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

It’s the Place to Empower & Be Empowered. 

The Alumni & Volunteer Engagement Coordinator is a community builder who drives programs that foster lifelong, meaningful connections among Calgary Academy alumni, current families, and past families. This position occupies an integral role within the Advancement team, coordinating high-impact engagement, mobilizing volunteer talent, and maintaining accurate constituent data to cultivate school pride and build philanthropic support for the Calgary Academy Society and Headwater Learning Foundation.

Reporting to the Director of Admissions, 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 PROGRAM EXECUTION & RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

• Deliver the rolling Annual and 3-Year Alumni Relations Plan to engage past graduates and families, cultivate pride in current students, and strengthen connections to the Calgary Academy community.
• Serve as a primary liaison for alumni and past families, building strong relationships and acting as an ambassador for the school at internal and external events.
• Engage internal staff, teachers, and leadership to increase alumni participation in events and programs that mutually benefit alumni and the school.
• Collaborate with the Advancement team on alumni newsletters and social media content, highlighting alumni achievements, key stories, and upcoming events.
• Discover current student and school stories that resonate with alumni, creating opportunities to bridge past graduates with current school life.
• Lead proactive outreach efforts to reconnect with disengaged alumni and welcome them back into the active community.
• Promote alumni events and programs across a variety of channels, ensuring all messaging aligns with REACH Principles to drive participation and strengthen alumni engagement.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM COORDINATION

• Coordinates day-to-day volunteer activities as the central contact for parents, alumni, and family volunteers.
• Facilitates volunteer recruitment, intake processes, policy alignment, and compliance tracking, including Vulnerable Sector Checks.
• Manages volunteer schedules and matches volunteers to departmental needs across school events, classroom activities, and advancement initiatives.

DATA ADMINISTRATION & PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT

• Updates and maintains accurate contact, career, and involvement records for alumni and volunteers in the CRM system.
• Runs regular queries and reports to support engagement tracking, event attendance, and annual giving initiatives like the Grade 12 Legacy Award.
• Tracks event expenses, processes invoices, and maintains records in alignment with standard operating procedures and ethical fundraising standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Business Administration, Communications, Non-Profit Management, or a related field (or comparable experience).
• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in alumni relations, volunteer management, or community engagement, preferably within an educational setting.
• Proven track record in managing volunteer lifecycles (recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and stewardship) and executing event logistics.
• Direct experience using CRM software for record maintenance and reporting (experience with DonorPerfect preferred).
• Microsoft Office 365 proficiency, with strong Excel skills for data tracking and list management.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Checks, must be provided within thirty (30) days of signing the employment contract, with suitability determined at the discretion of the Employer as outlined in the Terms of Employment.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE

• Demonstrated digital fluency and the ability to collaborate effectively in cloud-based environments using Microsoft 365 tools such as Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
• Ability to model self-emotional regulation skills effectively, supporting personal well-being and fostering a positive work environment.
• Commitment to lifelong learning and critical thinking, actively seeking opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills with the ability to inspire brand support both internally and externally.
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy and the ability to interact effectively with stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Highly organized, task-driven, and comfortable managing competing deadlines and multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to work independently while fostering strong team integration within a collaborative advancement/philanthropy department.

OUR ASSETS

 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 your well-being and financial security. We prioritize you and your family by offering extended health and drug coverage inclusive of Dental coverage, access to an Employee & Family Assistance Program, income protection with Long Term Disability in case of unforeseen circumstances, and a Wellness Benefit designed to nurture your physical and mental health and an RRSP matching program to secure your financial future.

Vacation time starting at 4 weeks plus, winter break which is about 2 weeks. To promote work-life balance, we offer a Personal Day, 10 Sick Days/Family Caregiving Days to use as required, and Top-Up Programs for Maternity and Paternity leaves, granting you the flexibility and support necessary for personal well-being and caring 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 the Calgary Academy Community.

DETAILS

This position’s starting annual salary is $62,000 to $68,000 and will be determined depending on a candidate’s experience and competencies. 

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 could be required. 

ALIGNING VALUES

Please apply online through the Calgary Academy Careers Page [https://calgaryacademy.com/careers/current-opportunities/] (via ADP) and include in your application package the following information:

• A resume that demonstrates your skills and experience. 

• In place of a traditional cover letter, please include a video (maximum 3 minutes) as part of your application. Share an accessible link to your video within your application package. In your video, please respond to the following prompt:

• What specifically drew you to apply for this opportunity with Calgary Academy and the Headwater Learning Foundation? What about our mission resonates with you?

Please submit your application without delay to be considered for this role. We will begin reviewing applications right away and the posting will remain open until the position is filled.

We wish to thank all candidates for their interest in Calgary Academy and the Headwater Learning Foundation, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyârhe Nakoda Nations, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6, and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.