Kai Katschthaler

About Me

Work Experience

1. Tech Team Lead & Program Lead “Open Source Explorers” (volunteer role)

   09/2023 – Present

   Distribute Aid · Remote

   In 2023, I started building Distribute Aid’s open source and volunteer-based tech team. We started with our first cohort of Open Source Explorers, an outreach program that provides a well-structured introduction to open source while also making impactful contributions to facilitate Distribute Aid’s humanitarian aid work. Since then, I’ve further expanded our tech team and established processes that allow a team of volunteers, who can usually each only spend a few hours a week on our projects, to work together. My work involves both project and people management, finding the right people for the right jobs, and creating a big impact with few resources.

2. Content Marketing Manager & Developer Educator

   02/2023 – 08/2023

   Scaleway · Remote

   Besides creating written and video content, I run the Scaler Writer program, focusing on supporting engineers as they write and tell their stories. I help with everything from finding the narrative hook to creating structure and improving writing. I work closely with engineers, product managers, and product marketing managers from various teams. I also initiated video content at Scaleway, starting the interview series “Scalers go Open Source”.

3. Startup Consultant & Tech Content Specialist

   07/2014 – 12/2022

   Self-employed · Remote

   I help startups and entrepreneurs shape their brand and find their voice and values. Services include tone of voice workshops, brainstorming content strategy, re/structuring websites, copy creation, and inclusive language audits. I can also guide other writers with copy coaching and constructive editing.

4. Public Relations Manager

   05/2014 – 05/2015

   Dialog im Dunkeln/Dialogue in the Dark Vienna · Vienna, AT

   Dialogue in the Dark is a social business providing empowering job opportunities for blind and visually impaired people and educating the public about what it is like to be blind. I handled PR and marketing responsibilities, created content for the website and social media, created and spearheaded ad content, liaised with journalists and helped run events.

5. Press Officer

   11/2008 – 05/2010

   Skill3d Events and New Media · Vienna, AT

   Skill3D is Austria’s biggest eSports agency specialising in eSport and gaming events. As Skill3D’s first ever PR hire, I set up press work procedures at the company. I wrote press releases and blog posts, monitored media coverage, managed media contacts, and liaised with journalists during our events. I also initiated and organised the “Games Don’t Kill” exhibition at Museumsquartier Wien in June 2009, which attracted a lot of attention and was covered by multiple media outlets.

6. Journalist and Feature Writer

   11/2007 – 05/2010

   Wiener Zeitung · Vienna, AT

   Wiener Zeitung is one of Austria’s biggest (and oldest) national broadsheets. I worked in the Local/Vienna department, creating a wide range of content. I wrote daily content, often on a very short deadline, but also created extensive, research-based features on topics such as youth trends, extreme sports, environmental issues and technology. I liaised with contacts, covered press conferences, occasionally co-authored pieces with colleagues, and edited and proofread other people’s work on a daily basis.

Education

1. Class Central’s Web Development Bootcamp

   2022 – 2022

   FreeCodeCamp/Class Central · remote

   In 2022 I completed Class Central’s Web Development Bootcamp. Over the course of six weeks, I learned HTML and CSS through the combination of FreeCodeCamp’s self-paced New Responsive Web Design classes and live-streamed lessons by Jessica Rose. I’ve finished multiple projects varying in scope and have also engaged in my cohort’s Discord channel, where I tried to help out others wherever I could — which, in turn, has also helped my own learning progress. At this point in time, I just have to hand in my very last project.

2. Diploma in Digital Filmmaking

   2011 – 2012

   Filmschule Wien · Vienna, AT

   During this comprehensive course in Digital Filmmaking, I focused on script writing and directing and made my first short film called Snapped, a story about two young women who find a way of communicating with each other through art.

3. MA in Journalism & Media Management

   2004 – 2008

   FH Wien · Vienna, AT

   During my studies, I acquired further knowledge about journalistic methods and honed my writing skills. In my thesis, I explored the effects of lobbying efforts on reaching marriage equality in Austria.

Volunteering & Own Projects

1. Founder

   2016 – Present

   Taboola Rasa — A clean slate for mental health

   Taboola Rasa is a non-profit mental health advocacy project I started in 2016. Taboola Rasa seeks to create awareness for mental health experiences and neurodivergence and erase the stigma attached to them by interviewing people and sharing their stories with the world.

2. Creative Copywriter

   2014 – 2015

   TEDxVienna

   As part of the TEDxVienna group of volunteers, I played a significant part in organising three separate conferences in 2014. I was involved in communication and PR work but also ensured the show went smoothly as the stage manager for the main conference, “Brave New Space”.

Fun facts about me