Join Us in Transforming Education
At Headwater Learning Foundation (HLF), we’re on a mission to redefine education and empower learners to thrive. As a not-for-profit organization, HLF supports the operations of Calgary Academy (CA) while driving innovation and systemic improvements in education through groundbreaking research. With a growing reputation as a leader in mental health and neurodiversity research, HLF is committed to challenging the traditional factory model of education and creating learner-focused solutions that inspire change.
In this role, you’ll directly support the work of Calgary Academy (CA), a pioneer in K-12 education for over 40 years. CA is dedicated to embracing the individuality of every student, offering personalized pathways to success while fostering a lifelong love of learning. Guided by our Four Pillars and the principles of The CA Way, we create vibrant, student-centred experiences that empower learners to lead lives of passion and purpose.
Beyond CA, HLF also supports Headwater Learning Solutions (HLS), a change-making entity focused on driving sustainable improvements in schools, communities, and education systems across North America. Together, these three entities—Calgary Academy, Headwater Learning Foundation, and Headwater Learning Solutions—form the Headwater Learning Group (HLG), united by a shared vision to transform education and unlock every learner’s potential.
About the Role
This 12-month maternity leave coverage opportunity is for the role of Advancement & Alumni Relations Coordinator.
In this role, you’ll take the lead in fostering meaningful relationships that connect alumni, current students, and the broader community. Your work will be instrumental in advancing Calgary Academy’s mission and strategic priorities while contributing to the shared vision of the Headwater Learning Group (HLG), encompassing Calgary Academy Society, Headwater Learning Foundation, and Headwater Learning Solutions.
As the Advancement & Alumni Relations Coordinator, you’ll design and implement initiatives that spark school pride, deepen alumni engagement, and enhance philanthropic support. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you’ll ensure alumni remain integral members of our vibrant community, creating opportunities that reflect the school’s values and forward-thinking vision.
Reporting to the Director of Philanthropy, you’ll collaborate across departments, bring creativity to your strategies, and exemplify our REACH principles: Respect, Enthusiasm, Altruism, Commitment, and Honesty. Together, we’ll cultivate connections that inspire lifelong engagement and support the transformative mission of HLG.
Key Responsibilities
Alumni Engagement
Implement and execute the Annual and 3-Year Alumni Relations Plan.
Foster relationships with alumni and external stakeholders through meaningful events such as the Alumni Achievement Awards, Young Alumni Pub Night, Speaker Series, and Career Day.
Collaborate with the Communications team to promote alumni events and develop newsletters, social media content, and publications.
Cultivate pride and connection among alumni by engaging internal stakeholders in events like scholarships, awards, and fundraisers.
Stay informed on alumni engagement trends to continuously enhance programs.
Oversee the Alumni Advisory Committee (AAC) and recruit, train, and support alumni volunteers.
Recognize and celebrate the contributions of alumni and volunteers.
Philanthropy Support
Collaborate with the Philanthropy team to build alumni support for funding initiatives.
Conduct prospect research and prepare detailed donor profiles.
Assist with annual appeals, funding requests, and event coordination for special projects like Anniversary Galas.
Event Coordination
Plan and execute an annual program of alumni events, managing all logistics and budgets.
Represent Calgary Academy as an ambassador at internal and external events.
Gather feedback and evaluate event outcomes to maximize participation.
Database Management
Maintain accurate and up-to-date alumni and stakeholder information in Raiser’s Edge NXT.
Generate reports to support fundraising strategies and communications.
Ensure timely distribution of donor tax receipts and data integration across systems.
Professional Learning & Innovation
Stay informed on alumni relations and fundraising trends, adopting best practices.
Represent Calgary Academy at industry events and networking opportunities.
Foster creativity and innovation in all aspects of the role.
Qualifications
Post-secondary education in a related field and or 1-3 years of professional experience in philanthropy, community engagement, or the nonprofit sector.
Proven experience planning and executing successful events.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365
Tech-forward mindset, with experiance in Raiser’s Edge NXT, Finalsite Enrollment, iWave, Omatic, and PowerSchool as an asset.
Highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Clear Criminal Record Check inclusive of Vulnerable Sectors.
Our Assets
At the Headwater Learning Group, we are passionate about creating a thriving educational environment for our students. However, we recognize that the true heart of our success lies in our dedicated employees who choose to pursue their career passions within the Headwater Learning Group.
Our commitment to our employees is centred on their well-being and financial security. We prioritize you and your family by offering extended health and drug coverage, access to an Employee & Family Assistance Program, income protection in case of unforeseen circumstances, and a Wellness Benefit designed to nurture your physical and mental health.
To promote work-life balance, for this role, we provide ample vacation time, beginning at four weeks, complemented by an additional two and a half weeks of paid winter break. In addition, we offer a Personal Day, Sick Days as required, and top-up programs for Maternity and Paternity leaves, granting you the flexibility and support required for personal well-being and to care for your family members.
We are all learners, and this philosophy underpins our entire organization. We are committed to creating a collaborative work environment where every team member can grow and develop. Our belief in continuous learning is a core value and a driving force behind our strategic plan. We provide professional learning opportunities to all employees, ensuring that personal growth and development are encouraged and actively nurtured. By fostering a culture of learning and collaboration, we empower our team members to reach their full potential and contribute to the shared success of HLG.
Details
This position’s starting annual salary is $60,000 to $65,000 and will be determined depending on a candidate’s experience and competencies. There is opportunity for yearly increases aligned with our commitment to valuing employee contributions and professional growth.
This position offers a hybrid working environment which allows for remote and onsite hours required each week. The standard work hours are 7.5 hours, with flexible start times from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. Occasional evening and weekend work required and travel within Calgary.
Aligning Values
Please apply online through the Calgary Academy Careers Page and include in your application package the following information:
A resume that demonstrates your skills and experience
A cover letter that highlights how your skills and experience align with Calgary Academy’s philosophy and mission in your cover letter. Share what connects you to our meaningful work and express what your aspirations are for personal career growth.
Please submit your application without delay to be considered for this role. Interviewing for this position will start after January 6, 2025. Our application window remains open until the position is filled, so don’t hesitate.
We appreciate the interest and effort of all candidates in exploring opportunities with the Headwater Learning Group. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
