Head of Risk & Governance for DeFi Protocols

Aave; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Aave Labs is seeking a Head of Risk to lead the Risk team and own governance across its contributions to the Aave Protocol and products. You will coordinate with external risk providers, set risk parameters, and provide final internal Risk sign-off on collateral onboarding and material risk decisions.

This leadership role requires deep protocol knowledge, strong accountability, and the judgment to make high-stakes decisions as the protocol scales into new markets and asset classes.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in risk management, DeFi/crypto preferred.
• Experience leading and managing a risk team.
• Deep understanding of the Aave Protocol, markets, parameters, and risk dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and build the Risk team, setting direction and standards for risk governance.
• Own and evolve risk management frameworks, policies and review standards.
• Sign off on collateral onboarding decisions and risk assessments.
• Oversee model-risk and data-governance standards, validation and monitoring.
• Present risk analyses to the DAO and ensure timely, independent risk reporting.

Skills

Risk management

DeFi experience

Leadership

Governance

Aave Protocol knowledge

Market structure

Portfolio risk management

Stress testing

External risk providers

Decision making under uncertainty

Tools

Risk tools

Job description

Aave Labs is seeking a Head of Risk to lead the Risk team and own governance across its contributions to the Aave Protocol and products. You will coordinate with external risk providers, set risk parameters, and provide final internal Risk sign-off on collateral onboarding and material risk decisions.

This leadership role requires deep protocol knowledge, strong accountability, and the judgment to make high-stakes decisions as the protocol scales into new markets and asset classes.