Cartoon Crossroads Columbus
(an Ohio nonprofit corporation)
Festival Manager
Cartoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC) is an international showcase for the best of cartoon art in all its forms in a city that is of central importance to comics and cartooning. CXC also focuses on developing the next generation of cartooning talent for professional careers that will strengthen the industry. The organization’s main event is an annual four-day festival co-hosted by the non-profit CXC and its council partners. With the festival typically occurring in the fall, but moving to spring in 2027, CXC seeks to engage the community to educate the public about comics, cartooning, and graphic novels. We are searching for a Festival Manager who will reside in our Central Ohio community to lead our organization in planning for the event, fundraising, and related activities.
The Festival Manager oversees all operations of the four-day festival and takes a leadership role with hospitality for special guests. CXC also has a part-time administrator to assist with specific administrative tasks.
Compensation for this independent contractor position is budgeted at $36,000 ($3000 per month) per year,with bonuses at busy times of year for total compensation of $42,000, with the Festival Manager submitting a monthly invoice for services rendered during the preceding month. Time commitment is year-round, but heavily concentrated in the two months leading up to the festival, and one month thereafter, plus the winter grant writing and exhibitor selection season. Weekly hours vary.
The Festival Manager is a FTE independent contractor employed by CXC. Estimated time commitment is 1,050 hours per year.
Responsibilities:
- Planning, coordination and execution of CXC-related operations for the annual event.
- Work with the CXC Executive Committee, Council, the Board of Directors, committees and volunteers to accomplish CXC’s operational and programming goals in a collegial, timely fashion.
- Serve as one of CXC’s visible representatives to the Columbus community, as well as to professional and industry constituencies.
- Work with artists and vendors to coordinate marketing materials.
- Support the Programming Committee and Artistic Director to create and manage guest and vendor lists, coordinate invitations and manage special guests and vendors. This includes coordinating lodging, travel, and processing honoraria.
- Budget, manage finances, write grants and lead fundraising. CXC has an arrangement with Wells CPA for accounting support.
- Work with partners and Marketing Committee to market the festival and build audience
- Build relationships with local, national, and international media.
- Assist in developing year-round programming and outreach related to CXC.
Further details available upon request.
Requirements:
- Minimum of bachelor’s degree or demonstrated equivalent combination of education and experience
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to execute decisions made by the CXC Executive Committee and Board and to complete tasks with accuracy
- Familiarity with word processing, spreadsheets and videoconferencing
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
- Demonstrated experience managing a budget
- Demonstrated fundraising experience, including grant writing
- Residence in Central Ohio or willingness to relocate
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Experience with a festival/large event or non-profit organization or equivalent
Desired:
- Interest in comics and cartooning
- Experience in leadership with a comics festival or convention
- Experience with working collaboratively with multiple constituents on an event or project, including an ability to independently guide a diverse staff, nonprofit board and volunteers
- Knowledge of the cartoon, comics, and graphic novel profession and publishing environment
- Familiarity with social media and digital platforms or equivalent, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WordPress and other comparable services
- Familiarity with the local, regional and/or national foundation and philanthropic community
How to Apply:
Please provide a cover letter and resume or CV, and contact information for three personal or professional references by July 21, 2025.. Preferred hire date September 1, 2025. Submit via email to: CXCFestival@gmail.com, or via regular mail to:
Cartoon Crossroads Columbus
P.O. Box 141404
Columbus, Ohio 43214
14533738v3