The Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) is a non-profit organization established in 2014, committed to working with and supporting change-makers to create equitable access to the global financial system through blockchain technology. SDF supports the continued development and growth of the Stellar network, an open-source platform designed for fast, low-cost transactions, asset issuance, and real-time currency conversion. The foundation provides grants, investments, funding, and other awards to builders and organizations, while also developing resources and tooling. Stellar is more than a blockchain; it's a decentralized, sustainable network with a thriving ecosystem, paving the path to unlock the world’s economic potential. As a non-profit, SDF places the health of the Stellar network, its ecosystem, and its mission above all else, where blockchain meets the real world.

About the Position

Introduction

Are you passionate about leveraging cutting-edge blockchain technology to create equitable access to the global financial system? Join the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF), a mission-driven organization dedicated to fueling the growth of the Stellar blockchain network. We are seeking a Director of Account Management to lead our account management practice within the Business Development team.

As a 'player-coach,' you will blend strong team leadership with a proven track record in managing key accounts. This role involves both leading a team of Account Managers and directly managing relationships with a portfolio of Tier 1 ecosystem partners. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in financial services, familiarity with blockchain and tokenization strategies, and a commitment to expanding the blockchain ecosystem in line with SDF’s mission.

Responsibilities

Pod Leadership & Management: Serve as a player-coach, setting performance standards and establishing best practices for the Account Management pod. Directly manage a personal portfolio of Tier 1 ecosystem partners.
Internal Governance & Practice Excellence: Represent the Account Management practice within SDF, designing, implementing, and optimizing management processes and supporting assets to ensure operational excellence.
Strategic Relationship Management: Drive high-stakes engagement with regulated asset issuers, financial institutions, and payment providers. Accelerate ecosystem growth by scaling:
- Tokenized Real-World Assets (RWAs): Increase AUM, TVL, and RWA-specific Monthly Active Users (MAUs).
- Payment Operations: Expand payment volumes, wallet adoption, and Monthly Active Accounts (MAAs).
- DeFi Integration: Deepen engagement and maximize TVL across the network.
Business Development & Growth: Identify and pitch high-growth opportunities, products, and features to existing partners. Structure cross-sell and upsell deals aligned with Stellar’s long-term ecosystem strategy.
Market Strategy & Intelligence: Provide actionable insights on market trends, regulatory shifts, and competitive positioning, acting as a strategic advisor to refine Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies.
Cross-Functional Execution: Partner closely with Legal, Compliance, Product, and Engineering teams to remove friction and support partners in scaling their assets on the Stellar blockchain.
Education & Advocacy: Serve as a subject matter expert and brand ambassador, educating partners and industry stakeholders on the unique technical advantages and value propositions of the Stellar network.

Requirements

Experience: 10+ years in business development or account management within financial services, capital markets, or asset management.
Institutional Expertise: Deep functional knowledge of the full lifecycle of traditional assets, including issuance, custody, and secondary market trading. Direct experience navigating the operational and regulatory requirements of institutional financial entities.
Blockchain & Tokenization: Knowledge of blockchain and asset tokenization concepts.
Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to manage complex relationships with institutional partners and navigate regulatory frameworks.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to identify emerging opportunities in the blockchain space and create frameworks for competitive knowledge to drive enhancements to Stellar.
Communication Skills: Proficiency in communicating effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.

Nice to Have

Understanding of compliance requirements related to securities, tokenized assets, and financial regulations.
Previous experience in a role interfacing with both technical and business stakeholders.
Knowledge of Stellar network features and ecosystem.

Benefits

Competitive base salary: $225,000 - $335,000 annually (depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location).
Lumen-denominated grants.
USA-specific benefits:
- Competitive health, dental & vision coverage (most plans 100% covered for employee + dependents).
- Flexible time off + 15 company holidays (including a company-wide holiday break).
- Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave (non-birthing and birthing parents), up to 14 weeks paid pregnancy leave (birthing parents).
- Gym reimbursement ($80 per month).
- Life & AD&D (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).
- Learning & Development budget of $1,500/year.
- Daily lunch and snacks in office.
- Company retreats.