About 2 months ago I put out a suggestion that we bring Montreal Tech Watch back to life or something similar to it. The site helped people a lot, and I’d like to see that happen again. I’d like people to be able to discover the startup ecosystem in Montreal, find jobs, find co-founders, share news, attract people to events, etc. All of that was happening with Montreal Tech Watch. I did discuss Montreal Tech Watch with Heri, but nothing came of it. I certainly wish him the best!

Montreal Tech Watch succeeded at pointing a spotlight on the tech startups in Montreal. For that, we owe Heri a great deal.

Things are picking up in Montreal. There’s a lot going on. And now more than ever we need a site similar to Montreal Tech Watch – dedicated to reporting on the big and small tech startup stuff going on in Montreal on a consistent basis. With that in mind, along with Phil Telio, we’re launching a new tech startup site for Montreal. In order to do it properly, we need to hire a Chief Editor.

There’s still a fair amount of details to work out, but here’s how I see it going down:

• The Chief Editor will be paid. I don’t believe the site can succeed with volunteers alone.
• This won’t be a full-time job, so part-timers can apply, but I would expect it to take a few days per week at least, possibly more.
• Phil Telio and I will be responsible for raising the money needed to operate the site. We have a budget in mind. We’ll be looking to corporate sponsors to help out. If there are any corporate sponsors out there interested in owning some real estate on what will quickly become a Montreal startup focal point, get in touch!
• We will look for volunteers to help write stories, participate at events, promote the site, etc. One person can’t do this alone.
• The site will most likely be run as a non-profit.
• The budget will be used to pay the Chief Editor, potentially pay other writers, infrastructure (site design, hosting, etc.) And we may be able to do some other interesting things too.

This new site won’t be designed as a “ra ra” platform for Montreal. Certainly, we hope it will have a positive outlook and promote Montreal, but it also has to be as balanced and impartial as possible. We need the site to tell real stories about what’s going on. It can’t be a platform simply for patting ourselves on the back. We owe ourselves more than that.

We want to launch the site as soon as possible.

So what are we looking for in a Chief Editor?

• Strong writing abilities. English and French (if possible). When applying, please send some writing samples, or links to stuff you’ve written online.
• A strong understanding of the current tech and startup scene in Montreal. Ideally you’re already a member of the community, and you’re ready to stand out. Even if you’re not a current active member of the Montreal tech startup community, you want to be involved.
• You “get” startups. Maybe you’ve worked at a startup in the past. Or you’ve started companies in the past. Or you just love startups and know what’s going on.
• You have opinions and aren’t scared about publishing them. It’s important that the site not simply be a cheerleader for Montreal startups. It has to be more than that. And people are attracted to a voice that’s strong, purposeful and opinionated.
• Strong Web skills in terms of using WordPress (our platform of choice), blogging, social media, social networking, SEO, traffic building. If you can hack around a bit in PHP all the better. Having some Web/tech abilities is helpful, but I don’t want people to not apply due to a lack of Web tech skills.
• Ability to manage others. We hope (and think) we’ll have a strong group of volunteers ready to write guest posts, attend events, etc. So you need to be able to manage people effectively.
• Good networking skills. You’ll need to be out and about, attending events, meeting people, etc. You have to enjoy interacting and networking.
• Passion for the Montreal startup ecosystem. Simply put: you have to love startups. And you have to be very interested in being at the center of the ecosystem in Montreal.
• Opportunistic. Frankly, you shouldn’t do this for the money. Yes, we’ll be paying someone but you’re not going to be retiring in Maui off this gig. So you need to be opportunistic, and recognize the benefits of being in the public eye and how to leverage that for your own benefit (be it your own startup, consulting gig, network, etc.)

The Chief Editor will be responsible for the editorial strategy and content behind the site. Phil and I won’t be dictating that in any way. We’ll be overseeing the budget and helping attract funds, and provide mentorship and guidance throughout the process. But the Chief Editor will be in charge.

So you in?

To apply, please email me at byosko@gmail.com. I’ll need writing samples (or links to stuff you’ve written), and a good sense of your current social media presence. And please focus on the points and skills described above. Thank you!