Co-founder / Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Welcome to ProudZone, where empowerment meets innovation!

We provide LGBTQ+ individuals who lack opportunities in the real world with an online neighborhood where they can safely and soundly engage in community activities.

Our mission is to extend our services globally, providing personal, individualized experiences, e-commerce and business opportunities, and humanitarian aid. Together, we are building a safer, more inclusive world—one connection at a time. Join us in pioneering a brighter future for the LGBTQ+ community!

Are you passionate about technology and the LGBTQ+ community? We are seeking a visionary and dynamic CTO/Co-founder to join our startup, dedicated to creating a safe and vibrant virtual environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. As a key player in our team, you will be instrumental in bringing our company to fruition, driving the development of our Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and being the face of our innovative venture.

In this role, you will:

  • Lead the development and execution of the technical strategy.
  • Collaborate closely with the founding team to shape the company’s vision and goals.
  • Oversee the end-to-end product development process to ensure a seamless user experience.
  • Represent the company in public forums, conferences, and media engagements to champion our mission.

As the CTO/Co-founder, you will also have the opportunity to:

  • Lead Development Team: Recruit, mentor, and manage a high-performing engineering team.
  • Ensure System Security and Compliance: Implement and monitor security protocols to protect user data and comply with relevant regulations.
  • Facilitate Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the growth, people, and operations teams to align technical efforts with business goals.
  • Optimize Performance and Scalability: Continuously improve the platform’s performance, scalability, and reliability.
  • Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends: Keep abreast of the latest technological advancements and integrate them into the company’s offerings.
  • Manage Budget and Resources: Oversee the technical budget and allocate resources effectively.
  • Develop Documentation and Standards: Create comprehensive technical documentation and set coding standards for the team.
  • Handle Crisis Management: Lead the response to any technical crises or emergencies.
  • Engage with the Community: Actively participate in the LGBTQ+ tech community to foster relationships and stay connected with users’ needs.
  • Represent the company – Be the Technical liaison with stakeholders to respond to any technical queries.

At ProudZone, we recognize that traditional job qualifications have historically been influenced by racial and social divides, leading to inequitable opportunities. We are committed to breaking this cycle by adopting an inclusive and equitable approach to hiring. We seek to create a diverse and welcoming environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.

The successful candidate may posses a combination of the following:

  • Passion for LGBTQ+ Advocacy: Demonstrated commitment to supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ communities.
  • Technical Curiosity: Eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies, regardless of formal education.
  • Leadership Experience: Proven ability to lead and inspire a diverse team, even in non-traditional or volunteer settings.
  • Innovative Thinking: Track record of creative problem-solving and innovation, both inside and outside the tech industry.
  • Empathy and Inclusivity: Strong interpersonal skills, with a focus on creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all team members.
  • Community Engagement: Active involvement in community initiatives, especially those related to technology and social justice.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving startup environment, with a flexible and open-minded approach.
  • Collaborative Spirit: Willingness to work closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals.
  • Entrepreneurial Mindset: Experience in or a passion for entrepreneurship, with a drive to take on challenges and see projects through to fruition.
  • User-Centered Focus: Commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, with a user-centered design approach.

If you are interested in this opportunity, come join us in an exciting and transformative journey as a CTO/co-founder. Although the co-founders are currently working unpaid while we seek funding, we offer equity in the company and are committed to providing fair compensation according to market standards once we secure financial backing. We recognize that for the majority of people, an unpaid position being your only focus is not realistinc so we support a flexible working environment. Become a part of our mission-driven team and help us make a real impact!

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We believe in the power of diversity to drive innovation and are dedicated to creating an environment where all team members can thrive and succeed.

Your privacy is important to us. We will handle your application and personal information with the utmost confidentiality and in accordance with relevant data protection laws. By applying to join our team as a CTO/co-founder, you consent to the processing of your personal data for recruitment purposes only. If you have any questions or concerns about your privacy, please feel free to reach out to us.

If the position as our CTO/co-founder sounds interesting, please fill out the form below. In case you have any questions, message our co-founder Colin at colin@proud.zone