Development Director & Fundraising Events Leader
Resume:
EXPERIENCE
***********@*****.***
www.linkedin.com/in/lisahoff1/
LISA MARTAIN HOFFER
SUMMARY
Development Director
Pathway to Adventure Council, Scouting America
**/**** – Present, Chicago, IL
• Lead signature fundraising events to secure revenue for Scouting programs and general operations, ensuring organizational missions and sustainability.
• Collaborate with leadership, board & committee members to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising event strategies.
• Provide development leadership and guidance for internal staff and volunteers.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with major donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners, to secure and grow donor contributions.
• Oversee grant writing, donor stewardship events to contribute to raising over $2.5 million to support council initiatives.
Events Manager, External Affairs
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
03/2022 – 12/2024, Chicago, IL
• Headed the design, budgeting, and production of the annual signature galas, achieving $2.3 million in revenue and meeting attendance goals.
• Produced a vibrant annual calendar of in-person events for 24,000+ Museum members, enhancing engagement and loyalty.
• Managed high-profile donor outreach, executive and stewardship events, including the private donor ceremony for the historic renaming of GMSI.
• Developed and executed comprehensive event master plans, overseeing content, logistics, vendor selection, staffing and budget.
• Created and distributed print and digital collateral for donor outreach, event marketing and external communications. Corporate and Foundation Giving Coordinator
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
02/2019 – 03/2022, Chicago, IL
• Revamped the Corporate Annual Fund Membership Program, increasing engagement with 50+ corporate donors at the $10,000 level and above.
• Organized and executed stewardship events and interactive programming for corporate, foundation and government partners.
• Served as the primary liaison for Corporate Annual Fund Members, providing benefits management and strategic guidance.
• Produced donor communications, solicitation literature and print materials to foster long-term donor relationships.
• Innovated virtual programming and social media content for donor engagement during COVID-19 closures, maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders.
Event Specialist
Elmhurst Park District
07/2015 – Present, Elmhurst, IL
• Direct special events, weddings, and meetings annually at historic Wilder Mansion, delivering seamless event experiences.
• Provide exceptional customer service, consultations and pre-event meetings to ensure client satisfaction and expectations are met.
• Oversee the coordination of contractors, vendors, and event staff to ensure smooth event execution and adherence to venue guidelines. Patient Care Manager
South Suburban HIV/AIDS Regional Clinics
03/2011 – 03/2014, Oak Forest, IL
• Managed patient care for approximately 300 at-risk clients, ensuring the effective delivery of healthcare services and improving clinic efficiency.
• Directed the logistical, staffing and administrative needs of a mobile healthcare clinic, ensuring smooth operations and client satisfaction.
• Increased community partnerships and awareness by 65% through special events, outreach campaigns and strategic programming.
• Led the rebranding of the clinic's marketing materials and website, modernizing its design and improving accessibility. Special Event and Meeting Planning
Professional with a proven history of producing
engaging, high-impact events across diverse
industries. Expert in creative content
development and logistical management.
Skilled in building and reinforcing brand image
through audience outreach initiatives and
delivering exceptional special event
experiences. Strong background in stakeholder
stewardship and engagement. Committed to
fulfilling the unique needs of non-profit, civic
and cultural institutions.
KEY STRENGTHS
Strategic Planning and Project Management
Special Event Design & Production • Vendor
Selection & Contract Negotiation • Audience
Engagement • Donor Outreach • Sponsor
Stewardship • Public Programming • Event
Marketing & Communications • Staff &
Volunteer Supervision • Budget Management
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Adobe Acrobat & Pro Instrumentl
Asana Blackbaud CRM
Cvent SharePoint
Social Tables Raiser’s Edge NXT
Microsoft Suite PowerPoint
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES
Public Relations & Advertising
DePaul University
Fundamentals of Fundraising
Association of Fundraising Professionals
EDUCATION
Barat College of DePaul University
Lake Forest, Illinois
Dance Major, French Minor
Institute for American Universities
Aix-en-Provence, France
French Honors Program
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