About Us
At the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre (the DI), we are dedicated to serving our community with kindness. Our mission – to work with community to end homelessness, one person at a time – goes beyond providing immediate support; we strive to create an environment where individuals can regain their confidence and rebuild their lives.
We are more than an emergency shelter.
Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels welcomed, respected, and valued. What sets us apart is our holistic approach to support. We offer not only safe and comfortable accommodation and meals but also access to essential resources such as health and recovery services, and housing supports.
All of our programs, including emergency shelter, are low-barrier, trauma-informed, housing-focused, and recovery-oriented, aimed at supporting Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens. And our doors are always open.
Department: Community Engagement Job Category: Salary
Reports To: Director, Fund Development & Community Engagement Position Type: Full-time
Direct Reports: N/A Schedule: Weekdays
Indirect Reports: N/A Location: Main Building
Position Summary
The Community Engagement Specialist builds and strengthens relationships that advance the DI’s mission through community engagement and resource development. This role leads the growth of corporate and leadership-level giving while fostering meaningful partnerships and community outreach.
The Specialist leads and coordinates community and corporate engagement opportunities (such as Calgary Corporate Challenge), ensuring experiences that inspire ongoing support and deepen community connection. The role also contributes to corporate funding, grant management, and events as needed. Working collaboratively within the Strategy, Impact & Engagement pillar, the Specialist manages multiple priorities with a high degree of independence, professionalism, and relationship focus. In partnership with the Fund Development team, this role is accountable for achieving annual corporate engagement, fund and resource development targets, while continuously evaluating impact and opportunities for growth.
Time Commitment
This is a full-time position comprised of normal business weekday hours; however there will be requirements to be available and flexible from time to time outside normal business hours as the need arises. Schedule may be altered at the discretion of management.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Actively identify, develop and coordinate opportunities that enhance community presence and strengthen DI’s network of support.
- Manage and grow a pipeline of leadership-level donors ($1,000–$9,999), with a focus on retention, upgrade, and long-term engagement.
- Identify and pursue new opportunities for revenue generation, gift-in-kind support, and community activation through corporate and community partnerships.
- Meet or exceed corporate engagement and revenue targets, aligned with departmental, pillar, and organizational priorities.
- Ensure accurate tracking and management of donor, corporate, and volunteer information within fund development and volunteer databases.
- Contribute to the planning and execution of third-party events.
- Support grant coordination as required, to ensure alignment with funding expectations and organizational priorities.
- Provide exceptional stewardship and customer service to donors, partners, and community groups, fostering trust-based and mutually beneficial relationships.
- Engage internal and external stakeholders to optimize partnerships and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
- Operate with a high degree of independence, initiative, and adaptability, effectively managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Contribute to a strong culture of philanthropy across DI, promoting shared accountability for relationship-building and community impact.
Required Competencies and Qualifications
- Post-secondary education in a related field (e.g., Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business, or Social Sciences) or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in fund development, community engagement, or partnership development, preferably within a complex nonprofit environment.
- Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check – dated within the last 6 months. Copy required.
- Demonstrated success in building, stewarding, and growing donor, corporate, and community relationships, with a focus on revenue generation and engagement outcomes.
- Experience managing donor pipelines and advancing individuals and organizations along the engagement and giving continuum.
- Proven ability to identify and act on opportunities for resource development, including corporate giving, sponsorship, and gift-in-kind contributions.
- Excellent relationship management, interpersonal, and customer service skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders professionally and authentically.
- Highly self-directed, proactive, and results-oriented, with strong organizational and time management skills to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Effective communicator with strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to represent the organization externally.
- Collaborative team player with the ability to work across departments and contribute to a culture of philanthropy and community engagement.
- Detail-oriented with experience maintaining accurate records and working with donor and volunteer databases/CRM systems.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and comfortable learning and adopting new systems, tools, and best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate outcomes and adapt approaches to improve effectiveness and impact.
- A genuine commitment to the mission, vision, values, and work of the agency.
Working Conditions
The individuals we serve are experiencing homelessness or precarious housing and may also be facing substance use disorders and/or mental or physical health challenges. Many have a history of significant trauma.These experiences can influence their interactions with both staff and one another. By recognizing these behaviors as responses to past experiences, we are able to engage with our guests in a manner that is empathetic and respectful.
This role may involve high-stress situations that require resilience, compassion, and composure. At the DI we are deeply committed to the well-being of our staff, implementing policies and providing resources that support both physical and psychological safety, as well as mental health. We address the immediate challenges faced by our team to provide the highest level of support as well as the cumulative impacts of this vital work. By prioritizing staff well-being, we empower our team to provide the highest level of support to those in need, fostering a culture of care and understanding throughout our organization.
While the work is demanding and requires a strong commitment, those who are drawn to this field often find it to be one of the most impactful and rewarding careers they can pursue. It’s about making a difference – one person at a time.
Although the DI is a smoke-free work environment, there may be occasional exposure to secondhand smoke from designated smoking areas nearby.
Why the DI?
The DI aims to be an "Employer of Choice" and affords each employee an opportunity to help make a real difference in our community, and more importantly in the lives of those who rely on our services. We take great care in hiring the right people who fit, and who share our outlook on the value of people. We believe in living our values in every work we speak and in every action we take, and we want people who share this commitment.
Our Culture
Our values form the cornerstone of our culture:
RESPECT: Our actions honour the rights, differences, and dignity of others
COMMUNITY: Through collaborative partnerships, we work together as a team, building inclusive communities
KINDNESS: We accept each person’s uniqueness with compassion and empathy
WELLNESS: We promote, provide and support holistic wellbeing
ACCOUNTABILITY: We operate with transparency and integrity in both our relationships and our commitments.
What we Offer
Staff at the DI enjoy competitive compensation packages, including employer-paid benefits depending on role and employment type.
Some of the employer-paid group benefits include:
- Vacation days
- Sick days
- Wellness days
- Extended Health & Dental coverage
- Employer Matching RRSP Program
- Homewood EFAP
- Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
- On-Site Parking
Employees will be enrolled in Long-Term Disability and Critical Illness insurance, paid for by the employee. This is mandatory and may not be opted out of.
Benefits are based on employment type and usually available on the 1st of the month following your start date. If you are successful in obtaining employment with the DI, People & Culture will discuss your eligibility for benefits with you.
Vulnerable Sector Check
A satisfactory vulnerable sector clearance is require prior to resumption at the DI.
The DI is an equal employment opportunity employer. We are committed to and support equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.
If you are an applicant in need of accommodations or special assistance throughout the interview process, please submit a request by email to
[email protected].
