Prior to joining Max Bell Foundation in 1998, Allan was a member of the academic staff at the University of Illinois and the University of Calgary, and was a member of the research staff at Canada West Foundation. He has served as an advisor and on the boards of a number of non-profit organizations. He has served as a member of the boards of directors of Imagine Canada, Philanthropic Foundations Canada, and The Pemsel Case Foundation. He serves on the Editorial Advisory Board for The Philanthropist.