Advancement & Alumni Relations Coordinator

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 asse