ENS DAO Steward Compensation Structure - Term 6

Status Posted on Snapshot
Votes Vote Here
Author 5pence.eth

Background

The ENS DAO Working Group Rules place the responsibility for steward compensation on the Metagov working group.

Working Group Rules:
[EP0.4] [Social] Proposal: Creation of Foundational Working Groups and Working Group Rules
[EP12][Social] Working Group Rules

With the passing of this social proposal in Term 4, these two rules were added:

10.4. The Meta-Governance working group are responsible for defining standards for fair compensation (‘Compensation Guidelines’).
10.5. The Compensation Guidelines shall be defined prior to the Nomination Window for each term and can only take effect for the following term.

Summary

In accordance with rule 10.5, This post outlines the proposed compensation structure for ENS DAO stewards during Term 6. The structure builds upon previous compensation models but includes several important changes. Notably, this compensation proposal will be put to a DAO vote for approval.

Proposed Compensation Structure

USDC Compensation

The base compensation structure remains similar to previous terms, with some adjustments:

Role Quantity Per Steward Per Month Per Steward Per Term Total per Term
Steward 6 $4,000 $48,000 $288,000
Lead Steward 3 $5,500 $66,000 $198,000
Secretary 1 $5,500 $66,000 $66,000
Scribe 1 $3,000 $36,000 $36,000
Total $588,000

(previous structure linked here for reference)

Key changes:

  • The discretionary amount has been removed.
  • The $3,000 previously allocated for discretionary use has been split evenly among the stewards.
  • Regular stewards will now receive $4,000 USDC per month (up from $3,000).
  • Lead stewards will now receive $5,500 USDC per month (up from $4,500).

$ENS Token Distribution

We are introducing a new structure for $ENS governance distribution to stewards:

  1. Each steward will receive $ENS tokens equal in value to their total USDC compensation for the year.
  2. The $ENS tokens will be distributed on July 1st, via 2-year linear vesting contracts.
  3. The $ENS token price on July 1st will be used to calculate the number of tokens each steward receives.
  4. The vesting period will start from the beginning of the term (January 1st), meaning 6 months of vesting will have already occurred at the time of distribution.

Example calculation:

  • A regular steward receiving $48,000 USDC for the year would also receive $48,000 worth of $ENS tokens.
  • If $ENS is priced at $12 on July 1st, the steward would receive 4,000 $ENS tokens in a 2-year linear vesting contract.
  • At the time of distribution (July 1st), 25% of the tokens (1,000 $ENS) would have already vested.

This structure ensures that stewards’ token compensation aligns with their USDC compensation and incentivizes long-term commitment to the DAO.

DAO Vote

This compensation structure will be put forward as a social vote. If approved, this structure would be implemented for Term 6.

Conclusion

We believe this updated compensation structure fairly rewards stewards for their contributions while aligning their interests with the long-term success of the ENS DAO. We encourage all DAO members to review this proposal carefully and participate in the upcoming vote.

Feedback and questions are welcome in the comments below.

6 Likes

Perhaps instead an average over either the past year or the past 6 months should be used? Relying on a single day’s price introduces a lot of potential volatility.

2 Likes

It’s a good idea and most likely trivial to execute! :100:

Yeah, makes sense, we can easily use the 6 month average from Jan 1st to July 1st of the term.
Initially, I was trying to keep the equation as simple as possible, but using the average makes sense. It won’t add much overhead.

Small question. Why was the salary increased like this? Is it the split of the discretionary amount?

As for average last 6 months make sense yes

Yes. Thanks Lefteris. Sorry if that wasn’t clear.

The USDC compensation spending total is exactly the same as last term, and each individual group gets exactly the same as in the previous term.

The change is that previously each working group could flexibly allocate the 3k discretionary per month however the group agreed. Now, that 3k is split evenly and included in the base number.

Gm, gm! :sparkles:

The results are in for the [EP 5.18] [Social] ENS DAO Steward Compensation Structure - Term 6 off-chain proposal.

See how the community voted and more ENS stats:

3 Likes