The Toronto Comic Arts Festival is an annual celebration of the world’s greatest comics and the incredible authors that create them. Founded in 2003, TCAF has grown to one of the largest celebrations of comics and graphic novels in the world. The 2024 festival was attended by more than 28,000 members of the public at our in-person festival, and over 6,000 visitors to our online programming and digital marketplace.
As we look ahead to the next 20 years of TCAF, we are seeking to bring in new members to our Board of Directors, as well as to develop the expertise of those new members. Currently, there are exciting opportunities to be actively involved in a strategic and governance capacity at TCAF. In particular, we are seeking expertise in the following areas: practicing cartoonists; fundraising; and finance and governance.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Board members are elected to serve a two-year term that is renewable. While the time commitment for a board member may fluctuate throughout the year, the commitment is approximately two to four hours per month. Acting as a board member is a volunteer position.
Board Member Duties:
Ensure that TCAF meets its legal and financial responsibilities.
Develop the strategic direction of the organization with management and staff.
Approve policy and procedures and monitor their implementation.
Act as passionate advocates for comics and the festival.
Help attract funding, in-kind support, and sponsorship.
Contribute to annual reviews of the organization.
Attend monthly board meetings and/or committee meetings.
Review relevant documents and provide advice as necessary.
Required Skills and Attributes:
Recognition in one of the identified areas of expertise.
Knowledge and awareness of the impact of cultural not-for-profit organizations.
Fluent communication skills with the ability to represent the organization externally.
A commitment to ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout the organization.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:
TCAF welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including but not limited to, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour), persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. TCAF is committed to providing events free of discrimination and harassment; a festival where all participants are treated with respect and dignity.
Application Process:
Applications will be assessed for the potential to perform the role, as well as for specific skill in the identified areas of expertise we seek. Individuals who are shortlisted will be asked to attend a brief interview with a member of the search committee. Successful applicants may be asked to attend board meetings as observers in advance of their start date. Applications will be assessed for actual and perceived conflicts of interest that may adversely impact Board Members’ ability to perform their duties.
Please submit a cover letter expressing your interest in TCAF and the role of Board Member. In addition, please include your resume/curriculum vitae, and two professional references. The address to send to is contact@torontocomics.com, with the subject line “TCAF Board Member Search” and your name.
Applications close on: October 9, 2023 at 12pm (EST)
TCAF will support applicants who require accommodation to fully participate in the application process. The Board of Directors works in a hybrid format (online and in-person), though primarily online and is happy to receive applications from candidates outside of Ontario, but preference will be given to local candidates.
TCAF is also excited to receive applications from folks who are new to being part of the administration of a not-for-profit; we encourage all folks who feel intrigued by this position to reach out if they would like to chat further about the necessary skills and qualifications.
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