📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Ecosystem Growth Manager
🔹 Company: Stellar Development Foundation
🔹 Location: Manhattan, New York, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Software Development
🔹 Date Posted: April 16, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading programs and initiatives to drive project inflow into the Stellar ecosystem
- Fostering collaborations and partnerships with accelerators, VCs, and ecosystem partners
- Optimizing processes to ensure high-quality project engagement
- Cross-functional coordination with internal teams and external stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong organizational skills, and a deep understanding of ecosystem dynamics to succeed.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead Inflow Strategy for SCF: Design and execute programs, engagements, and experiments that attract high-quality teams and builders into the SCF pipeline, ensuring alignment with ecosystem priorities.
✅ Own SCF Kickstart: Act as point of contact for our global startup bootcamp, managing its strategy, execution (with agency and internal partners), and ongoing improvement.
✅ Drive Builder Activations: Launch and support ecosystem engagements—such as accelerator partnerships, builder residencies, technical workshops, and regional initiatives—that source and empower top-tier applicants.
✅ Foster Strategic Collaborations: Build relationships with accelerators, founder networks, VCs, scouts, and ecosystem partners to co-design inflow-focused programs and identify promising teams.
✅ Optimize for Quality: Collaborate with the SCF team to refine criteria, processes, and tooling to prioritize projects with strong validation, product-market fit, and long-term potential.
✅ Work Cross-Functionally: Partner with DevRel, BD, Marketing, and other teams across SDF to align inflow efforts with broader organizational goals.
✅ Track and Report Impact: Define KPIs, analyze results, and report on growth initiatives—using insights to iterate, improve, or scale successful models.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, program execution, and stakeholder management, requiring strong adaptability and communication skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience
Experience: Proven track record designing and running founder-facing programs (e.g., accelerators, residencies) in Web3 or technical ecosystems
Required Skills:
- Program strategy and execution experience
- Ecosystem instincts: deep understanding of what makes ecosystems thrive
- Collaboration superpowers: skilled at cross-functional coordination and external partnerships
- Strong organizational skills
- Data-driven mindset
- Excellent communication skills
Preferred Skills:
- Deep understanding of blockchain ecosystems
- Strong network of accelerator, VC, and ecosystem support partners in Web3
ASSUMPTION: While a degree is preferred, equivalent experience and a strong portfolio of past projects may be considered in lieu of formal education.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $125,000 - $175,000 USD per year (based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location)
Benefits:
- Competitive health, dental & vision coverage
- Flexible time off + 15 company holidays including a company-wide holiday break
- Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for both non-birthing and birthing parents, as well as up to 14 weeks of paid pregnancy 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
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and may vary depending on the candidate's skills, experience, and location.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Software Development, specifically focused on blockchain technology and financial access
Company Size: 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and impact
Founded: 2014, with a mission-driven team focused on growing the Stellar blockchain network and creating equitable access to the global financial system
Company Description:
- Nonprofit organization based in San Francisco
- Building a common financial platform, designed to be open and accessible to everyone
- Allows people to easily send, save, and receive money without large fees or hassle
Company Specialties:
- Blockchain development
- Financial access and inclusion
- Open-source technology
Company Website: https://www.stellar.org/
ASSUMPTION: The Stellar Development Foundation is a mission-driven organization, focused on creating real-world blockchain solutions that create financial access for everyone.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior role, requiring significant experience and expertise in ecosystem growth and program management
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Ecosystem Growth and may manage junior team members or external partners
Work Arrangement: Remote OK, with flexibility for remote work and potential in-office collaboration
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a leadership role within the Ecosystem Growth team or related functions
- Opportunities to work on cutting-edge blockchain technology and create equitable access to the global financial system
- Chance to collaborate with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the Stellar ecosystem and the broader blockchain industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid, with a physical office in San Francisco and remote work options
Office Location(s): San Francisco, CA, with remote work available for qualified candidates
Geographic Context:
- Manhattan, New York, United States: A bustling urban environment with a thriving tech industry
- San Francisco, CA, United States: The headquarters of the Stellar Development Foundation, offering a vibrant tech hub and cultural scene
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The remote-friendly work environment allows for greater flexibility and work-life balance, while the office locations provide opportunities for in-person collaboration and networking.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application review
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- Technical assessment or case study
- Final interview with the team
Key Assessment Areas:
- Program strategy and execution skills
- Ecosystem understanding and instincts
- Collaboration and communication abilities
- Data-driven mindset and analytical skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the Stellar ecosystem and blockchain technology in your application materials
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on program management, collaboration, and problem-solving
ATS Keywords: Stellar, blockchain, ecosystem growth, program management, partnerships, Web3, technical ecosystems, founder-facing programs, accelerator, residency, project inflow, SCF, cross-functional collaboration
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a strong focus on relevant experience and a deep understanding of the Stellar ecosystem and blockchain technology.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics, Tableau)
- Blockchain-specific tools and platforms (e.g., Stellar blockchain, Interstellar, SDEX)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the candidate's background and the team's needs, but strong project management and data analysis skills are essential.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Open source
- Inclusive
- Collaborative
- Mission-driven
Work Style:
- Remote-friendly and flexible
- Collaborative and cross-functional
- Data-driven and analytical
- Focused on creating real-world impact
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with external partners and stakeholders?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully optimized a program or process to improve its impact?
- How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and developments in the blockchain space?
ASSUMPTION: The Stellar Development Foundation values candidates who are mission-driven, collaborative, and committed to creating real-world impact through open-source technology.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple complex initiatives and stakeholders simultaneously
- Balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day program execution
- Navigating a rapidly changing and evolving blockchain ecosystem
- Collaborating effectively with remote team members and external partners
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities, requiring strong adaptability, communication, and project management skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional accelerator or VC roles, this position focuses on driving project inflow into a specific blockchain ecosystem rather than portfolio management or investment
- This role requires a deep understanding of blockchain technology and ecosystem dynamics, as well as strong program management skills
- Career progression in this role may lead to leadership positions within the Ecosystem Growth team or related functions, rather than traditional investment or portfolio management paths
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique within the blockchain industry, requiring a specific blend of skills and experience that may not be directly comparable to other roles in the field.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a targeted campaign to attract high-quality projects to the Stellar ecosystem through strategic partnerships and collaborations
- Optimizing the SCF Kickstart program to improve participant outcomes and increase project inflow into the Stellar ecosystem
- Launching a regional initiative to source and empower top-tier applicants in a specific geographic area, tailored to the unique needs and opportunities of that market
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects and initiatives undertaken in this role will vary depending on the candidate's background, the team's needs, and the broader ecosystem dynamics, but a strong focus on strategic thinking, program execution, and stakeholder management is essential.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does the Stellar Development Foundation support the growth and success of projects within the Stellar ecosystem?
- What are the key priorities for the Ecosystem Growth team in the next 6-12 months, and how does this role contribute to those objectives?
- How does the Stellar Development Foundation approach collaborations and partnerships with external stakeholders, such as accelerators, VCs, and ecosystem partners?
- What opportunities exist for professional growth and development within the Ecosystem Growth team or related functions at the Stellar Development Foundation?
- How does the Stellar Development Foundation foster a culture of innovation, adaptability, and continuous learning within the organization?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your understanding of the Stellar ecosystem and blockchain technology.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on program management, collaboration, and problem-solving
- Research the Stellar ecosystem and blockchain technology to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and reiterate your interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
