Director, Cryptoeconomics Initiative

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

The Director of the Cryptoeconomics Initiative will lead the strategic development, programming, and outreach efforts related to the cryptoeconomics activities of the Center for Digital Finance and Technologies (CDFT) at Columbia Engineering. Working in close partnership with the Faculty Director and affiliated faculty, this role will shape the Center's thought leadership, industry engagement, and academic programming in cryptoeconomics; a rapidly evolving field at the intersection of economics, blockchain systems, decentralized finance, and distributed technologies.

This is a temporary part-time position (10 hours per week) ideal for a professional or academic with deep expertise in blockchain protocols, token economics, and decentralized governance, who is passionate about building a dynamic community of researchers, students, and industry leaders.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight (25%) :

Develop, plan, and oversee programming for the Cryptoeconomics Initiative, including seminars, workshops, panel discussions, and collaborative research activities.

Work with the Faculty Director to identify emerging areas of importance in cryptoeconomics and align the Initiative's activities with the Center's overall mission and strategic priorities.

Establish short- and long-term objectives for the Initiative and ensure progress toward key goals.

Community Building & Outreach (25%) :

Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with industry partners, policymakers, academic peers, and the broader blockchain / crypto community.

Act as a public-facing representative of the Initiative, speaking at events, conferences, and industry gatherings as appropriate.

Research Facilitation & Collaboration (25) :

Support the organization and dissemination of research outputs in cryptoeconomics, including working papers, policy briefs, and collaborative studies.

Identify funding opportunities and assist in proposal development for projects aligned with the Initiative's objectives.

Operational Management (25)% :

Oversee the logistics, budgeting, and scheduling of cryptoeconomics-related events and programs.

Maintain accurate records of activities, partnerships, and impact metrics for reporting to the Faculty Director and stakeholders.

Ensure smooth coordination between the Initiative and other Center programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required and a minimum of 4-6 years of related experience.

Strong understanding of blockchain protocol design, token economics, consensus mechanisms, and incentive structures.

Proven ability to design and lead high-impact programs or initiatives in an academic, research, or industry setting.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex topics to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small, dynamic team.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in economics, finance, computer science, engineering, or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in cryptoeconomics, blockchain technologies, or decentralized finance.

Established network within the blockchain, Web3, and cryptoeconomics communities.

Experience engaging with industry, government, and academic stakeholders.

Prior event / program management experience in a university or research institute environment.

Experience securing and managing sponsored research or philanthropic funding.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.