ELIZABETH SAUER HOPKINS
Fallston,MD
Summary
Experienced advancement professional specializing in donor relations and fundraising strategy for over a decade. Contributed to significant campaigns, such as a $90 million legacy campaign, while enhancing donor engagement. Proficient in developing donor pipelines and implementing stewardship initiatives that support organizational goals.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Planned Giving
MCDONOGH SCHOOL
Owings Mills, Maryland
07.2021 - Current
- Lead strategic efforts to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors for planned and legacy gifts.
- Partner with annual fund and major gift colleagues to develop a comprehensive donor pipeline strategy that advances donors through the giving continuum.
- Create and implement marketing and stewardship initiatives that increase awareness of planned giving opportunities and engagement with the Living Legacy Society.
- Establish annual goals, metrics, and budget priorities aligned with institutional fundraising objectives.
- Collaborate across advancement functions to maximize donor engagement, retention, and long-term philanthropic support.
- Contributed to the successful completion of McDonogh’s $90 million Legacy Campaign through strategic donor engagement and solicitation efforts
Philanthropy Officer
MCDONOGH SCHOOL
Owings Mills, Maryland
07.2020 - 07.2021
- Managed a portfolio of donors and prospects through all stages of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Partnered with annual giving staff to analyze donor trends, identify upgrade opportunities, and strengthen donor participation.
- Utilized fundraising data and constituent insights to inform strategy and support institutional fundraising goals.
Director of Alumni Engagement
MCDONOGH SCHOOL
Owings Mills, Maryland
03.2018 - 07.2020
- Directed alumni engagement strategy designed to strengthen constituent relationships and increase philanthropic participation.
- Planned and executed engagement programs, events, volunteer initiatives, and communication strategies for alumni audiences.
- Managed alumni operations, including budget oversight, data integrity, and constituent communications.
- Relaunched McDonogh Connect, expanding opportunities for alumni networking and engagement.
- Collaborated with advancement colleagues to align engagement initiatives with annual giving and campaign priorities.
Executive Director
NO MORE STOLEN CHILDHOODS
Cockeysville, Maryland
09.2015 - 12.2017
- Directed operations, strategic planning, fundraising, and board relations for nonprofit focused on child abuse prevention, enhancing organizational effectiveness.
- Led fundraising initiatives and donor cultivation efforts, increasing support for organizational growth and sustainability.
- Managed budgets and financial planning, aligning operational priorities with strategic goals.
- Developed partnerships with community stakeholders, volunteers, and supporters to expand organizational reach and impact.
Education
Juris Doctor -
University of Maryland School of Law
Baltimore, MD01-2011
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Washington And Lee University
Lexington, Virginia05-2006
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology/Anthropology
Washington And Lee University
Lexington, Virginia05-2006
High School Diploma -
McDonogh School
Owings Mills, MD06-2002
Skills
- Planned giving and legacy strategy
- Fundraising and marketing initiatives
- Donor cultivation and relationships
- Alumni engagement
- Event planning and execution
Leadership And Volunteer Service
- President, Eagle Swim Team Booster Association, 2024 - Present
- Member, Eagle Swim Team Governance Board, 2020 - 2025
- Board Member, Fallston Girls Lacrosse Board, 2021 - Present
Timeline
Director of Planned Giving
MCDONOGH SCHOOL
07.2021 - Current
Philanthropy Officer
MCDONOGH SCHOOL
07.2020 - 07.2021
Director of Alumni Engagement
MCDONOGH SCHOOL
03.2018 - 07.2020
Executive Director
NO MORE STOLEN CHILDHOODS
09.2015 - 12.2017
Juris Doctor -
University of Maryland School of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Washington And Lee University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology/Anthropology
Washington And Lee University
High School Diploma -
McDonogh School