
by BK Munn
The Vancouver Comic Arts Festival is seeking a new director, replacing outgoing director Isabella Lair. The job entails responsibility for almost all aspects of the festival operations and offers about $20,000/year in compensation. There are not too many paying jobs in the world of not-for-profit comics organizations, so polish up those resumes. Posting closes March 15th: email resume and cover letter to info@vancaf.com.
Here’s the full job posting:
The Vancouver Comic Arts Festival (VanCAF) Director is responsible for strategic and operational oversight of the festival. The Festival Director develops community programming initiatives, curates events that showcase the work, talent, and diversity of the comic arts community, as well as strengthens and builds community partnerships. Planning the yearly festival consists of curating and liaising with exhibiting artists and special guests, facilitating moving parts in festival management, and evaluating future opportunities for growth. The Festival Director should be passionate about comics and their creators, and strive to find innovative ways to celebrate both.
The Festival Director should also be committed to advancing equity and diversity in all aspects of the festival in order to help foster an inclusive comic arts community. VanCAF is dedicated to ensuring everyone feels safe and welcome in the spaces we curate, and as a result we are looking for people with shared values to join the festival.
In addition, we encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups, including but not limited to: people with lived racialized experiences, people with disabilities, and/or 2SLGBTQ+ folks.
This position will also include significant on-boarding time with outgoing Festival Director.
Responsibilities:
(Please note that in light of COVID-19 based restrictions, some of these responsibilities are subject to change based on the evolving needs of the festival.)
- The management of all aspects of the Vancouver Comic Arts Festival operations, including, but not limited to:
- Curating VanCAF exhibitor applications
- Creating a floor plan for successful applicants
- Ongoing communication with exhibitors throughout the lead up to the festival and during the festival
- Overseeing event programming submissions, participants, and scheduling, as well as formulating programming ideas
- Liaising and communicating with vendors, suppliers, and venues
- Selecting and securing the attendance of special guests
- Recruiting, creating, and leading the festival’s volunteer component
- Coordinating festival design and working with artists and contractors on the program, posters, and branding
- Planning onsite coordination and space usage of festival location
- Arranging special guests’ flights, accommodations, and signings
- Facilitating shipping & handling of product from featured guests and vendors
- Securing insurance and permits for the event
- Organizing and scheduling comics-based workshops
- Coordinating with the Executive Director and Vancouver Comic Arts Association Board to develop, explore, and implement sponsorship, partnership, and advertising opportunities.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director on researching and applying for grants from public funders, government agencies, and foundations, as well as reporting on application status.
- Promoting VanCAF through all available channels, including our website, social media, and print media.
- Expanding direct support of BIPOC artists in meaningful ways.
- Regular reporting and forecasting of financial expenses and regular invoicing of personal expenses.
- Lead ongoing educational component (both online and in-person) during the festival and throughout the year – including scheduling artists and venues, developing lesson plans, and evaluation follow-up.
- Make public appearances as needed, including press briefings, event introductions, and panel moderation.
- Other duties that may arise.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts (or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field)
- 2+ years experience working in arts-based non-profits (or equivalent experience)
- Strong working knowledge of comics and comic creators
- Experience with grant applications
- Comfortable working with and developing budgets
- Experience working with online event platforms such as Zoom, Airmeet, YouTube Live, etc.
- Experience moderating, facilitating workshops, and supporting instructors
- Ability to work some evenings and weekends for VanCAF events and board meetings
Skills:
- Excellent organizational skills
- Proficient with design software, such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and/or Photoshop
- Strong writing skills
- Adept at networking and community building
- Self-starter
- Works well independently and takes initiative with minimal direction
- Skilled in conflict resolution
Benefits:
- Flexible hours (make your own schedule!)
- 3 weeks of paid vacation per year
- The chance to make meaningful contributions to the local comic arts community
- Opportunities for networking with industry professionals
Salary: $25/hour, average of 20 hours/week, with variances corresponding with festival activities
Duration: 6-month contract (with the possibility of extension for additional term(s) dependent on funding)
Location: Vancouver, BC (remote)