At the heart of everything we do is the child. For over 35 years Calgary Academy has been providing an unparalleled environment that embraces students’ unique learning profiles, providing individual pathways to student success! We design engaging, student-centered experiences that nurture a love of learning. Our approach to teaching and learning is supported by our four pillars, beliefs, and the CA Way which empower diverse learners to pursue lives of passion and purpose.
Headwater Learning Foundation (HLF) is the primary fundraising arm and is the organization that safeguards the assets of Calgary Academy. Housing all business services, HLF provides the resources necessary to unleash possibilities in learning and innovation as well as fundraising initiatives.
About the Role:
This versatile position is perfect for someone who has experience in alumni relations and fundraising campaign management and has a passion for building stronger communities. The individual in this role will actively engage in executing alumni programs and events as well as planning, research and coordination for various fundraising activities connected to annual giving. The successful candidate must be a self-starter, great communicator with an outgoing personality, and eager to foster effective relationships with alumni and annual donors.
Highlight of Key Responsibilities:
Alumni Relations:
- Lead and manage all alumni programs and events to support alumni engagement goals.
Lead, develop, plan, and implement all alumni programs and events to ensure a high-quality, meaningful, and alumni-centric experience in support of alumni engagement goals.
Manage major communications with alumni ensuring consistency, fostering community spirit, and upholding school’s REACH Principles.
Oversee, maintain, and promote alumni social media networks and evaluate to increase participation across all platforms.
Grow and maintain alumni relationships to drive collaboration and support for the school community.
Work with all departments and teachers to ensure alumni are stewarded and engaged (examples include but not limited to: scholarships, awards, events, graduations, welcome orientation, fundraisers, etc.).
Alumni Outreach:
- Maintain and build relationships with external stakeholders to drive collaboration and project success.
Provide leadership, guidance and support to alumni volunteers.
Be available to alumni, friends of the school, parents, donors, and officials to discuss any facet of the school.
Assist with transition of students to alumni by educating students about alumni benefits and the benefits of staying connected.
Maintain internal partnerships and programs with all areas of the school that support the overall strategic goals of the alumni.
Identify programs that will support alumni of all ages and demographics.
Annual Giving Campaigns:
- Serve as a main collaborator and organizer for annual giving plans (from alumni and others).
Oversee all annual giving programs including internal campaigns, annually funded student awards, and other programs.
Ensure timely, quality donor stewardship for annual donors.
Work with fund development in the supporting areas of gift processing, data management and donor relations as related to annual giving.
Collaborate with fund development and communications to integrate and coordinate fundraising planning and execution.
Create engaging communication pieces and proposals.
Ensure ongoing familiarity with current trends in fund development.
Event Coordination:
- Develop, implement, and promote an annual program of alumni events, which increases alumni participation and generates goodwill towards the school. Oversee invitation design and all logistics.
Act as an ambassador of the school and alumni at internal and external events.
Collaborate with and provide guidance to all the school for school wide events that involve alumni.
Seek feedback, evaluate, and make recommendations on improving participation and satisfaction in all events.
Ensure that all financial transactions have been completed and are within allotted budget.
Administration:
- Maintain accurate records in Raiser’s Edge and other applicable records.
Stay closely aware of projects, high-level initiatives, and emerging issues across school community and pro-actively help to adjust school’s approach based on changes in direction, priorities, and resources.
Consistently monitor alumni and fundraising trends to ensure best practices are used.
Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree, or equivalent experience in alumni/community relations.
3+ years of non-profit or private sector fundraising experience.
3+ years of alumni or volunteer engagement experience.
Demonstrated experience of planning and successfully executing events or fundraising campaigns.
Experience with Raiser’s Edge database is an asset.
Outstanding communication skills, both oral and written.
A well-defined sense of diplomacy and people skills with a demonstrated ability to interact effectively with all roles within our organization.
Capacity to adapt to change and work in a fast-paced environment.
Comfortable working with competing deadlines and multiple projects in parallel.
Meticulously organized and task driven.
Ability to perform effectively both independently and on a team.
Ability to work effectively within an integrated advancement team.
Proven ability to foster strong team integration throughout the organization.
Ability to effectively communicate efforts and inspire brand support internally, as well as externally.
Proficiency with relevant Office 365 tools.
Our Assets:
Our culture is defined by REACH and that is visible in everything we do, including continuous efforts to be the employer of choice and to provide the best workplace for all employees. We offer a collaborative work environment and professional learning opportunities, all driven by our strategic plan. We also offer competitive salary, flexible benefits package, wellness allowance, and a RRSP matching program. This position is not tied to the school calendar, and offers four weeks of vacation to start, as well as an additional two and a half weeks paid winter break!
Our Application Process
To apply, please send your application and make sure to include:
- Resume that demonstrates your competencies, skills and experience.
Cover letter that demonstrates how your skills and experience align with Calgary Academy’s philosophy and missions.
After exploring the Headwater Learning and Calgary Academy websites, share what makes you feel particularly connected to the work we do and how you can help us achieve our goals!
Please apply by Nov 19th to be considered for the role, we will continue to accept applications until the role is filled however it is not guaranteed your resume will be reviewed after the apply by date closes. Please ensure to apply through Workforce Now by ADP or Visit the Careers section on our Website.
We wish to thank all candidates in advance for their interest in this role, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
