Opportunities

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

West Island College

https://www.westislandcollege.ab.ca/

To receive the full confidential profile or to learn more about this opportunity, please contact Jolayne Davidson Gardner, Founder, Avista Philanthropy at 403-601-9029 or via email at search@avistaphilanthropy.com.

The time is now – the place is WIC

Innovative. Entrepreneurial. Accomplished.

Located on the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains in one of North America’s most entrepreneurial cities, West Island College (WIC) prepares students to be bold, brave and ready. Our school community is inspired to act with integrity, think expansively and make decisions with heart, grounded in place, purpose and possibility. Our Director of Advancement will embrace the same tenets.

Place: a top-ranked Grades 7-12 independent school in one of the most liveable cities in the world, Calgary, Alberta

Purpose: help young people through transformative educational experiences to not just be prepared for the future, but to be the future

Possibility: meet opportunities with enthusiasm, guided by innovative thinking and strategy, to realize all that can be made possible through philanthropy at WIC

Own Your Future at WIC

Building on the exceptional work of your predecessor, you will enthusiastically embrace opportunities, grow the reach of the College and realize its potential through philanthropy. WIC is ready for the next chapter in its story: supported by extraordinary families, recognized for game-changing alumni and ranked as one of the best independent schools in Canada.

As the strategic and operational leader of Advancement, the Director will have a proven track record, spanning seven or more years of devising, achieving and exceeding fundraising goals, both annual and capital, in a results-oriented environment.

The Director will work with the Head of School & CEO, the Board of Directors/Advancement Committee and Strategic Oversight Team, while leading the Advancement team to elevate and celebrate the role of donors and philanthropy at WIC.

With an ability to listen, lead and ask, the ideal candidate will have extensive experience as a “get it done” fundraiser who also understands the engagement needs of alumni and their families.

The Director of Advancement must love independent schools, what they offer and understand why they are so important in our society.

The Director of Advancement, reporting to the Head of School & CEO, will:

Lead

The Advancement team by building on current momentum and new opportunities
By example, the ways in which Advancement, and philanthropy, can be part of everyday experiences at WIC
Campaigns working with dedicated volunteers to cultivate, solicit and steward the College’s transformational donors
With an optimistic and entrepreneurial mindset; embracing all that can be made possible through philanthropy

Implement

A comprehensive Advancement plan that builds on the recent campaign’s momentum
An elevated practice of donor stewardship and appreciation, reinforcing a gracious culture
A bold and thoughtful approach to donor engagement, working closely with the Head of School to inspire and steward those who invest in the future of WIC

Counsel

The Advancement Officer in support of alumni engagement and annual plan implementation
The Strategic Oversight Team and Head of School on ways to best realize the forthcoming opportunities, leaving a legacy of growth

Evaluate

The perspective of parents as donors to ensure that they can see the impact and importance of their giving
The metrics that reflect the commitment to expanding the reach of our Advancement work

Celebrate

Achievements, both large and small, in a way that reflect the gratitude we have for all our donors
The WIC community, especially students as they are why you do what you do and where your best stories come from

What We Are Looking For

An innovative, forward-thinking, accomplished fund development leader with more than 7 years of progressive and impressive achievements, reflecting integrity, creativity, confidence, loyalty, impact, and optimism
Extensive fundraising experience, preferably in an independent school environment, in developing and sustaining strong relationships, with parents, grandparents, alumni and volunteers
Keen awareness of what parents, donors, alumni and volunteers expect from an Advancement program
Exceptional interpersonal skills and proven ability to develop and maintain complex multi-level relationships with individual donors, volunteers, committees, peers and support staff
Excellent written, oral and presentation skills and proven organizational abilities
Familiarity with and experience in the productive application of systems, data and software for the support of fund development and alumni programs. Products include Microsoft Office, Raiser’s Edge, Canadahelps, Graduway and various social media platforms
Aptitude for adoption of new technology and platforms to increase efficiency
Bachelor’s degree or higher education level in a relevant area
Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation preferred but not required
Willingness to work select evenings and attend school events 1-2 evenings/month (on average)

