The Solana Foundation is a non-profit based in Zug, Switzerland, dedicated to the adoption, decentralization, and security of the Solana network. Solana is a high performance blockchain that can deliver a fast and friendly user experience, without sacrificing security. The Solana Foundation is working to realize a world where individuals own their data, use permissionless networks, and transfer information and value freely around the world. We are looking for talented people who are willing to jump right in and use their expertise to help the ecosystem build.
The Opportunity
Solana Foundation is seeking a Business Development Lead – Payments & Fintech to drive strategic adoption of Solana across the US financial technology landscape.
This person will focus on large-scale, complex engagements with major financial institutions, payments companies, and enterprise financial platforms — helping them understand and implement Solana’s infrastructure to power faster, lower-cost, and more efficient payments and fintech applications.
The ideal candidate will bring deep experience structuring and managing enterprise-level relationships, navigating multi-stakeholder organizations, and aligning strategic priorities between established industry leaders and emerging technologies.
Drive Solana Foundation’s business development strategy and execution across payments, fintech, and enterprise finance
Identify and pursue large, high-value partnership opportunities with financial institutions and fintech companies
Build and maintain senior relationships across business, product, and innovation teams
Develop partnership frameworks, pilots, and joint initiatives that demonstrate Solana’s capabilities at scale
Collaborate cross-functionally with Foundation teams (product, engineering, growth, marketing) to ensure successful execution
Represent Solana Foundation in executive discussions, conferences, and high-level partner engagements
Stay informed on market, technology, and regulatory trends shaping the future of payments and digital finance
7–10 years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, or enterprise sales within payments, fintech, or banking infrastructure
Proven success in closing complex, multi-party partnerships
Deep understanding and relationships in the US fintech and payments landscape
Strong negotiation, relationship management, and strategic thinking skills
Comfortable operating autonomously in a fast-moving, global environment
Excellent communicator who can distill technical topics into clear strategic narratives
Familiarity with blockchain or digital asset infrastructure (not required)
Experience working at the intersection of traditional finance and emerging technologies
Top Skills
Similar Jobs
What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene
Key Facts About Colorado Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
- Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute
