Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
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Rachel Darnes

Rachel Darnes

Waldorf,MD

Summary

With over 10 years of experience supporting senior executives and managing large, multi-state teams in high-growth, high-regulation environments, this resourceful and solutions-driven professional excels in aligning field operations with organizational strategy, developing talent, and streamlining communication across departments. Recognized for exceptional leadership in crisis response, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement. Known as a trusted advisor for discretion, agility, and relentless focus on execution.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Sales Director | Executive Support & Team Operations Lead

Cultural Care Au Pair
10.2017 - Current
  • Directed operations and executive support for a nationwide team of 50+ consultants across 10+ states, driving consistency, compliance, and performance.
  • Partnered with senior executives to coordinate strategic initiatives, business communications, and executive briefings across internal departments and external stakeholders.
  • Spearheaded virtual and in-person meetings, training sessions, and cross-functional planning efforts to ensure operational alignment and team engagement.
  • Led performance development and training for field consultants, fostering high standards in service delivery and compliance.
  • Interpreted and implemented federal and state policy changes during COVID-19, ensuring program continuity and regulatory compliance.
  • Managed crisis communications, conflict resolution, and high-level escalations with professionalism and discretion.
  • Led a high-performing sales team through effective coaching, mentoring, and performance management strategies.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction with a focus on fostering long-term relationships, consistently addressing client needs, and providing exceptional service.

Program Director

Cultural Care Au Pair
10.2012 - 10.2016
  • Managed regional operations supporting 675+ host families, ensuring full compliance with Department of State regulations.
  • Hired, trained, and supervised a team of up to 60 consultants across multiple territories, providing onboarding, development, and performance support.
  • Handled monthly payroll, program-related refunds, and expense reports with precision and timeliness.
  • Served as primary liaison for high-touch customer interactions, resolving complex issues and ensuring satisfaction.
  • Planned and executed regional engagement events to strengthen consultant culture and family retention.
  • Recruited and trained staff and volunteers to upgrade collective team skills.
  • Mentored team members for professional development, resulting in increased productivity and job satisfaction.
  • Collaborated with various teams to uncover issues, identify applicable solutions, and offer guidance.
  • Collaborated closely with executive leadership to develop strategic plans for long-term growth.

Production Coordinator

Geographic Services LLC
01.2008 - 01.2010
  • Managed workflow and communication for all incoming and outgoing projects.
  • Maintained secure systems for government-furnished information; supported new hire onboarding and travel logistics.
  • Oversaw internal filing and organizational systems to ensure efficiency.
  • Provided hands-on support during peak production periods, assisting teams in meeting tight deadlines.
  • Coordinated with production team to support productivity targets and deadline management.
  • Streamlined workflow processes, enhancing overall team performance and output quality.
  • Managed daily operations, maintaining a safe and organized workspace.

Administrative Assistant

Jefferson Wells
01.2004 - 01.2008
  • Supported the Managing Director and sales team with calendar management, event coordination, travel planning, and vendor engagement.
  • Processed expense reports and managed company records, purchase orders, and office equipment logistics.
  • Anticipated executive needs, managed offsite events, and maintained administrative operations with professionalism and attention to detail.
  • Answered multi-line phone system, routing calls, delivering messages to staff and greeting visitors.
  • Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information by adhering to strict privacy policies and implementing secure filing systems.
  • Assisted with human resources tasks such as updating employee files or submitting time-off requests per company policy guidelines.
  • Assisted in onboarding new employees, providing training materials, and coordinating orientation schedules to ensure a smooth integration into the team.
  • Optimized calendar management for executives by scheduling appointments strategically while considering priorities and minimizing conflicts.
  • Organized office events such as holiday parties or team-building activities, promoting a positive company culture and boosting employee morale.

Skills

  • Executive Operations & Support
  • Regional Team Leadership (50 Consultants)
  • Stakeholder Communication & Engagement
  • Project & Program Management
  • Regulatory Compliance (US Dept of State)
  • Strategic Event & Travel Planning
  • Cross-Functional Alignment
  • Talent Development & Training
  • Conflict Resolution & Crisis Management
  • Salesforce Office 365 Google Workspace SharePoint

Timeline

Sales Director | Executive Support & Team Operations Lead

Cultural Care Au Pair
10.2017 - Current

Program Director

Cultural Care Au Pair
10.2012 - 10.2016

Production Coordinator

Geographic Services LLC
01.2008 - 01.2010

Administrative Assistant

Jefferson Wells
01.2004 - 01.2008

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Rachel Darnes