Rachael E. Coates
South Bend,IN
Summary
Servant leader in social services, driving impactful programs for youth and families. Spearheads initiatives that foster resilience and self-sufficiency while collaborating with community partners to expand outreach and support. Proven track record in developing training programs and enhancing family engagement for improved client well-being.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of LIFT (Leadership Infusion for Families and Teens)
Five Star Life
06.2025 - Current
- Spearheaded development and implementation of lift leadership program for system-involved youth, fostering leadership skills and resilience.
- Partnered with parents and caregivers to enhance family engagement and supportive home environments.
- Oversaw program operations, ensuring effective planning, curriculum development, and daily execution to meet program objectives.
- Recruited, trained, and supported staff and volunteers providing direct services.
- Collected, tracked, and analyzed program data, driving accountability and informed decision-making for continuous program improvement.
- Collaborated with Five Star Life Leadership to expand program reach to additional detention centers across Indiana.
- Created comprehensive project plans detailing timelines, goals, budgets, staffing needs, and requirements.
- Led performance reviews and professional development for team members.
- Developed training programs to improve team skills and knowledge base.
Executive Assistant to Chief Community Officer
City of South Bend, IN
South Bend, USA
04.2022 - 06.2025
- Supports the Chief Officer and his daily schedule.
- Stands in for the Chief Officer at meetings.
- Managed recruitment processes and conducted training for new hires.
- Managed the annual report preparation process to ensure timely submission.
- Managed DFO financial platform for processing purchasing requests, submitting invoices, and planning budgets.
- Organized division operations to align with department head needs.
- Facilitated staff development programs to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Managed surveys, evaluations, and assessments within the division.
- Oversaw the SB Alive Grant project.
- Developed strategic plans for programming, projects, and events supporting youth in the city.
- Connects resources for organizations working with underprivileged populations.
- Build a curriculum for the various programs within the school's Community Initiatives services.
Deputy Clerk, Director of Policy
City of South Bend, IN
South Bend, USA
03.2020 - 04.2022
- Oversaw legal processes, documentation, and policy management of Clerk’s office to ensure compliance and efficiency.
- Managed requests from the City Clerk and Common Council to enhance public service.
- Provided administrative support for City Council, Council Attorney, and Clerk by composing correspondence, preparing reports and presentations, and drafting legal documents.
- Acted as a sworn-in Clerk and covered the City Clerk's duties during absences.
- Drafted press releases for City Clerk and Common Council to communicate important updates and initiatives.
- Ensures the Municode process is up to date.
- Prepares resolutions, commendations, staff reports, and meeting minutes.
Special Projects Coordinator
Salvation Army Kroc Community Center
South Bend, USA
09.2016 - 03.2020
- Prepare and manage project budgets, providing detailed reports to management.
- Collaborate with department managers and senior management regarding the formatting and implementation of projects and events for the facility.
- Serve as primary contact with external community agencies.
- Developed and maintained community relations to enhance support for internal and external mission-related events.
- Designed and provided training for event staff consistent with established standards.
- Creates evaluations and assessments for staff and programming.
- Holds debriefings to ensure employee and program growth is taking place and planning is well implemented.
- Develop and coordinate volunteer training for standards and policies.
- Served as liaison between clients and internal event team, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
- Addressed specific needs of underserved populations through outreach programs.
- Work with the unhoused population and offer employment.
Education
B.S. - Social Work
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN04-2024
A.S. - Psychology of Human Services
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN03-2022
Skills
- Team Leadership & Staff Supervision
- Talent Acquisition, Development & Retention
- Training, Coaching & Mentorship
- Program & Curriculum Development
- Operations & Project Management
- Crisis Management & Conflict Resolution
- Performance Assessment & Evaluation
- Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
- Strategic Planning & Organizational Support
- Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
- Time Management & Process Optimization
- Microsoft Office & Google Workspace
Certification
- Phi Alpha National Honors Society Member, 03/01/24
- YWAM – Discipleship Training School Certification
- CPR Certified
Volunteer Experience
- St. Margarets House serving food to mothers and children
- Transformation Ministries-helping prepare and serve family dinners and assisting at a summer sports camp
- Vacation Bible School
- City of South Bend- Fusion Fest
- Salvation Army- Bell Ringer
- Community Doughnut Unrun Event
- Local high school sporting events
Additional Coursework
Executive Management Certification
Leadership Experience
- 10+ years of progressive administrative and operational leadership experience supporting executive-level decision-making
- Led implementation of PrimeGov technology platform for Common Council operations, modernizing agenda management and live meeting processes
- Directed hiring, onboarding, training, and scheduling for teams of 50+ employees, ensuring operational efficiency and staff accountability
- Organized and led cross-functional teams for large-scale community engagement events and fundraising initiatives
- Developed comprehensive training manuals and divisional curriculum to standardize processes and improve team performance
- Recognized for strong written and verbal communication skills across executive, legal, and public audiences
Timeline
Director of LIFT (Leadership Infusion for Families and Teens)
Five Star Life
06.2025 - Current
Executive Assistant to Chief Community Officer
City of South Bend, IN
04.2022 - 06.2025
Deputy Clerk, Director of Policy
City of South Bend, IN
03.2020 - 04.2022
Special Projects Coordinator
Salvation Army Kroc Community Center
09.2016 - 03.2020
B.S. - Social Work
Indiana Wesleyan University
A.S. - Psychology of Human Services
Indiana Wesleyan University