Development Director

Friends of Copper Island Academy, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, seeks an engaging Development Director to lead and grow its fundraising efforts. This is a hybrid remote position based in Calumet, Michigan that offers the flexibility of working both onsite and remotely for someone within reasonable driving distance of Calumet.

Copper Island Academy (CIA) is growing something special in the Keweenaw: a tuition‑free public charter school that blends strong academics, hands‑on learning, community connection, and a Finnish‑inspired approach to education. The Development Director will turn community enthusiasm into meaningful support for students, staff, and the future of the school.

This is a relationship‑building, story‑sharing, momentum‑making role. You connect with donors, families, alumni, businesses, foundations, and community partners to grow financial support for Copper Island Academy’s mission. You help people understand what makes CIA different—and invite them to be part of it.

• $120,000 or more annual compensation potential combining base wage plus a performance‑based bonus.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 3% employer match.
• This position has an operating budget for travel, donor cultivation, CRM software, technology needs, and professional development. The role is hybrid, combining onsite and remote work, with the expectation that the Director will spend a majority of their time attending donor meetings, events, and engagement opportunities across the region.
• Initial 2‑year engagement with opportunity to become a permanent position for the right person.

• Lead and strengthen CIA’s fundraising strategy, enhancing current efforts while identifying new opportunities for growth and long‑term sustainability.
• Manage and grow a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors and prospects.
• Develop cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and management strategies that deepen engagement and increase giving.
• Partner closely with the Board to identify opportunities and strengthen donor relationships.
• Create compelling donor communications, proposals, impact reports, stewardship materials, and appeals by collaborating across the organization to tell CIA’s story in a donor‑centered way.
• Plan, support, and represent CIA at donor meetings, fundraising events, networking opportunities, and other donor engagement activities.
• Help establish fundraising systems, processes, and tracking tools that support long‑term success.
• Oversee donor pipeline activity ensuring accurate gift processing, acknowledgment, and reporting.

• Genuinely believes in CIA’s mission and can communicate that belief in a way that inspires support. May be a former educator, community connector, local business professional, nonprofit volunteer, or longtime CIA supporter ready to turn passion into impact.
• Builds trust easily with donors, parents, alumni, business leaders, foundations, volunteers, and community partners.
• Tells a compelling story in writing, in conversation, and in front of a room.
• Connects CIA’s mission to the values, interests, and priorities of donors.
• Asks for support with confidence, clarity, and good judgment.
• Follows through, stays organized, and manages donor relationships with care and discretion.
• Is comfortable helping build a development program from the ground up; experience with grant writing is a bonus.
• Is familiar with the Keweenaw Peninsula, or the broader Copper Country region, and brings fundraising, community leadership, sales, education, nonprofit, business development, or other relationship‑based experience.
• Is confident working independently with a high level of autonomy, while also collaborating effectively with board members.
• Experience with donor CRM software (eTapestry, Blackbaud, or similar) or comparable relationship‑management tools is helpful.
• Has a positive, can‑do mindset and the flexibility to adapt in a growing organization.
• Licensed and bonded as a fundraiser, or willing to become licensed and bonded .
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel is required.
• The successful candidate must be able to pass a background check and drug screening.