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
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services (ED) will lead the finance and corporate service areas of Calgary Academy Society, Headwater Learning Foundation (HLF), and Headwater Learning Solutions Foundation (HLS), including finance, facilities, transportation, insurance, and food services. This role is also responsible for facilitating the successful planning, financing, and execution of modernization and capital projects. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, this role assists in the provision of overall corporate leadership and strategic direction.
The ED will exemplify the REACH principles that guide behaviour across the Calgary Academy and Headwater Learning Foundation and Headwater Learning Foundation Solutions. The REACH principles are Respect, Enthusiasm, Altruism, Commitment, and Honesty.
Personal Qualities and Attributes
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Fostering Effective Relationships- A leader builds positive working relationships with members of the school community and local community.
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Modeling Commitment to Professional Learning- A leader engages in career-long professional learning and ongoing critical reflection to identify opportunities for learning and improving leadership.
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Embodying Visionary Leadership- A leader collaborates within the organization to create and implement a shared vision for employee success, engagement, learning and well-being.
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Leading a Community of Learners- A leader nurtures and sustains a culture that supports evidence-informed practice and learning.
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Supporting the Application of Foundational Knowledge about First Nations, Métis and Inuit – A leader supports the organization in acquiring and applying foundational knowledge about First Nations, Métis and Inuit.
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Develop Leadership Capacity- A leader provides opportunities for members of the organization to develop leadership capacity and to support others in fulfilling their roles.
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Managing Operations and Resources – A leader effectively directs operations and manages resources.
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Understanding and Responding to the Larger Societal Context – A leader understands and appropriately responds to the political, social, economic, legal and cultural contexts impacting the organization.
Preferred Skills/Knowledge/Experience
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7-10 years of experience in accounting and finance leadership capacity.
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CPA or Accounting Designation, CFA or financial designation.
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Experience overseeing multiple departments and overseeing a diverse team.
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Experience working with a Board including an understanding of Board governance and procedures.
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Knowledge of the Education Act, Independent Schools Regulation and experience working for an independent school, school board or municipality would be considered an asset.
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Well-developed organizational, planning, and leadership abilities.
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Self-motivated, receptive, and adaptable to changing demands and priorities in the workplace.
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Ability to work consistently in a setting that has a high-volume workload and short timelines.
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Innovative, creative, and collaborative, with an internal drive to complete projects.
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Strong analytical skills and ability to prepare financial reports and forecasts.
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Ability to deal with sensitive and confidential issues in a tactful manner.
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Empathy, excellent listener, and capacity to disarm difficult situations.
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Capacity to build strong and lasting relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
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Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
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Demonstrated commitment to the advancement of education for all students.
Supervisory Responsibilities
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The Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services will provide direct supervision to positions including Comptroller, Executive Chef, Facilities Manager, and Transportation Coordinator.
Working Conditions
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This role may allow for remote work flexibility, which adheres to the Working Remotely Procedure.
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General hours for this role are 7.5 hours, with flexible start times, and are to be worked between 7:30am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday.
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This role receives a 30-minute unpaid lunch break mid-day.
Why Choose CA?
At Calgary Academy, we are passionate about creating a thriving educational environment for our students. However, we recognize that the true heart of success lies in our dedicated employees who choose to pursue their careers with Calgary Academy. In return, our commitment is to be an Employer of Choice, valuing the holistic needs of our employees as individuals.
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, a Wellness Benefit designed to nurture your physical and mental health and an RRSP matching program to secure your financial future.
This position is provided with vacation time, at six weeks, complemented by an additional two and a half weeks of paid winter break. 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 Medical Leaves, 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.
To Apply:
PLEASE APPLY DIRECTLY VIA ODGERS via - https://en-careers.odgers.com/en-ca/job/30423/
Calgary Academy has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted to Odgers online, NOT DIRECTLY APPLY VIA THE CALGARY ACADEMY WEBSITE.
We thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for further development will be contacted by Odgers.
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.
