Do you love independent schools – what they offer and appreciate why they are so important in our society? If so, consider this exciting opportunity at West Island College, Calgary.

Reporting to the Director of Advancement, the Advancement Officer is part of an encouraging and fun-loving team dedicated to supporting the exceptional student experience at WIC. The team implements a comprehensive advancement and alumni engagement program including the Elevate Our Game capital campaign. The Advancement Officer will work closely with the Director of Advancement and Head of School & CEO to implement fund development and alumni engagement program.

The Advancement Officer supports the exceptional engagement and stewardship of the College’s most important relationships: with donors, volunteers, alumni, students, faculty, staff, and parents.

Summary of Scope:
Working directly with donors, volunteers, parents, staff, and alumni to make student life at WIC the best it can be, the Advancement Officer will:

  • Build meaningful connections reflecting the gratitude WIC has for the impact of donors, alumni, families, and volunteers
  • Support the Elevate Our Game capital campaign through collaboration with the Director of
    Advancement, Head of School & CEO, and an involved group of senior volunteers and advisors
  • Celebrate, recognize, and steward both monetary and participatory success
  • Cultivate, solicit, steward, and grow a portfolio of campaign donors (35-50 families)
  • Develop and implement the annual campaign
  • Represent WIC at donor, alumni, and community events
  • Ensure alumni engagement is meaningful and expanding by providing opportunities/activities/events to further engage alumni in WIC Connect, on LinkedIn and other social platforms, volunteering, mentoring, speaking and to encourage donations
  • Steward and support the Alumni Committee of the Board and the Gala Committee
  • Provide database and administrative support to track engagement, campaign progress, and donor investment
  • Conduct prospective donor research for WIC fundraising priorities including the Annual Fund
    Campaign, Capital Campaigns, and major and planned gifts
  • Create and organize special events that elevate donors’/alumni sights as to how they can be an active and engaged part of the WIC community, including what volunteering and giving makes possible at WIC, and how they can be part of it

What we are looking for:

  • A high achieving, keenly focused, and detail-oriented advancement or fund development team player with at least 3 years of progressive achievements, who appreciates a nimble, flexible, and responsive work environment
  • Fundraising experience, preferably in an independent school/post-secondary environment, in developing and sustaining strong relationships through clear communications (written and oral) and reflecting willingness, loyalty, flexibility, and tangible fundraising achievements
  • Familiarity with and experience in the productive application of systems, data, and software for the support of a fund development and alumni programs. Products include Microsoft Office, Raiser’s Edge, Canadahelps, Graduway, and various social media platforms
  • The ability to work alongside a dedicated group of volunteers to secure significant gifts in support of the capital campaign and special projects – some mornings and evenings are required
  • Preference will be given to those applicants with an undergraduate degree and intention to pursue the CFRE designation

What we offer:

  • A dynamic and innovative work environment committed to employee wellness
  • Compensation ranging from $75,000 – $90,000 depending on experience and skill alignment
  • A benefits package including health and wellness spending accounts and RRSP matching program
  • Five weeks of vacation
  • Access to professional development opportunities including membership in AFP and internal training opportunities
  • A full-time and on-site Advancement role

To learn more about this opportunity, to receive the complete confidential profile, and to discuss your qualifications, please contact Jolayne Davidson Gardner at 403-646-5750 or via email at search@avistaphilanthropy.com

To review the job description, please visit: https://www.avistaphilanthropy.com/opportunities


We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application Deadline via search@avistaphilanthropy.com – March 8, 2024 17:00MDT

West Island College embraces all forms of identity that include race, ethnicity, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and physical ability. WIC offers an inspirational working environment, supported development and growth opportunities and a comprehensive compensation package.

As a condition of employment, the successful candidate must provide a current Police Information Check and a Vulnerable Sector Check

For more information about West Island College, please visit: https://www.westislandcollege.ab.ca/

Cover letters and resumes should be sent electronically to Jolayne Davidson Gardner at search@avistaphilanthropy.com

Avista Philanthropy is conducting this search on behalf of West Island College

Advancement Officer – West Island College

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