Ecosystem Partnerships @ Espresso Systems

Espresso Systems is the lead developer of Espresso: the coordination layer for cross-chain transactions and interactions. We are building a network and marketplace that enables chains to interoperate seamlessly, without sacrificing scale or sovereignty. Chains that are fueled by Espresso create better experiences for their users and capture more value for their ecosystems.

At Espresso, we work with leading projects developing chains, rollups, and applications including Offchain Labs, Polygon, Cartesi, RARI Chain, and beyond. We support these teams in offering users an open, interoperable experience through a pragmatic and diligent approach to infrastructure design and by harnessing the power of free and fair markets.

Contributors to Espresso comprise a diverse and passionate team located around the world. We are developers, designers, and researchers who have contributed in academia, in open source communities, in policymaking, and beyond. We are backed by over $50m in funding from leading investors in technology and crypto including a16z, Greylock Partners, Electric Capital, Sequoia Capital, and Polychain Capital.

In the last year Espresso has onboarded 45 partners, and you will play a key role in helping us multiply that number as we head towards mainnet. You’ll split your time between new ecosystem growth (40%) and existing partner success (60%). You’re just as happy diving deep onchain to extract insights as you are schmoozing about sequencing at a conference happy hour. When it comes to ecosystem growth, you will be responsible for tracking trends, identifying new opportunities, and owning outreach in the Ethereum ecosystem and beyond. You might have experience negotiating and closing a partnership, or you’re highly motivated to develop this expertise. On the relationship management side, you will be responsible for understanding partner priorities, agreeing to shared goals, and supercharging their protocols with Espresso. You’ll work closely with founders across the Ethereum ecosystem from the top rollups, optimiums, validiums, rollup-as-a-service platforms, apps, block builders, and node operators to name a few! The ideal candidate will have an action/solutions oriented mindset and be flexible working in a startup environment where priorities change regularly.

Responsibilities

Track rollup ecosystem growth and onchain trends using tools like Dune and SQL
Interest in navigating rollup ecosystems, including governance and research forums
Identify collaboration opportunities and establish new relationships with projects
Execute the go-to-market strategy by negotiating and closing partnership agreements that align with Espresso’s strategic goals
Develop and manage relationships with partners by understanding existing priorities, roadmap, shared goals, and how Espresso can drive business value
Collaborate with product and engineering teams to share customer feedback/insights that allow us to ship better products
Frequent travel to meet with partners, speak at conferences, and attend networking events

Skills

Excellent analytical (qualitative and quantitative) and market research skills
Demonstrated ability to identify promising leads, negotiate and close partnerships
Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with partners, set clear expectations and take ownership
Excellent verbal and written communication in English, ability to present in public
Intellectual curiosity coupled with a desire to learn and develop your technical acumen
Knowledge of how to navigate crypto-specific channels including Telegram, Discord, Warpcast, Twitter, and governance/research forums
Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams

Experience

3+ years of experience in strategic business development, partnership management, consulting, or a related field
Onchain analytics wizard across Dune, Nansen, and more; SQL experience is a plus
Enthusiasm for the blockchain/web3 ecosystem; experience a plus

Benefits

Fully remote with flexible hours
Work alongside the brightest minds in the crypto space
Competitive salary + equity package
Regular team off-sites to international locations
Unlimited vacation policy
Top-tier health, dental, and vision coverage for US employees
Paid conference attendance

Responsibilities

Skills

Experience

Benefits

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth

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