Summary

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.

Description

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 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 ideal candidate will enthusiastically embrace opportunities, grow the reach of the College and realize its potential through philanthropy.

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

  • 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 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

 

How To Apply

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.

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

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

Please submit your cover letter and resume electronically to Jolayne Davidson Gardner at search@avistaphilanthropy.com.