant skills and experiences.

ATS Keywords: Partnerships, Account Management, Ecosystem Development, Blockchain Ecosystems, Interpersonal Skills, Organizational Skills, Communication Skills, Self-Starter, Collaborative Mindset, Technical Scoping, Co-Marketing Campaigns, Hackathon Sponsorships, Ecosystem Incentive Programs, Product Launches, DAO Governance, Community Engagement

ASSUMPTION: Interop Labs' hiring process may involve assessments or case studies to evaluate candidates' understanding of blockchain ecosystems and their ability to manage partner relationships effectively.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• CRM software (e.g., HubSpot, Salesforce, or similar tools) for managing partner activity and engagement metrics
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or similar tools) for tracking partner milestones and joint initiatives
• Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar tools) for internal and external communication

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used by Interop Labs may vary, but candidates should be comfortable using CRM, project management, and communication platforms.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Autonomous, distributed environment with the opportunity to work collaboratively in a diverse team worldwide
• The scope to contribute to high impact work and make a difference in a decentralized protocol
• The chance to challenge yourself whilst learning heaps of stuff in the process

Work Style:

• Self-starter with a collaborative mindset and an eagerness to learn in a fast-paced, decentralized environment
• Highly organized with a strong ability to manage multiple partner tracks simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a genuine interest in building long-term, trust-based relationships with blockchain foundations, ecosystem funds, and growth teams?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, decentralized environment and managing multiple partner tracks simultaneously?
• Do you possess strong written and verbal communication skills, enabling you to represent Axelar's value to diverse audiences?

ASSUMPTION: Interop Labs values candidates who are self-motivated, organized, and effective communicators, with a strong interest in building and maintaining successful partnerships within the blockchain ecosystem.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The fast-paced and decentralized nature of the role may require candidates to be highly adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity
• Managing multiple partner tracks simultaneously may present organizational and time management challenges
• The remote-friendly work environment may require candidates to be self-motivated and capable of working independently
• The ever-evolving landscape of blockchain technology and ecosystems may necessitate continuous learning and adaptation

ASSUMPTION: While these challenges may present unique opportunities for growth and learning, candidates should be prepared to navigate the complexities of a fast-paced, decentralized work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to traditional partnerships or account management roles, this position focuses more on blockchain-specific ecosystems and their organizational structures
• Unlike other Web3 or fintech roles, this role requires a strong understanding of interoperability technology and its application within the blockchain ecosystem
• Career progression in this role may involve moving into leadership positions or taking on additional responsibilities as Interop Labs grows

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be aware of the unique aspects of this role within the broader context of partnerships and account management positions in Web3 and fintech.

📝 Sample Projects

• Managing the onboarding and integration of a new Layer 1 or Layer 2 blockchain into the Axelar network
• Coordinating a co-marketing campaign with a leading blockchain foundation to promote Axelar's interoperability solutions
• Developing and implementing an ecosystem incentive program to encourage adoption and engagement with the Axelar network

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the day-to-day responsibilities and initiatives that the Partnerships Manager may be involved in, demonstrating the importance of their role in driving Axelar's growth and success.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does Interop Labs support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does the Partnerships Manager collaborate with internal teams, such as product, engineering, and marketing, to support successful partner integrations and ongoing collaborations?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the Partnerships Manager in this role, and how can they be addressed?
• How does Interop Labs measure the success of its partnerships, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are used to track progress?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide candidates with a better understanding of the role, the company culture, and the expectations for success in this position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your relevant skills and experiences in partnerships, account management, or ecosystem development within Web3 or fintech.
• Prepare for interviews by researching Interop Labs, the Axelar network, and the broader blockchain ecosystem to demonstrate your understanding of the industry and the company's mission.
• Follow up with the Hiring Manager within one week of submitting your application to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.