Special Event Director

Lisa Martain Hoffer 331-***-**** * ***********@*****.*** * linkedin.com/in/lisahoff1

Special Events and Meetings Producer

• Dynamic Special Events and Meetings professional serving diverse industries.

• Expert in creative content development, logistics planning and budget management.

• Proven producer of small to large scale special events, meetings, festivals, fundraisers and promotions.

• Leader in creating audience outreach initiatives that effectively reinforce and build brand image.

• Dedicated to fulfilling the unique needs and challenges of non-profit and cultural organizations. PROFESSSIONAL EXPERIENCE

GRIFFIN MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY – Interactive Science Museum 3/2022 – Present, Chicago, Illinois Events Manager – External Affairs

• Manage the donor engagement and fundraising aspects for Development, Membership and VIP stewardship and special events.

• Responsible for overall design, theme and production plans to meet attendance and $2.2 million in revenue goals for 2 MSI annual galas.

• Deliver an annual calendar of curated, in person, onsite special events for 15,000+ MSI Members.

• Create and execute event master plans including content, logistics, budgeting, vendor selection and staffing.

• Produce graphic design and fundraising collateral needed for donor outreach, external communications and event marketing. Corporate and Foundation Giving Coordinator 2/2019 to 3/2022, Chicago, Illinois

• Manage the implementation and administration of C-level Corporate Annual Fund Membership Program.

• Develop and execute Corporate, Foundation and Government Giving stewardship events and programming.

• Author and produce donor communications, solicitation literature, e-newsletters and print materials.

• Primary liaison for Corporate Annual Fund Members by providing benefits management and guidance.

• Produce curated virtual programming and social media content for prospective and current donors. ELMHURST PARK DISTRICT - Recreational & Community Service Agency 7/2015 – Present, Elmhurst, Illinois Event Coordinator

• Direct and manage over forty special events, weddings, and private meetings annually.

• Provide exceptional customer service, problem solving, and hospitality management.

• Guide clients through event planning logistics to ensure a positive event experience.

• Manage onsite contractors, vendors, and event staff to ensure venue and client expectations are met. SOUTH SUBURBAN HIV/AIDS REGIONAL CLINICS - Non-Profit HIV Treatment Program 3/2011 to 3/2014, Oak Forest, Illinois Patient Care Coordinator

• Strengthened community partnerships and increased organizational awareness through special events & outreach campaigns.

• Evaluated and addressed patient care issues for approximately three hundred diagnosed & at-risk clients.

• Determine programmatic changes and construct action plans to improve client services and clinic efficiency.

• Directed the organizational, logistical, staffing, and administrative needs for a staff of twenty-five.

• Designed & produced marketing materials and maintained website updates. CHICAGO READER- Weekly Alternative Arts, Culture & Investigative Journalism Publication 10/1997 to 9/2006 Chicago, Illinois Special Events & Promotions Manager

• Produced public relations special events for audiences of 1 to 135,000 including festivals, sponsorships, product launches and meetings.

• Created promotional advertising, literature and sampling items for mass distribution and mailings.

• Managed a marketing committee of ten internal staff members: supervised hired event staff & volunteers.

• Governed charitable giving program; set submission guidelines, reviewed applications, submitted recommendations to board and distributed awards.

EDUCATION

BARAT COLLEGE – Lake Forest, Illinois ASSOCIATION OF FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS – Chicago, Illinois Liberal Arts major, Dance minor Certificate: Fundamentals of Fundraising INSTITUTE FOR AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES DEPAUL UNIVERSITY – Chicago, Illinois Aix-en-Provence, France Certificate: Public Relations & Advertising French Honor Program

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