Business Development Director, Ecosystem

Business Development Director, EcosystemJoin to apply for the Business Development Director, Ecosystem role at CircleBusiness Development Director, Ecosystem2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicantsJoin to apply for the Business Development Director, Ecosystem role at CircleGet AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.Circle is a financial technology company at the epicenter of the emerging internet of money, where value can finally travel like other digital data — globally, nearly instantly and less expensively than legacy settlement systems. This ground-breaking new internet layer opens up previously unimaginable possibilities for payments, commerce and markets that can help raise global economic prosperity and enhance inclusion. Our infrastructure – including USDC, a blockchain-based dollar – helps businesses, institutions and developers harness these breakthroughs and capitalize on this major turning point in the evolution of money and technology.What You’ll Be Part OfCircle is committed to visibility and stability in everything we do. As we grow as an organization, we're expanding into some of the world's strongest jurisdictions. Speed and efficiency are motivators for our success and our employees live by our company values: High Integrity, Future Forward, Multistakeholder, Mindful, and Driven by Excellence. We have built a flexible and diverse work environment where new ideas are encouraged and everyone is a stakeholder.What You'll Work OnWe’re hiring a Business Development Director to lead ecosystem development and business partnerships for a major, unannounced strategic initiative. This is a foundational role on a small, high-performing team building a new onchain ecosystem within a leading crypto organization. You’ll be responsible for driving strategy, sourcing and executing critical deals, and shaping product direction in close collaboration with senior leadership.This role is ideal for a crypto-native business leader with strong product instincts, a bias toward action, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams while executing independently.What You’ll Be Responsible ForOwn and lead strategic partnerships across DeFi and core onchain use cases including Borrow & Lend, Bridge, Earn, Trade & Swap, Move/Send/Pay, and Stake.Serve as a thought partner to Product—contributing to roadmap discussions, use case design, and product requirement documents.Navigate and lead high-stakes conversations with protocol leaders, founders, and C-level stakeholders. Identify, structure, and close deals that drive measurable ecosystem growth and unlock new product opportunities.Operate as an owner: run end-to-end workstreams, manage internal stakeholders, and take full accountability for execution.Move fast, test hypotheses, and push forward despite ambiguity—failing fast when needed, and iterating with speed.Represent the project externally at key ecosystem forums, conferences, and partner events.Core RequirementsWhat you’ll bring to Circle:12+ years in business development, strategic partnerships, or ecosystem roles3+ years in a crypto-native environment.Proven track record of structuring and executing high-impact deals in DeFi or related verticals.Deep understanding of onchain economies, builder incentives, and protocol mechanics.Excellent communicator—comfortable having direct, constructive conversations at the C-suite level.Product-oriented mindset with experience influencing roadmap, writing, or contributing to PRDs.High-agency operator who executes independently and thrives in a zero-to-one environment.Embraces iteration and experimentation—willing to take calculated risks and move quickly through uncertainty.Willingness to travel up to 30%Preferred RequirementsExperience scaling an onchain ecosystems or protocol GTM strategy.Familiarity with builder enablement tools (e.g., grants, dev onboarding, liquidity incentives).Prior startup experience, particularly in early-stage web3 environments.Additional InformationThis position is eligible for day-one PERM sponsorship for qualified candidatesCircle is on a mission to create an inclusive financial future, with transparency at our core. We consider a wide variety of elements when crafting our compensation ranges and total compensation packages.Starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to: relevant experience, skill set, qualifications, and other business and organizational needs. Please note that compensation ranges may differ for candidates in other locations.Base Pay Range$195,000 - $252,500We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at Circle. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Additionally, Circle participates in the E-Verify Program in certain locations, as required by law.Should you require accommodations or assistance in our interview process because of a disability, please reach out to accommodations@circle.com for support. We respect your privacy and will connect with you separately from our interview process to accommodate your needs.Seniority levelSeniority levelDirectorEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionBusiness Development and SalesReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Circle by 2xGet notified about new Director of Business Development jobs in Greater Chicago Area.Downers Grove, IL $170,000.00-$200,000.00 2 weeks agoChicago, IL $100,000.00-$120,000.00 3 days agoDowners Grove, IL $100,000.00-$115,000.00 3 days agoDirector, Business Development - Rare Disease (Midwestern US)Greater Chicago Area $150,000.00-$165,000.00 6 days agoChicago, IL $117,250.00-$185,000.00 1 week agoDirector, Business Development - Engineering Consulting - RemoteChicago, IL $119,000.00-$195,000.00 2 weeks agoVice President of Business Development, Entertainment Public RelationsDirector of Business Development - Facilities Services - Sports & EntertainmentDowners Grove, IL $130,000.00-$160,000.00 6 days agoDirector of National Accounts – Freight BrokerageChicago, IL $100,000.00-$100,000.00 2 weeks agoNiles, IL $184,500.00-$332,100.00 2 weeks agoChicago, IL $360,000.00-$400,000.00 1 week agoNiles, IL $184,500.00-$332,100.00 2 weeks agoChicago, IL $160,000.00-$380,000.00 2 weeks agoBusiness Development Director - East CoastChicago, IL $175,000.00-$225,000.00 2 weeks agoChicago, IL $120,000.00-$125,000.00 2 weeks agoRegional Director of Operations Crunch Fitness ChicagoSales Director - Chemical Vertical (Remote)Chicago, IL $93,800.00-$105,000.00 2 weeks agoSales Director - Chemical Vertical (Remote)Chicago, IL $93,800.00-$105,000.00 5 days agoGreater Chicago Area $140,000.00-$160,000.00 2 days agoDirector of Sales (Zone Director) Remote Available - SouthwestChicago, IL $190,000.00-$230,000.00 1 month agoVP, Institutional Business Development (Retirement Industry)We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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