Protocol Growth Lead

How you can make an impact:

• Position Aave as the premier lending infrastructure powering the next generation of DeFi and established onchain finance platforms.
• Drive the execution of Aave V4’s growth strategy through research, partner development, and coordination of integrations across the ecosystem.
• Knowledge transfer existing developers and integrators from Aave V3 to Aave V4.
• Support on incentive programs and deals for integrators.
• Identify and lead high-impact integrations that expand Aave V4’s usage across core verticals, including DeFi-native protocols/products, wallet providers and SDKs, custodians and multisig platforms, staking infra APIs, middleware layers, and digital asset custody solutions.
• Collaborate with Aave’s chain partners to seamlessly integrate Aave V4 into their product stacks, driving growth opportunities and supporting the expansion of their ecosystems.
• Work alongside priority partners and product to architect bespoke and innovative products aligned with their needs using Aave v4.
• Enable seamless partner integrations by collaborating with product and engineering to streamline how developers build with Aave V4. Improve API/SDK integration flows, reduce friction in building, and translate ecosystem feedback into actionable product enhancements.
• Guarantee the successful implementation of integrations, ensuring that all partners experience smooth execution and sustained success.
• Drive strategic adoption by working closely with internal teams and external DAO-aligned service providers to grow Aave’s presence and unlock new product and distribution opportunities.
• Support the leadership team with business development operations streamlining partner pipelines, coordination, materials, research and project management.
• Monitor DeFi governance forums, market activity, and competitor developments to surface trends and opportunities.
• Represent Aave Labs at major industry events when requested, fostering new opportunities and strengthening existing relationships.

Let’s connect if you have:

• 3–4 years of professional experience in DeFi, fintech, startups, venture, crypto-native projects, or other strategic/operational roles.
• Proven track record managing and closing competitive partnership processes. Including driving revenue and DeFi TVL.
• Curiosity and motivation to deeply understand DeFi protocols and the broader onchain crypto ecosystem.
• Ability to grasp complex technical concepts and effectively communicate them to both crypto-native and prospective partners.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; comfortable managing multiple workstreams.
• Analytical mindset and the ability to distill technical or strategic complexity into clear next steps.
• Self-starter mentality, with a willingness to roll up your sleeves and grow into new responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must have a positive, team-oriented attitude.

Nice to haves:

• Exposure to smart contract ecosystems and developer tools.
• Technical background or experience in developer relations roles.
• Demonstrated product thinking or experience contributing to product strategy, solution design etc.