What We Offer

A permanent full-time, onsite Advancement leadership role
A dynamic, supportive and innovative work environment
Compensation ranging from $150,000 - $175,000 depending on experience and skill alignment
A benefits package including health and wellness spending accounts and RRSP matching program
Six weeks of vacation
Access to professional development opportunities including membership in AFP and internal training opportunities

Job Description

In addition to the above, the following outlines the key responsibilities and core competencies expected of the Director of Advancement.
Reporting to the Head of School & CEO, the Director of Advancement will:
Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for all fundraising and alumni relations efforts
Continually grow and nourish connections as the College grows its capacity
Further integrate the role of philanthropy into the school community
Develop additional relationships with a focus on current and past parents and grandparents
Achieve expanding annual and capital fundraising goals
Engage current and past major donors in collaboration with the Head of School
Serve as a trusted advisor to the Head of School on fundraising strategy and constituent engagement
Manage and mentor a staff team
Represent the Advancement Office on the Strategic Oversight Team
Be the staff liaison to the Advancement Committee of the Board of Directors

Major Responsibilities: Director of Advancement

Fundraising

Grow the appreciation and role of philanthropy through the exceptional engagement of the College’s most important relationships: with alumni, donors, students, faculty, staff, parents and grandparents
Focus attention and efforts on engaging new and current parents and grandparents as part of the WIC community of giving
Deliver annual and capital campaign goals through collaboration with the Head of School & CEO and an involved group of senior volunteers and advisors recognizing both monetary and participatory success
Further implement an Advancement motto (#WICGIVES) that highlights the many and varied ways that WIC gives and receives community support
Oversee the development and implementation of the annual fund campaign
Oversee special events that elevate donors’/alumni sights as to how they can be an active and engaged part of the WIC community
Lead the implementation of personally meaningful, consistent and transparent donor recognition programs ensuring recognition is relevant while also serving the needs of the College
Collaborate with the Head of School & CEO on fundraising strategies, grounded in the mission and vision of WIC, to create the most meaningful engagement opportunities for WIC’s top donors

Budget & Planning

Build on and implement a comprehensive Advancement plan reflecting near-term and long-term deliverables
Project anticipated revenues and expenses for the Advancement department
Develop and manage the Advancement program budget
Develop a three-year budget projection
Review progress monthly with both the Head of School & CEO and Head of Finance & Campus Operations
Regularly review and optimize strategies and adjust as necessary

Leadership

Represent the Advancement office as a member of the Strategic Oversight Team ensuring common understanding of advancement objectives
Oversee the implementation of the team’s collective plans (annual campaign, alumni engagement, special events)
Lead the Advancement Team in the implementation of plans
Devise and conduct annual performance evaluations with team members as well as regular feedback and development conversations
Provide leadership, support and opportunities for professional development to the team that encourages them to excel in their roles
Provide mentorship and skill development to team members

Alumni Engagement

Ensure that alumni engagement plans are developed, implemented and evaluated
Continue to integrate Alumni Relations with Advancement to reflect the continued and increasing importance of alumni, including parents and grandparents, as a community and as charitable supporters

Board Liaison

Provide activity and financial reporting for the Advancement Committee and Board of Directors
Through the Head of School & CEO, support the work of the Board and Board committees
Be the staff liaison to the Advancement Committee, supporting their strategic activities and providing opportunities for deeper engagement in the Advancement work of WIC
Engage the Advancement Committee in the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors, as appropriate

Communications

Work closely with the Director of Enrollment and Communications to ensure that College Advancement messages are not only on brand but elevate the brand
Oversee the Advancement communications calendar that reflects the ways donor, student, and alumni stories are incorporated into both general and specific College marketing, promotional, and reporting materials
Ensure that, in collaboration with the Director of Enrollment and Communications, all fundraising and alumni engagement messages of WIC are coordinated, strategic and serve to enhance the College’s development objectives
Guide the development and refinement of case material as the capital and student experience enhancement needs of WIC grow and evolve

WIC Ambassador

Represent WIC with knowledge and integrity when speaking to students, parents, grandparents, volunteers, alumni, donors and the public
Assist the Head of School & CEO with other activities as required
Represent WIC at donor, alumni and community events

Experience & Core Competencies

A minimum of 7 years of fundraising and alumni relations experience
Proven track record of success at the Director level in the non-profit sector
Strong preference for Advancement experience at an independent school or in a post-secondary environment
Keenly aware of what parents, donors, alumni and volunteers expect from an Advancement program
Exceptional interpersonal skills and proven ability to develop and maintain complex multi-level relationships with corporate partners, individual donors, volunteers, committees, peers and support staff
Ability to effectively articulate the mission, vision and values of WIC to a wide range of audiences: from a boardroom full of senior executives to a classroom full of students and parents
Willingness to work select evenings and attend school events 1-2 evenings/month (on average)
Excellent written, oral and presentation skills and proven organizational abilities

Knowledge, Training & Technical Skills

Industry Knowledge

Be knowledgeable regarding Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Service Alberta regulations and guidelines regarding fundraising in Canada and specifically, Alberta
Ensure that all WIC fund development activities, for both staff and volunteer participants, are fully compliant with both the AFP Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
Stay abreast of news, activities and trends in the non-profit sector and within the independent schools’ sub-sector
Utilize the Canadian Accredited Independent School (CAIS) network for resources, information and best practices on fund development and alumni engagement
Understand the nuances of independent schools and how their fundraising and alumni relations needs and protocols are different than other sub-sectors

Training and Technical Skills

Bachelor’s degree or higher education level in a relevant area
Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is preferred
Ability to be a member in good standing of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
Familiarity with and experience in the productive application of systems, data and software for the support of fund development and alumni programs. Products include Microsoft Office, Raiser’s Edge, Canadahelps, Graduway and various social media platforms
Aptitude for adoption of new technology and platforms to increase efficiency

Key Relationships

WIC is place of opportunity for students, staff, faculty, parents, grandparents, volunteers and alumni.

The Director of Advancement

Reports to: Head of School & CEO

Leads: The Advancement Team: Advancement Officer and Advancement Assistant

Internal contacts with: Head of School & CEO, Admissions, Business/Finance and IT staff, School Life Coordinator, the Strategic Oversight Team and other Staff/Faculty

External contacts with: Advancement Committee, Board of Directors, Alumni Committee, Parent Guild, alumni, current/past parents and grandparents, donors, sponsors and friends of WIC

About the College

Founded in Calgary in 1982, West Island College (WIC) is a bilingual, independent day school for students in grades 7 through 12. WIC has a student population of nearly 700 students and boasts outstanding facilities, extraordinary staff and a central location. As a leading independent junior and senior high school in Calgary, WIC’s programs combine academic excellence with real-world, experiential learning to help students thrive in school, in life, and beyond graduation.

At WIC, incredible opportunities happen every day in an environment where learning is tailored to each individual student; where relationships are nurtured through effective teamwork and collaboration; and where students are immersed in a community of enthusiastic learners. WIC emphasizes respect, responsibility and citizenship. We believe that inspiring our students to pursue excellence in academics, leadership, athletics and global awareness prepares them for success in the future.

Our Vision

Our students are curious, creative, innovative - able to impact the world.

Our Mission

Empowering each student to thrive, contribute, and live a healthy, purposeful life.

Our Values

Our values guide our genuine relationships with students, parents, alumni and with each other. We strive to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment that prepares each student to lead a purposeful life and be active and responsible citizens of the world.

Empathy: We are curious and possess a desire to know and understand other people’s needs and feelings.

Respect: We care about ourselves, others, and the world in which we live.
Integrity: We are reliable, trustworthy, and responsible.
Courage: We try new things and we step out of our comfort zone; we stand up for what we believe in.
Honesty: We are true to ourselves; we are truthful and sincere.

Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Ready.
Own Your Future.

How To Apply

We thank all candidates for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application Deadline via search@avistaphilanthropy.com – February 27, 2026 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.

For more information about West Island College, please visit: